Systems Test Engineer

NHS Blood and Transplant; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Inclusive pension scheme

Supportive learning culture

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking a dedicated Software Test Engineer to help deliver IT-enabled services in an Agile SDLC. You will write and execute manual and automated tests using TestRail and Selenium, contribute to test strategies, and ensure quality across NHSBT projects.

You will work at Filton/Bristol, with occasional travel across the NHSBT network and flexible hours. The role offers learning opportunities and a chance to impact patient care positively.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a related subject is required.
• A postgraduate diploma in software testing or equivalent experience is required.
• Good knowledge of software testing standards such as BS7925-1 and BS7925-2.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe and effective delivery of IT-enabled services through thorough software and hardware testing and administrative support.
• Develop and improve testing processes and provide expertise in software testing strategy and methodology across NHSBT.
• Ensure testing processes with Systems Development and Integration adhere to recognised good practice standards (including GMP, GAMP and GDP) and provide assurance that the quality of testing is appropriate to meet the needs of NHSBT.
• Write and maintain software test scripts, test cases and test logs/reports to a high degree of accuracy.
• Carry out software testing and produce test results/coverage reports. Log and manage any defects found in testing and communicate outcomes to systems developers, users and other stakeholders.
• Analyse test scripts and determine the testing data required for them to be used effectively. Prepare this testing data based on knowledge of the system being tested and the underlying business process that it supports.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of the BTS Software Development Life Cycle, relevant external guidelines and standards and identify where these can be improved or better used in NHSBT.

Skills

Software testing

Black box testing

White box testing

Test management

Agile/Lean testing

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Degree level qualification in a related subject

Postgraduate diploma in software testing

Tools

TestRail

Selenium

Job description

You will be joining NHSBT at a particularly exciting time as we are embarking on a journey of change, enhancing our current IT service provision. We have now transitioned into an Agile SDLC. Safe and effective delivery of IT-enabled services through thorough software and hardware testing is key to its success.

You will be responsible for testing IT applications based on the latest technologies in an Agile SDLC. You will write and execute tests using tools like TestRail and Selenium. Testing is both manual and automated and you will bring in your experience of having done this before. You will also get the opportunity to learn and use different tools on platforms like Udemy, QA.com which we provide.

The position is based in Filton, Bristol which is a lively place to work and live. You must be able to work flexible hours on occasion and travel across the NHSBT network may be occasionally required which may include overnight stays.

This is a challenging but extremely rewarding post which offers a unique opportunity to make your mark. You would be truly making a contribution to improving and saving peoples lives. NHSBT is an inspirational place to work with the end result of the services providing job satisfaction that is second to none. What can be better than saving or improving a life?

Main duties of the job

• You will ensure the safe and effective delivery of IT-enabled services through thorough software and hardware testing and administrative support.
• You will develop and improve effective testing processes and provide expertise in the field of software testing strategy and methodology across NHSBT.
• You will ensure that testing processes with Systems Development and Integration department adhere to recognised good practice standards (including GMP, GAMP and GDP) and provide assurance that the quality of testing is appropriate to meet the needs of NHSBT. This includes cascading information about procedures and challenging poor practice when observed.
• You will write and maintain software test scripts, test cases and test logs/reports to a high degree of accuracy.
• You will carry out software testing and produce test results/coverage reports. Log and manage any defects found in testing and communicate outcomes to systems developers, users and other stakeholders.
• You will analyse test scripts and determine the testing data required for them to be used effectively. Prepare this testing data based on knowledge of the system being testing and the underlying business process that it supports.
• You will develop and maintain an understanding of the BTS Software Development Life Cycle, relevant external guidelines and standards and identify where these can be improved or better used in NHSBT.

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.

By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Job responsibilities

What we offer:

• Hybrid working arrangements – because NHSBT works nationally, we’re able to offer hybrid working options that give you more flexibility to balance work with life.
• Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
• Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
• Supportive learning culture - we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
• Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.

You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website:

• Read about our application process
• Learn more about our culture at NHSBT

This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work, or you are already employed by the NHS and would transfer to the pay point above the base of Band 6.

Next steps

This vacancy will close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 10 November, however this vacancy may close sooner than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of application.

The assessment process for this role will include a technical test which will be sent following a longlist, followed by an Interview. Interviews are anticipated to be held between Monday 7 December and Wednesday 9 December 2026, subject to confirmation.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in a related subject or equivalent experience
• Postgraduate diploma in software testing or equivalent experience
• Good knowledge of software testing standards such as BS7925-1 and BS7925-2.

Experience

• Direct experience in the role of system test engineer or equivalent.
• Experience of writing effective test scripts, creating test data, managing defects, and identifying root causes.
• Expert knowledge in black box and white box testing.
• Good knowledge of test management, estimation, monitoring and control.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and its application in the NHSBT environment e.g. GMP.
• Knowledge of software testing in an Agile/Lean software development environment
• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Significant experience of using Microsoft Office.