Lead Test Engineer - DWP - G6

Manchester Digital; Leeds, Birmingham, Lancashire, Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital transformation organization in the UK is looking for a Lead Test Engineer to lead the quality assurance strategy for their Digital Payment Services. This role involves refining test frameworks, mentoring QA teams, and ensuring high standards throughout the project lifecycle. Candidates should have experience in quality frameworks and a passion for continuous improvement. This position is based in an inclusive environment that supports digital innovation and collaboration among teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with quality assurance frameworks and methodologies.
• Ability to mentor junior QA engineers.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the test and quality assurance strategy for Digital Payment Services.
• Refine test frameworks and automation pipelines.
• Champion a culture of quality across teams.

Job description

This role may be located in one of the following locations: Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield. Please find further information on the corporate hub locations here. Please note that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle, this role will be based at Benton Park View from September 2025, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027.

About the job

Job summary

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.

Person specification

See selection process for further details.

If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact [e-mail].

Technical skills

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: