Manual Tester with Automation – SC Cleared

Ferns IT Consultancy Ltd; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferns IT Consultancy Ltd is seeking an experienced Manual Tester with Automation for a rolling 6‑month contract based in Milton Keynes (or Bristol). You will design and execute manual tests while also developing automated scripts, working within Agile teams.

Candidates must hold active UK SC clearance and be able to work on-site with hybrid flexibility. The role emphasizes improving automation coverage and supporting CI/CD integration.

Qualifications

• Active UK SC security clearance is mandatory.
• Experience in manual testing with hands-on automation testing in Agile environments.
• Automation testing skills using Selenium, Playwright, Cypress or similar tools.
• On-site work in Milton Keynes or Bristol under a hybrid arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and execute manual test cases from requirements.
• Perform functional, regression, integration, system and end-to-end testing.
• Develop, maintain and execute automated test scripts with Selenium/Playwright/Cypress.
• Identify, document, track and retest defects.

Skills

Manual testing

Automation testing

Selenium

Playwright

Cypress

API testing

Postman

CI/CD

Agile

UK SC Clearance

Tools

Selenium

Playwright

Cypress

Postman

REST Assured

Job description

Manual Tester with Automation - SC Cleared

Contract Duration: 6 Months Rolling Contract (Extension Possible)

Employment Type: Contract

Security Clearance: Active UK SC Clearance Mandatory

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Manual Tester with Automation Testing skills for a rolling 6-month contract opportunity based in Milton Keynes or Bristol.

The ideal candidate will have strong manual testing experience, hands‑on automation testing skills and a proven ability to work within Agile development environments.

Candidates must currently hold active UK SC Security Clearance and be available to work on‑site as required under a hybrid working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and execute manual test cases based on functional and technical requirements.
• Perform functional, regression, integration, system and end‑to‑end testing.
• Develop, maintain and execute automated test scripts using Selenium, Playwright, Cypress or similar tools.
• Identify, document, track and retest software defects.
• Collaborate with developers, business analysts and product owners to ensure software quality.
• Participate in test planning, requirement reviews and test estimation.
• Perform API testing using Postman or REST Assured.
• Support test automation integration within CI/CD pipelines.
• Maintain test documentation, execution reports and defect logs.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation coverage and testing efficiency.