Lead Test Engineer

Kainos; Belfast; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos is looking for a Lead Test Engineer (Consultant) in Belfast who will serve as a technical leader in software testing. The successful candidate will manage and develop a team, ensuring the quality of application software through effective testing strategies and methodologies. Candidates should have experience with automation tools and a passion for technology.

This role emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Candidates with a robust technical background, especially in Java, are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in ensuring adequate testing coverage based on principles.
• Expertise in designing and maintaining test scripts for multiple layers.
• Experience managing a small team and performance reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and development of various types of tests.
• Manage, coach, and develop a small team in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with team to solve challenging problems.

Skills

Automated testing

Manual testing

Test automation technologies (Selenium, JUnit, etc.)

Object-oriented programming (Java)

Performance management and coaching

Stakeholder management

Tools

Jenkins

TeamCity

Job description

Lead Test Engineer (Consultant) – Role Overview

As a Lead Test Engineer (Consultant) in Kainos, you will serve as a technical leader and innovator in software testing, providing strong test leadership and direction within a multi-skilled agile team. You will take responsibility for the strategy, design, and development of automated, manual, and non‑functional tests, helping the team deliver application software that meets user needs and maintains sufficient quality for promotion to users. This fast‑paced environment requires sound, reasoned decisions, continuous learning of new technologies, and collaboration with talented colleagues.

You will manage, coach, and develop a small team, focusing on performance management and career development. You will also provide direction and leadership as the team solves challenging problems and interact with customers, sharing knowledge and mentoring others.

Minimum (Essential) Requirements

• Experience ensuring testing layers have adequate coverage in line with software testing principles and practices.
• Expertise in designing, creating, and maintaining test scripts and approaches, including manual and automated testing across all application layers, including non‑functional test coverage.
• Experience using test automation open‑source technologies (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, Cucumber, Cypress) and configuring testing tools such as Jenkins and/or TeamCity within a continuous integration environment.
• Practical knowledge of at least one object‑oriented programming language (e.g., Java).
• High level of technical awareness and a sound understanding of software architectures.
• Experience managing others, setting objectives, giving feedback, and leading performance reviews.
• Passionate technologist keen to expand knowledge of latest QA tools, technology, and methodologies.

Desirable

• Operating within a Test Lead role (or similar) on a medium‑large‑sized Agile project.
• Demonstrable experience of effective stakeholder management and commercial awareness.

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way. If you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out so our recruitment process can be tailored to your needs.