Lead Test Engineer

Kainos; Hurley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos is seeking a Lead Test Engineer (Consultant) in the UK to provide strong test leadership within a multi-skilled agile team, delivering high-quality software for public, defence or health sectors. You will design test strategies, coach engineers, and collaborate with customers, sharing knowledge and mentoring colleagues.

This fast-paced role emphasizes learning new technologies, evaluating testing approaches, and selecting tools to ensure robust quality across releases.

Qualifications

• Experience ensuring testing layers have adequate coverage per testing principles.
• Design, create and maintain tests across all layers including non-functional coverage.
• Experience with open-source test automation tools (Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, Cucumber, Cypress) and configuring CI tools (Jenkins/TeamCity).
• Knowledge of at least one OO language (e.g., Java).
• Strong technical awareness and understanding of software architectures.
• Experience in managing others, setting objectives, giving feedback and leading performance reviews.
• Keen to expand knowledge of latest QA tools, tech and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead test strategy, design and delivery for automated, manual and non-functional testing.
• Coach and develop a small team, focusing on performance management and career progression.
• Provide direction, leadership and mentorship within an agile, customer-facing environment.
• Interact with customers to share knowledge and translate requirements into test plans.

Skills

Test leadership

Test design & maintenance

CI/CD

Java programming

Software architecture

People management

QA tooling

Tools

Selenium

JUnit

TestNG

Cucumber

Cypress

Jenkins

TeamCity

Job description

responsibility for the strategy, design and development of automated, manual, and non-functional tests, you'll help the team to deliver working application software that meets user needs and is of sufficient quality for promotion to users. It's a fast-paced environment so it is important for you to make sound, reasoned decisions. You'll do this whilst learning about new technologies and approaches, with talented colleagues who will help you learn, develop and grow. You'll manage, coach and develop a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development. You'll also provide direction and leadership for your team as you solve challenging problems together. As a technical leader in the team, you will also interact with customers, share knowledge and mentor those around you.

MINIMUM (ESSENTIAL) REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience of ensuring testing layers have adequate coverage in line with software testing principles and practices.
• Expertise in designing, creating and maintaining tests scripts and test approaches, including manual and automated testing across all layers of an application including non-functional test coverage.
• Experience using Test Automation open-source technologies (e.g. one of the following Selenium, JUnit,TestNG, Cucumber, Cypress), and configuring tools for testing such as Jenkins and/or TeamCity, within a continuous integration environment.
• Practical knowledge of at least one object-oriented programming language (e.g. Java).
• A high level of technical awareness and a sound understanding of software architectures.
• We are passionate about developing people - experience in managing others, setting objectives, giving feedback and leading performance reviews.
• Passionate technologist, keen to expand knowledge of latest QA tools, tech 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.
• Experience within defence, health or public sectors.

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 friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.

Join Kainos and Shape the Future At Kainos, we're problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we're transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together. We believe in a people-first culture , where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you'll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration. Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE BUSINESS:

As a Lead Test Engineer (Consultant) in Kainos, you'll be a technical leader and innovator in software testing, providing strong test leadership and direction within a multi-skilled agile team, within the public, defence or healthcare sector. Taking