Senior Test Specialist

Sanderson Government & Defence; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology and services organisation in the UK is seeking a Senior Test Specialist. This role involves ensuring quality and reliability across complex systems, leading testing teams, and executing tests. Candidates must have extensive testing experience and the role is located onsite in Basingstoke, requiring high-level security clearance. Benefits include a DV allowance, generous leave, and flexible contributions.

Benefits

10% DV allowance + SIS Bonus

26 days annual leave

Double-matched pension contributions

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Employee discounts

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience required across testing phases.
• Knowledge of software development and testing lifecycles essential.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to project managers in testing delivery.
• Lead and support the testing team for quality deliverables.
• Design and execute test plans and reports.

Skills

Hands-on experience across all phases of testing: Integration, System, Regression

Strong understanding of Software Development & Testing Lifecycles

Familiarity with delivery methodologies: Agile, V-Model, Waterfall

Experience testing both infrastructure and applications

Ability to create and execute test cases, log defects, and produce test metrics

Proficiency in tools like JIRA and version control systems

Knowledge of Windows Server 2019, Active Directory, SCOM, SCCM, VMware

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

ISTQB Foundation Level or above

Tools

JIRA

Windows Server 2019

Active Directory

SCOM

SCCM

VMware

Job description

Sanderson are excited to be working with a leading technology and services organisation on a major programme delivering secure, innovative solutions.

There are three Senior Test Specialist positions available:

• Two roles require active DV clearance
• One role allows SC clearance initially, with DV clearance sponsored by the client

All roles require eligibility for high-level security clearance and will be fully onsite in Basingstoke.

Role Overview

As a Senior Test Specialist, you will play a key role in ensuring quality and reliability across complex, secure systems. Working within a collaborative delivery programme, you'll analyse requirements, design and execute tests, and contribute to integration and design activities. This is an opportunity to work on high-impact projects in a fast-paced, secure environment. You'll have plenty of opportunities to expand your skillset, step into leadership roles, and make a real impact on the projects and people around you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to the Program and Project Managers to deliver the required testing.
• Lead and/or support a team of testers, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to define testing scope.
• Design and execute test plans, scripts, and reports for applications, infrastructure, and hardware.
• Perform manual and automated testing across functional, non-functional, and end-to-end scenarios.
• Manage test environments, tools, and resources to meet project timelines.
• Track and report progress, risks, and incidents throughout the testing lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing processes and methodologies.
• Mentor and develop team members to strengthen the Test Practice.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience across all phases of testing: Integration, System, Regression.
• Strong understanding of Software Development & Testing Lifecycles.
• Familiarity with delivery methodologies: Agile, V-Model, Waterfall.
• Experience testing both infrastructure and applications.
• Ability to create and execute test cases, log defects, and produce test metrics.
• Proficiency in tools like JIRA and version control systems (e.g., Subversion).
• Knowledge of Windows Server 2019, Active Directory, SCOM, SCCM, VMware.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• ISTQB Foundation Level or above.

Desirable

• Exposure to NXLog, McAfee, SQL, Terminal Server, Juniper Networking, Cisco Viptela, Cisco ISE, KeePass.

Benefits

• 10% DV allowance + SIS Bonus
• 26 days annual leave plus public holidays (3 flexible)
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 10%
• Life assurance
• Companywide incentive plans
• Flexible benefits (extra holidays, travel, dental, critical illness, and more)
• Employee discounts and perks
• Employee assistance programme and virtual GP

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.