Test Engineer

OAL; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

OAL, based in Peterborough, is seeking a proactive Test Engineer to own QA and test automation for a key software product. You will work within a cross-functional team to embed automated testing throughout the development lifecycle in an office-based setting.

In this hands-on role, you will design and maintain automation frameworks, integrate tests into the pipeline for faster, more reliable releases, and mentor colleagues to raise testing standards across the team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software testing experience focused on test automation.
• Proficiency with Selenium or Playwright.
• Strong scripting in Python or Java.
• Experience integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of testing methodologies: unit, integration, regression, and performance.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end testing for a dedicated product in a cross-functional team.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated test frameworks.
• Integrate automated tests into the development pipeline for reliable releases.
• Collaborate to define acceptance criteria and quality standards.
• Conduct unit, integration, regression, and performance testing.
• Track results, report defects, provide actionable feedback.
• Develop and maintain test process and framework documentation.
• Mentor teammates on automation and testing best practices.
• Support continuous improvement in Software and QA functions.

Skills

Selenium

Playwright

Python

Java

Azure DevOps

Unit testing

Tools

Azure DevOps Pipelines

Git

CI/CD

Job description

Full-Time | Permanent | Office-based, Peterborough | Salary dependant on experience

The role

We are looking for a proactive and hands‑on Test Engineer to join our team at OAL. In this role, you will own quality assurance and test automation for one of OAL’s key software products. Working within a cross-functional team, the role focuses on embedding automated testing throughout the development lifecycle. It is a hands‑on position, designing and maintaining automation frameworks, integrating them into the development pipeline, and collaborating with developers and product managers to uphold quality standards.

What you'll be doing

• Own the end-to-end testing process for a dedicated product within a cross-functional team.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated test frameworks and suites.
• Integrate automated tests into the development pipeline to enable fast, consistent, and reliable releases.
• Collaborate with developers and product managers to define acceptance criteria and quality standards.
• Conduct and coordinate different levels of testing, including unit, integration, regression, and performance testing.
• Track test results, report defects, and provide clear, actionable feedback to the team.
• Develop and maintain documentation for test processes, results, and frameworks.
• Mentor team members on automation and testing best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the wider Software and QA functions.

What you'll bring

Essential

• 5+ years of experience in software testing, with a strong focus on test automation.
• Proficiency with automation frameworks and tools such as Selenium or Playwright.
• Solid programming and scripting skills (e.g. Python, Java).
• Experience integrating automated tests into development pipelines (e.g. Azure DevOps Pipelines).
• Strong understanding of software testing methodologies, including unit, integration, regression, and performance testing.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills

Desirable

• Experience working within Agile or Scrum environments.
• Familiarity with containerisation (e.g. Docker) and CI/CD practices.
• Exposure to industrial automation, SCADA, or PLC systems.
• Knowledge of version control tools such as Git.

Who will thrive in this role?

• Like understanding how things work in the real world.
• Enjoy solving technical problems.
• Are curious and keen to learn.
• Want to develop expertise in industrial automation and manufacturing technology.
• Enjoy turning ideas into practical solutions.

Why join OAL?

At OAL, we’re driven by innovation and teamwork. You’ll be part of a supportive environment where your ideas are valued, and your work makes a real impact. We encourage professional growth and continuous improvement - both in our systems and in our people.

About OAL

OAL helps food manufacturers automate. Based in Peterborough, we’re an innovative family business providing automation and system integration services to the food industry. We are recognised as a market leader in digital transformation, label and date code verification, and robotic powder weighing.

As a growing SME, we offer great opportunities within a fast-paced and supportive environment. If you are a hands‑on problem solver with a passion for technology and great customer service, we’d love to hear from you.