Senior Test Analyst

Tait Communications; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Onsite parking

Gym facilities

Cafe access

Job summary

Tait Communications is seeking a Senior Test Analyst to join our Christchurch-based team. This hands-on role focuses on verification and validation across complex systems, mentoring others, and advancing automation using Python.

You will develop test strategies, design tests, and drive improvements in testing processes while collaborating with engineering, product, and QA teams to deliver high-quality solutions.

Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience in technical testing in embedded software or complex systems.
• Proven design, implementation and maintenance of automated test frameworks.
• Strong Python development skills and test automation practices.
• Ability to lead or coordinate testing across multiple teams.
• Track record of improving testing processes, tools, and methodologies.
• A collaborative approach to mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Interest in leveraging AI to enhance testing capabilities.
• Experience with V&V disciplines and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, design and execute testing across complex projects.
• Develop test strategies, estimates and plans for coverage and delivery.
• Design, implement and execute manual and automated tests.
• Capture and validate requirements to meet business needs.
• Maintain Python-based automated test frameworks and tooling.
• Apply robust QA practices to improve product quality and reliability.
• Identify, investigate and manage defects using Jira with dev teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the team.
• Build deep expertise in Tait products, systems and technologies.
• Contribute to AI-enabled testing adoption and tooling.
• Support continuous improvements to testing processes across the org.

Skills

Automation testing

Python development

Test coordination

Mentoring

AI in testing

Education

Tertiary qualification in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

Jira

Gitlab

Jenkins

Mercurial

Elasticsearch

Job description

We Go Beyond for A Safer World

Te Tūranga - The Role

As Tait Communications continues to grow, we are looking for a Senior Test Analyst to join our team. This is a hands-on role that requires expertise in all aspects of the product lifecycle within the Verification & Validation (V&V) discipline, particularly for complex systems. You will be responsible for reviewing and providing feedback on test plans, test designs, and other key documents (e.g., PRS, project plans), while also mentoring others and championing best practice methodologies.

Key Responsibilities include

• Contribute to planning, coordination, design, and execution of testing activities across complex projects.
• Develop test strategies, estimates, and test plans to ensure effective coverage and successful delivery outcomes.
• Design, implement, and execute both manual and automated test solutions.
• Capture, analyse, and validate requirements to ensure products meet customer and business needs.
• Maintain and enhance Python-based automated test frameworks and tooling.
• Apply robust testing, quality assurance, and coding practices to improve product quality and reliability.
• Identify, investigate, and manage defects using tools such as Jira, working closely with development teams to drive resolution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, promoting continuous improvement in V&V practices.
• Build and share deep expertise in Tait products, systems, and technologies.
• Contribute to the adoption and growth of AI-enabled testing practices, leveraging emerging tools and technologies to improve testing efficiency, coverage, and innovation.
• Support ongoing improvements to testing processes, tools, and methodologies across the wider engineering organisation.

Ō Pūkenga - About You

To be successful in this role, you'll be a hands-on and experienced Test Analyst who thrives in complex technical environments. You'll combine strong automation and testing expertise with a collaborative mindset, enjoying the challenge of improving quality, solving difficult problems, and helping others develop their capability along the way.

You’ll also bring

• 4+ years' experience in technical testing, ideally within embedded software, communications technology, or other complex systems environments.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and maintaining automated test frameworks.
• Strong Python development skills and experience applying coding best practices to test automation.
• The ability to lead or coordinate testing activities across multiple teams and disciplines.
• A track record of driving improvements to testing processes, tools, and methodologies.
• A collaborative approach to mentoring, coaching, and sharing knowledge with others.
• A passion for continuous improvement and leveraging new technologies, including AI, to enhance testing practices.
• A tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience or an interest in one or more of the following would be advantageous;
• TCP/IP Communication protocols, UARTs/Microcontrollers, Radio frequencies, Audio processing, Linux, Jenkins, Gitlab, Mercurial, Elasticsearch, Encryption, Cucumber/BDD test frameworks.

At Tait, we believe great products are built through great collaboration. Working from our Christchurch office, you'll have the opportunity to partner closely with engineers, testers, and product teams, sharing ideas, solving problems together, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. If that sounds like an environment where you can do your best work, we'd love to hear from you.

Ngā painga - What's in it for you

We are an employer that is committed to making a difference for families and communities and supporting people to build rewarding careers. We achieve this through employing people who connect with our Values (Commitment to listen. Courage to Act and Integrity to Deliver) that underpin our way of working together. We are committed to investing in our people, developing both individuals and teams to support a high-performance culture.

• We prioritise your wellbeing through health insurance, annual flu vaccinations and extra sick leave in your first year.
• We provide a comfortable work environment through modern office facilities with free onsite parking, gym, and café.
• We recognise your commitment through long service benefits.
• We balance work with fun through our active social club!

About Us

For more than 50 years, Tait Communications has been designing, delivering, and supporting critical communications networks for public safety, transportation and utility customers around the world. Founded in Christchurch by Sir Angus Tait, we now have a network of customers and offices that spans the globe.

Our employees value being part of a creative team committed to providing technological solutions that make a real difference to the communities we support. By joining Tait, you'll be joining a community of people with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, who care deeply about their work and the genuine impact it has for our customers, and who support each other to grow and develop.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Tait Communications is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.