Junior Test Automation Engineer

Hastings Direct; Bexhill-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital insurance provider in Bexhill-on-Sea is looking for a Junior Test Automation Engineer to join their CIO team. This role involves supporting the definition and execution of test scenarios, collaborating within Scrum teams, and ensuring quality delivery of software. Ideal candidates are recent graduates or those with minimal experience willing to learn. The company offers a flexible working approach and various benefits, promoting a supportive culture for growth and development.

Benefits

Attractive salary based on experience

Flexible working arrangements

Annual performance bonus

Healthcare cash plan

Mental health support

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to private healthcare

Qualifications

• Recently graduated or have a little experience but eager to learn and progress.

Responsibilities

• Support definition, implementation, and maintenance of test scenarios.
• Collaborate in Scrum teams across multiple disciplines.
• Participate in sprint ceremonies to improve team performance.

Skills

Interest in learning and progressing

Tools

Java

JavaScript

Typescript

C#

Python

GitHub

SQL

Selenium

Postman

AzureDevOps

Jenkins

Job description

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. Over the past few years, we've made significant investments in our data and tech capabilities, particularly within our CIO function. Our CIO team is at the forefront of driving innovation and ensuring our technology infrastructure supports our ambitious goals. We’ve nurtured our 4Cs culture, fostering collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. The CIO team plays a crucial role in this journey, working on cutting‑edge projects that enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.

We provide insurance to nearly four million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure, we would love to hear from you. Our CIO team is always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference and contribute to our success.

Job Details

• As a Junior Test Automation Engineer, you will be part of the Technology Engineering team within CIO, supporting the definition, implementation, execution, maintenance and traceability of adequate test scenarios to ensure timely, high quality, defect free delivery of outcomes to the production environment
• Working as an individual collaborator in your Scrum Teams alongside colleagues that cross multiple disciplines
• Active participation in sprint ceremonies, such as sharing updates and blockers in daily standups, estimating and committing in sprint planning or helping your teams improve KPIs by providing input in sprint retrospectives
• Ensuring work items meet the Definition of Ready, to only build work items from a common understanding
• Ensuring work items meet the Definition of Done before being marked as complete
• Actively understand, review and challenge requirements (or lack of) when things look wrong, to ensure the team jointly achieves the best outcomes

Skills we would love you to have

• This is a junior role, so if you have recently graduated or have little experience but are keen to learn and progress, we would love to hear from you

Tools & Technologies

• Coding skills in one or more of Java, JavaScript, Typescript, C#, Python.
• Understanding of source control using GitHub to collaborate with others and share code.
• Ability to manipulate, create and search for data across databases using SQL.

Desirable

• Awareness or use of user interface automation with Selenium & Selenium Grid, Playwright or Cypress.
• Understanding of APIs and experience with tools such as Postman to interact with / test the APIs.
• Understanding of continuous integration platforms such as AzureDevOps, Jenkins or equivalent, to run automated tests and / or deploy changes to test environments.

Unfortunately we are unable to progress with candidates that require sponsorship at this time.

What we offer

Reward

Salary – Attractive salary based on experience (pay reviews also completed each year).

Flexible Working

We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Competitive Bonus Scheme

All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Physical Wellbeing

We like to help our colleagues take a proactive approach in keeping themselves well, that’s why we fund our colleagues to be able to claim against everyday health care through our healthcare cash plan.

Financial Wellbeing

As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.

Mental Wellbeing Programme

At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot not be scheduled, that’s why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs.

There’s more!

25 days annual leave +bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to private healthcare, dental plans, discounted health assessments, cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more. Most of our benefits and wellbeing resources are available to colleagues from their first day whilst some optional benefits, which involve committing to a 12‑month payment schedule, are available as soon as you have completed your probationary period.

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve.

We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. We treat customers like we want to be treated - fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

Job posting end date: 09/02/2026