Senior Data Test Engineer

DWP Digital; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital agency is seeking a Senior Data Test Engineer to define testing strategies and lead engineering teams. The role involves setting up test infrastructure, collaborating with various teams, and championing continuous improvement in testing practices. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, expertise in non-functional testing, and knowledge of Agile principles. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working model, and excellent benefits, including generous leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Competitive pay up to £78,205

28.97% employer pension contributions

Generous leave package

Flexible working hours

Time off volunteering

Discounts and savings on shopping

Interest-free loans for public transport

Sports and social activities

Professional development and mentoring

Award-winning environment and culture

Qualifications

• Ability to analyse complex requirements and identify gaps and risks.
• Experience in designing and executing non-functional tests and coaching others.
• Knowledge of Agile and Lean principles applied to optimise delivery.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead test engineering strategy, embedding best practices.
• Select tools for test infrastructure and monitor performance.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate testing into agile delivery cycles.
• Mentor team members and run community discussions on testing trends.
• Manage professional development and recruitment in testing standards.

Skills

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving

Non‑Functional Testing Expertise

Agile & Lean Delivery

Job description

Senior Data Test Engineer – DWP Digital

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. This will be discussed further if you're successful.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead test engineering strategy across teams, embedding best practices and continuous improvement.
• Set up test infrastructure, select the right tools, and monitor performance to reduce technical debt.
• Collaborate with software development, product, and analytics teams to integrate testing into agile delivery cycles.
• Run reviews, mentor team members, and lead community discussions on testing trends and tools.
• Manage professional development, recruitment, and shape testing standards.

Qualifications

• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving – analyse complex requirements, identify gaps and risks, synthesize conflicting information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Non‑Functional Testing Expertise – design and execute a wide range of non‑functional tests; communicate results; coach others; prioritize defects.
• Agile & Lean Delivery – apply Agile and Lean principles to optimise delivery, support experimentation, and ensure MVP standards.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model – work from home and spend time in hubs.
• Competitive pay up to £78,205.
• 28.97 % employer pension contributions.
• Generous leave package: starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time, plus up to 3 extra days off a month on flex‑time.
• Flexible working hours and flex‑friendly policies.
• Time off volunteering and charitable giving.
• Personalised brand initiatives – ‘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.
• Sports and social activities.
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
• Award‑winning environment and culture – recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year, 2025 Best Place to Work in Digital, and other accolades.

This position is part of DWP's Digital with Purpose programme, contributing to the largest government department's digital modernisation projects and supporting millions of people every day.

Disability Confident Your application will be considered fairly, and any disabled person with the necessary qualifications will receive an interview, unless high‑volume, seasonal, or high‑peak recruitment restrictions apply.