Lead Test Engineer

DWP Digital; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization is seeking a Lead Test Engineer to shape the quality assurance strategy for their Digital Payment Services. In this role, you'll refine test frameworks, embed quality practices from the start, and mentor QA engineers. This position is critical to delivering high-quality digital services that impact millions. You may need to travel to various digital hubs. Join this essential mission to modernize welfare services in the UK and make a significant difference.

Responsibilities

• Lead the way in shaping the test and quality assurance strategy for Digital Payment Services.
• Embed quality from the start in every solution, ensuring high standards.
• Refine test frameworks and automation pipelines for faster delivery without compromising quality.
• Champion a culture of quality and mentor QA engineers.
• Track and report on quality performance metrics.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Location and Travel

This role may be located in one of the following locations: Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield. You may be required to travel regularly to the other digital hubs.

About the job

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.