Lead Test Engineer

Civil Service World; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Government Digital and Data is seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineer to oversee testing across data-focused products in a complex digital landscape. You will guide testing strategy, promote best practices, and ensure high-quality data solutions across cloud and on-prem environments.

The role includes leading testing in agile and hybrid delivery, collaborating with Product Managers, Architects and Engineering teams to drive testing decisions and provide expert assurance for the 2030 Data

Qualifications

• Lead criterion: Significant experience of leading testing activities across multiple teams and cloud-native tech in a data domain.
• Experience driving testing best practices, standards, and audit adherence across teams.
• Expert skills with Python and automating API checks, message queues systems and data platforms.
• Experience implementing automated data and API testing strategies using cloud CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to test engineers in agile multidisciplinary teams across Data and Analytics and DWP Digital.
• Lead design and delivery of data solutions across data movement, storage, curation and insight.
• Ensure testing coverage includes usability, security, stability, performance, and functionality.
• Promote CI/CD, deployment practices and emerging technologies in Test Engineering.
• Identify skills gaps and support recruitment and career development within the team.

Skills

Leading testing activities

Cloud CI/CD

API testing

Python

Automation

Data testing

Stakeholder engagement

Test strategy

Tools

SAS

Oracle

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

GitLab CI/CD

AWS

Azure

Kubernetes

Power BI

Job description

Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

We are looking for an experienced Lead Test Engineer who is confident working on data-focused products/services in a complex digital environment, where they’ll be supporting major initiatives across Data and Analytics and wider supporting DWP to deliver it’s 2030 Data Strategy.

This position will involve collaborating with colleagues andstakeholders across the Data and Analytics directorate and wider DWP Digital to support the delivery of solutions, creating options and recommendations and provide expert advice, oversight and assurance to drive testing decisions.

This is an exciting time to join us. You’ll shape the future and support our mission to deliver exceptional Data products and services that work for everyone.

This role ensures a high standard of test engineering across all Data and Analytics solutions, both current and future, leading testing strategy, best practices and test automation.

Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. For further information, please see 'Selection process details'.

• As Lead Test Engineer you will provide overall leadership and support to the test engineers working in agile multidisciplinary teams across the directorate to deliver our current and future Data and Analytics solutions.
• Lead the design and delivery of data solutions across data movement, storage, curation and insight, ensuring they support wider service needs and outcomes.
• Support the delivery and continuous improvement of services across multiple cloud platforms and legacy on premises environments, working with a broad range of technologies including Java, Node.js, React.js, SAS, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, GitLab CI/CD, AWS, Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Kubernetes, Azure Service Bus and Power BI.
• Provide expert test engineering leadership, using appropriate principles, tools and delivery methodologies to influence strategic decisions and shape the direction of our services in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with and influence key stakeholders and technical decision makers (Product Managers, Architects, Delivery Managers, Engineering teams, etc.) to define strategic vision for products and services.
• Identify risks and develop plans for mitigation and contingency.
• Ensure that usability, accessibility, security, stability, performance, and functional testing are embedded in the development of our services, in a consistent and standardised way.
• Collaborate with other teams in the Software Development Lifecycle to define strategic goals.
• Lead and adapt Agile and Waterfall delivery approaches, using appropriate methodologies and tools to drive successful delivery and achieve service outcomes.
• Promote engagement with continuous integration, delivery and deployment practices following standards and tooling methodologies.
• Promote technical evolution by identifying, testing and adopting emerging technologies.
• Promote the latest trends, tools, and best practices within Test Engineering.
• Identify skills gaps within the team and support recruiting talent into the organisation.
• Develop the Test Engineering capability by helping and supporting others to shape career paths.
• Contribute to recruitment activities in the practice, working with other Leads and the Head of Role to advise on recruitment strategy and lead at various stages of the assessment process.

Person specification

When giving details in your CV you should highlight your experience in line with essential criteria below:

• Lead criterion - Significant experience of leading testing activities across multiple teams, setting and refining strategy for both off the shelf products and open-source cloud native technologies in a data domain.
• Significant experience driving testing best practices across embedded tester, setting testing standards (e.g. test data management, coverage targets, test environment definition and management, coding standards, reporting) and auditing adherence.
• Expert skills and experience managing testing engineering good practices around python and automating API checks, message queues systems and data platforms.
• Experience of implementing automated data and API testing strategies that prioritise quality early using cloud CI/CD pipelines and appropriate techniques, tools and strategies.

Government Digital and Data is a community of experts leading digital transformation in government, creating more efficient services that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Theprofession has technical specialists of all levels and backgrounds. They share a commitment to put users first and deliver world-leading government products and services.

Job roles within the profession range from trainee to Senior Civil Servants who lead on the very future of government itself.

Working in Government Digital and Data

Building the government of tomorrow

The UK government is recognised as a global leader in digital transformation. Government Digital and Data experts design, build and manage essential services that impact millions of peoples lives daily.

With an unprecedented number of digital transformation projects underway, the potential to help solve complex problems and shape our society’s future is enormous.

Examples of Government Digital and Data roles:

• User Researcher
• Content Designer
• Software Developer
• Delivery Manager
• Business Analyst
• Product Manager
• Technical Architect

As a Government Digital and Data specialist you will be working at the cutting edge of how people interact, and are empowered by government.

You’ll work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams on a range of projects and services that focus on user needs and deliver real value to society. You’ll be part of a cross-government profession with clearly defined career paths, support and learning and development.