Software Engineer in Test

MRJ Recruitment Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

MRJ Recruitment Limited is seeking an SDET for a fast-growing SaaS company based in Manchester. This hands-on role focuses on building robust test automation with Playwright, and partnering closely with engineers to push quality upstream in a modern product environment.

You will design and maintain end-to-end tests, contribute to CI pipelines, analyze results, and drive root-cause fixes with the team. The role encourages using AI tools like Claude to accelerate test design, troubleshooting, and

Qualifications

• Developer/engineer background required.
• Proven SDET or software engineering experience with ownership of test automation.
• Strong Playwright experience for end-to-end UI automation.
• Experience using AI tools like Claude to accelerate testing.
• Proactive communicator with a mindset to improve quality.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks and end-to-end test suites using Playwright.
• Partner closely with software engineers through regular pairing to embed quality throughout the SDLC.
• Contribute to improving CI pipelines and test execution reliability (speed, stability, reporting).
• Identify risk areas, define test strategy, and help shape quality standards across the product.
• Use AI tools (Claude) to support test design, automation efficiency, and problem-solving.
• Analyse test results, troubleshoot failures, and drive root-cause fixes with engineering teams.
• Champion best practices in test automation, maintainability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Test automation ownership

Collaboration with engineers

CI/CD familiarity

AI-assisted testing

Tools

Playwright

Claude AI tools

Job description

Join one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in the UK, headquartered in Manchester, as a SDET. This is a hands-on role for someone who loves building robust test automation, partnering closely with engineers, and pushing quality upstream in a modern product environment.

You’ll work with Playwright to create scalable, reliable automated testing, and you’ll be encouraged to use AI tooling (including Claude) to accelerate test creation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. If you thrive in collaborative teams and enjoy pairing with engineers to solve real product problems, this role will suit you

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks and end-to-end test suites using Playwright
• Partner closely with software engineers through regular pairing to embed quality throughout the SDLC
• Contribute to improving CI pipelines and test execution reliability (speed, stability, reporting)
• Identify risk areas, define test strategy, and help shape quality standards across the product
• Use AI tools ("e.g., Claude") to support test design, automation efficiency, and problem-solving
• Analyse test results, troubleshoot failures, and drive root-cause fixes with engineering teams
• Champion best practices in test automation, maintainability, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Must have a developer/engineer background (this is essential for consideration)
• Proven experience as an SDET or in a software engineering role with strong test automation ownership
• Strong hands-on Playwright experience (end-to-end UI automation)
• Comfortable pairing with engineers and working in a highly collaborative environment Experience using AI tools such as Claude (or similar) to improve productivity and quality out
• comes
• Strong understanding of modern engineering practices (CI/CD, code reviews, agile delivery)
• A proactive mindset: you spot issues early, propose solutions, and drive change

If you’re an SDET with a genuine engineering background and strong Playwright experience, and you want to help shape quality in a fast-scaling SaaS environment, we’d love to hear from you.