Lead Test Engineer

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9% superannuation

Market-leading benefits

Job summary

Accident Compensation Corporation in Wellington is seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineer to provide technical leadership across our quality engineering practice. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on work, driving automation excellence and engineering standards across enterprise platforms.

You will mentor engineers while staying hands-on with modern automation frameworks, collaborating with delivery teams, architects and developers to shape test automation and quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Lead Test Engineer with automation strategy ownership.
• Hands-on with UI/API test automation in Java/Selenium and DevOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across quality engineering and automation.
• Drive automation standards and ensure quality outcomes across delivery teams.
• Coach and mentor engineers to build capability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with architects, developers and delivery leaders to shape test strategy.

Skills

Lead/mentoring

Automation testing

Java

Selenium

API testing

Git

GitHub Actions

DevOps practices

Test framework design

SAFe / Agile

Code reviews

Tools

Selenium

Git

GitHub Actions

API testing frameworks

Job description

# Lead Test Engineer at Accident Compensation Corporation, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Permanent | Wellington preferred*** Lead and evolve ACC's test engineering and automation practice.* Mentor engineers while remaining hands-on with modern automation frameworks.* Enjoy ACC's market-leading benefits including a 9% superannuation contribution.**About us | Mō mātou** ACC is a trusted and high-performing organisation, providing care, supporting recovery and promoting injury prevention, now and into the future. You can find more about ACC and the work we do at www.acc.co.nz **About the role | Mō te tūranga mahi** ACC is seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineer to provide technical leadership across our quality engineering practice. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on engineering, driving automation excellence, engineering standards and quality outcomes across enterprise technology platforms. Working closely with delivery teams, architects, developers and engineering leaders, you'll help shape the future of test automation at ACC, enabling the delivery of high-quality digital services that support New Zealanders while contributing to keeping Kiwis safe at work, at home, and everywhere in between. The appointing salary for this role is $101,287 to $131,077 based on experience. ACC offers a comprehensive benefits package which at present includes an advantageous superannuation scheme (9% contribution) with features like no mandatory employee contribution, optional life and income protection insurance. **About you | Mōu** You will bring:* Proven experience as a Lead Test Engineer with accountability for test engineering practices, automation strategy, engineering standards and quality outcomes across multiple delivery teams.* Significant experience in software testing and quality engineering, including operating at Senior Test Engineer and/or Lead Test Engineer level within complex delivery environments.* Strong hands-on experience in UI and API test automation using Java, Selenium, API testing frameworks, Git, GitHub Actions and modern DevOps practices.* Demonstrated capability designing, building, maintaining and evolving automated test frameworks within enterprise-scale environments.* Confidence working within existing Java/Selenium automation frameworks, including test design, coding, execution, debugging, reporting, peer reviews and framework enhancement.* Strong capability conducting code reviews and providing technical leadership to improve automation quality, maintainability and engineering standards.* Demonstrated success coaching and mentoring engineers, building technical capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.* Experience partnering with engineering leaders to define and implement test automation best practice, quality engineering standards and continuous improvement initiatives.* Strong understanding of quality engineering approaches across SAFe, Agile, Waterfall and hybrid delivery environments.* Confidence identifying delivery risks, challenging assumptions and influencing stakeholders when quality, delivery timelines or technical approaches require intervention.* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.* Exposure to AI-enabled solutions, including an understanding of model evaluation methods, quality considerations and responsible AI principles.* You must hold New Zealand work rights at the time of application.**Working at ACC | Mō ACC** At ACC, we embrace the rich tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand's cultures and are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities. We know that a diverse and inclusive team helps us meet the needs of our customers, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, age, and those with diverse abilities. It's important to us that people are free to be themselves at work. Here are some ways we encourage that:* Employee networks to support our colleagues from diverse backgrounds.* The option to explore flexible working that suits your needs and ours.**How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono** Please attach your CV and cover letter telling us why you would be a great fit and what strengths you would bring to the role. Applications will run through to Thursday 24th September 2026 11:59pm, however if an ideal candidate is found we may progress screening and interviewing sooner. Applications can only be accepted through the ACC Career Website. For accessibility support or pātai (questions), email [e-mail] quoting the Job Identification number 1007311.## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Accident Compensation Corporation || Location: | Wellington || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | IT & computing || Date listed: | 10-Sep-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 24-Sep-2026 || Reference: | 1007311\\_1789000119 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | www.acc.co.nz |