Lead Test Engineer

Government Recruitment Service; Belfast; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A government service provider in Belfast is seeking a Lead Test Engineer to shape the quality strategy for Digital Payment Services. The role involves driving continuous improvement, mentoring QA engineers, and ensuring high standards across digital products. Candidates should have a strong background in quality assurance and test automation, with the ability to collaborate effectively and inspire teams. This is a crucial role in one of the UK's most significant digital transformations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in quality assurance and leading QA teams.
• Strong knowledge of test frameworks and automation tools.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior QA engineers.

Responsibilities

• Define and enhance the quality strategy for Digital Payment Services.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing practices at scale.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure high standards are met.

Skills

Quality assurance strategy

Test automation

Continuous improvement

Mentoring

Defect management

Collaboration

Regulatory requirements knowledge

Job description

Join us in shaping the future of welfare in the UK

DWP is delivering the biggest transformation of the welfare system in 60 years. We’re putting 22 million customers at the heart of everything we do, using modern digital tools and approaches to create simpler, faster and more accessible services that deliver real value for money.

We are the UK’s largest payer, making around £280 billion in payments every year, a third of all BACS traffic. Our mission is clear: deliver money on time, in the right way, so people can live their lives.

Within DWP Digital Payment Services (DPS), we’re modernising and transforming our digital products and services. As we integrate industry‑leading solutions, we need a Lead Test Engineer to define and drive our quality strategy. You’ll champion shift‑left practices, embedding quality from the start, and work closely with delivery, product and platform teams, suppliers and stakeholders to ensure excellence across the lifecycle.

This is your chance to play a key role in one of the UK’s most significant digital transformations and make an impact that matters.

Please note: As part of the role, you may be required to travel regularly to the other digital hubs. The frequency of this will be discussed further should you be successful.

• Lead the way in shaping the test and quality assurance strategy for Digital Payment Services (DPS), driving continuous improvement at scale.
• Embed quality from the start, ensuring every solution whether built in‑house or integrated from industry‑leading providers meets the highest standards.
• Set the bar for excellence by refining test frameworks, tools and automation pipelines to deliver faster without compromising quality.
• Champion a culture of quality, inspiring teams to adopt best practices and embrace continuous improvement.
• Guide and mentor talented QA engineers across manual and automation disciplines, helping them grow and succeed.
• Be the expert voice on QA and regulatory requirements, influencing key forums and strategic decisions.
• Own the metrics that matter, tracking and reporting on quality performance to demonstrate impact.
• Collaborate across the board, working with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration and full test coverage throughout the lifecycle.
• Lead defect management, driving best practice from identification to resolution.
• Stay ahead of the curve, bringing fresh ideas and emerging technologies into our QA approach.