QA Lead & Test Automation Architect

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

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.