Software Development Engineer in Test - DVLA - HEO

Manchester Digital; Swansea; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service agency is seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test to enhance their automation capabilities. The role involves developing test frameworks and collaborating with agile teams to ensure the quality of digital services. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in automation testing and a modern programming language, along with experience in continuous integration practices. A flexible hybrid working model is offered.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 28.97%

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proficient in Automation Testing and modern programming languages.
• Experience in improving QA efficiency through automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test automated frameworks.
• Work in an agile environment with product development teams.
• Ensure good engineering practices within your team.

Skills

Automation Testing

Programming

Agile methodologies

Continuous Integration

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Testing tools

Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test - DVLA - HEO

£35,663 plus Recruitment Retention Allowance of £3,500
Published on 29 October 2025 Deadline 9 November 2025

Location

About the job

Job summary

Do you have experience of automation development and Continuous Integration?

Would you like to work with leading serverless and cloud-based technologies?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), we take testing very seriously and we automate as much as we can. Our Software Development Engineer in Test (SDETs) are building best-in-class test automation software so that we can build products quickly and safely.

We will look to you to build and execute test automation for our brand new or newly transformed services. You will be a critical part of a squad following a behaviour-driven design approach (ATDD) making sure our software is tested and testable and continually driving all aspects of quality improvements.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build upon your skills and experience while helping to build world class digital services that pave the way for future business transformation. If you love to test and code and want to work with cutting edge cloud-first technologies, we encourage you to apply.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Developing and executing test automated frameworks.
• Working in an agile environment with product development teams.
• Ensuring good engineering practices and knowledge sharing within your team.
• Working closely with business analysts and agile delivery managers to prepare and review user stories and tasks.
• Helping ensure that our services are resilient and supported.

For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

Required experience

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• We are looking for experienced developers who are proficient in Automation Testing, able to use modern programming language and to programmatically test any software product and develop automation for it.
• You will have experience of improving QA efficiency through test automation and tools and will proactively look to implement Continuous Testing principles to speed up the feedback cycle for all elements of quality using automation by default.
• You will have a high attention to detail and not be afraid to challenge when required and will enjoy working as part of a team in a fast-paced Agile delivery environment.

Working for the DVLA Digital Team

At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that’ll wash across the nation. Here the work you’re doing has the capacity to change the way 50 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day.

To see how our people are transforming our digital services, head over to our DVLA Digital Services Blog and, to understand more about the great opportunities and benefits of working at DVLA read our Inside DVLA blog.

Additional Information
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. While we welcome applications from those looking to work with us part time, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 35 hours per week.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship
Please take note that DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Security Check Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, candidates will be required to have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK. All applicants for this role must ensure that they meet this minimum residency requirement - if you do not, your application will be withdrawn.

Behaviours

We\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We\'ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

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