Senior Data Test Engineer

DWP Digital; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK government digital department is looking for a Senior Data Test Engineer to own their testing strategy for data transformation. In this role, you will lead test engineering for the migration of core analytics platforms and ensure quality and performance across the digital services used by millions. The position offers competitive pay up to £78,205, flexible working hours, and a generous benefits package, including a civil service pension and ample holidays. Join a diverse and inclusive team driving significant digital modernization.

Benefits

Flexible working including flexible hours

Time off volunteering and charitable giving

Discounts and savings on shopping

Professional development opportunities

Interest-free loans for commuting

Qualifications

• Proven ability to analyze complex requirements and communicate effectively.
• Extensive hands-on experience in designing and executing non-functional tests.
• Experience applying Agile and Lean delivery principles.

Responsibilities

• Own the testing strategy for DWP's data transformation.
• Lead test engineering for migrating the core analytics platform.
• Champion continuous improvement and mentor team members.

Skills

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving

Non-Functional Testing Expertise

Agile & Lean Delivery

Job description

Pay up to £78,205, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance.

Own the testing strategy for DWP's data transformation. You'll lead test engineering for the migration of our core analytics platform, and define strategy, mentoring engineers to integrate testing into agile delivery, playing a key role in ensuring quality and performance in one of the UK's largest digital modernisation programmes.

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

We are looking for a Senior Data Test Engineer to join our community of tech experts in DWP Digital.

We're using fresh ideas and leading-edge tech to build and maintain digital solutions that will be used by nearly every person in the UK, every day and at key moments in their lives.

DWP is the UK's largest government department. We help people into work, and make payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people.

The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving - You can analyse complex requirements to identify gaps and risks, think creatively, and ask probing questions to critically evaluate findings. You lead investigations to synthesise conflicting information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Non-Functional Testing Expertise - You have extensive hands‑on experience in designing and executing a wide range of non‑functional tests. You communicate results effectively to technical and non‑technical stakeholders, make informed decisions on testing approaches and priorities, and coach others while raising and prioritising defects based on severity.
• Agile & Lean Delivery - You apply Agile and Lean principles to optimise delivery and testing processes, encourage experimentation and adaptability, support teams in visualising outcomes and prioritising work, and ensure delivery meets agreed MVP standards.

You and your role

We're looking for a Senior Data Test Engineer to join our Data Enablement team, an integral part of DWP's digital modernisation programme. This team owns data‑enabling products and is driving transformation to deliver managed data through new, innovative solutions. You'll work on the Strategic Modern Analytical Tooling programme, helping migrate and modernise our core analytical platform from SAS 9.4 to SAS Viya.

In this role, you'll define the overall testing strategy, lead test engineering teams, and oversee all testing activities. You'll ensure best practices are embedded, drive improvements, and share knowledge across teams. You'll also set up test infrastructure, select the right tools, and monitor performance to reduce technical debt. Collaboration is key, you'll work closely with other teams in the software development lifecycle to align goals and integrate testing into agile delivery.

Beyond delivery, you'll champion continuous improvement by running reviews, mentoring team members, and leading community discussions on the latest trends and tools. You'll support professional development, contribute to recruitment, and help shape standards for testing practices. Regular travel to other digital hubs will be required, and this will be discussed further if you're successful.

Details. Wages. Perks.

Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.

Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.

Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to £78,205.

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £X per year.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time.

You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi‑time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.

We have a broad benefits package built around your work‑life balance which includes:

• Flexible working including flexible hours and flex‑friendly policies
• Time off volunteering and charitable giving
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest‑free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
• Sports and social activities
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

And we have an award‑winning environment and culture:

• DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
• Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards.
• Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
• Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Digital Awards

Process:

We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:

1. Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
2. Interview: a single stage interview online.

CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.