Test Automation Engineer

LA International; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

LA International is recruiting an experienced Test Automation Engineer (SDET) to join a leading Financial Services organisation on a long-term contract. The role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing automated test frameworks from the ground up for Windows Services and WPF desktop applications within a complex enterprise environment.

This hands-on engineering position demands a strong background in C# test automation, and a commitment to improving software quality through robust

Qualifications

• 5+ years of recent, relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in C# test automation for Windows Services and WPF desktop apps.
• Experience building automation frameworks from scratch.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain automated test frameworks from scratch using .NET/C#.
• Design and develop automated test packs for Windows Services and WPF applications.
• Create and execute functional, integration, regression, and end-to-end test suites.
• Collaborate with developers, business analysts, and QA teams to define testing requirements.
• Identify defects, perform root-cause analysis, and support issue resolution.
• Improve testing processes and automation coverage across multiple applications.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and quality assurance best practices.
• Ensure high levels of software quality, reliability, and performance.

Skills

C#/.NET

Windows Services

WPF

Automation Frameworks

CI/CD

Agile teams

SDET

Test Automation

Desktop testing

Performance testing

Job description

Location: Glasgow or Northampton (Hybrid)

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Overview

We are recruiting for an experienced Test Automation Engineer (SDET) to join a leading Financial Services organisation on a long-term contract. This role will focus on designing, developing, and implementing automated test frameworks from the ground up for Windows Services and WPF desktop applications within a complex enterprise environment.

This is a hands-on engineering role suited to candidates with a strong background in C# test automation, who are passionate about improving software quality through robust automated testing and continuous improvement practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain automated test frameworks from scratch using .NET/C#.
• Design and develop automated test packs for Windows Services and WPF desktop applications.
• Create and execute functional, integration, regression, and end-to-end test suites.
• Work closely with developers, business analysts, and QA teams to define testing requirements.
• Identify defects, perform root cause analysis, and support issue resolution.
• Improve testing processes, frameworks, and automation coverage across multiple applications.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and quality assurance best practices.
• Ensure high levels of software quality, reliability, and performance.
• Strong recent commercial experience in Test Automation using C#/.NET.
• Proven experience building automation frameworks and test packs from the ground up.
• Experience testing Windows Services and WPF applications.
• Strong understanding of software testing methodologies and automation best practices.
• Experience creating and maintaining automated regression and integration test suites.
• Ability to work effectively within Agile delivery teams.
• 5+ years of recent, relevant industry experience.
• Experience working within large enterprise or Financial Services environments.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of performance and non-functional testing approaches.
• Experience mentoring developers and testers on automation best practices.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled SDET/Test Automation Engineer with strong C#/.NET automation expertise and a track record of building testing frameworks from scratch. Experience with desktop application testing, Windows Services, and WPF environments is essential. Candidates from web-focused automation backgrounds without desktop application experience are unlikely to be suitable for this role.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in enhancing software quality and automation capability within a high-profile Financial Services programme.

LA International is an award-winning partner of choice for many of the world's most influential companies and government organisations. Holding Enhanced Government Security Accreditation, we are recognised as the European market leader in the delivery of Security Cleared talent to organisations that demand the very highest levels of security, compliance and assurance.

A multiple award-winning organisation, having secured the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade over consecutive years. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Please Note: If a high volume of applications is received, only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.