Senior Test Analyst

Talent Engine; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Engine seeks a Senior Test Analyst to ensure software quality through comprehensive manual and automated testing. You will analyze requirements, design and execute test cases, and mentor junior testers while collaborating with Agile delivery teams to meet quality goals.

The role requires automation development experience, strong manual testing, and proficiency with test management and API testing tools in a hybrid work setup with occasional office attendance.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 is a minimum requirement.
• A tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Development or related field is preferred.
• ISTQB certification is advantageous.
• Experience in a senior testing role guiding testers.
• Proven automation development experience and maintaining automation frameworks.
• Extensive experience in Agile environments; knowledge of Scrum.
• Strong manual testing experience deriving test cases from business requirements and managing test cases.
• Proficiency in software testing practices and software testing life cycle.
• Experience with test management tools and writing test cases.
• Working knowledge of API testing tools.
• Strong time management and problem solving with mathematical aptitude.
• Customer-first mindset and ability to mentor juniors.

Responsibilities

• Analyse user stories and requirements to design manual and automated test cases.
• Estimate testing effort and coordinate testing activities to meet timelines.
• Maintain organised test case management, documentation and traceability.
• Develop, execute and maintain automated test scripts and frameworks; expand automation coverage.
• Perform functional and regression testing; log defects and verify fixes.
• Participate in product design and Agile delivery discussions to ensure test coverage.
• Collaborate with developers, product and delivery teams to identify risks and resolve defects.
• Use test management and API testing tools as appropriate.
• Mentor junior testers and provide guidance on testing approaches and quality standards.
• Oversee testers and prioritize test activities and execution.
• Communicate testing progress, risks and outcomes to stakeholders at all levels.
• Continuously develop testing skills and stay current with industry practices.

Skills

Manual testing

Automation scripts

Testing frameworks

API testing

Agile/Scrum

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in CS/Software Development

ISTQB certification (advantageous)

Tools

Test management tools

API testing tools

Job description

To ensure the quality and reliability of software products through comprehensive manual and automated testing. The role analyses requirements and user stories, designs and executes test cases, develops automation scripts, maintains testing frameworks and improves automation coverage. The Senior Test Analyst provides technical guidance, mentors junior testers, reviews testing approaches and works closely with Agile delivery teams to achieve quality outcomes within agreed timelines.

This is a hybrid role requiring own reliable, high-speed internet connection, with twice a week attendance at our Westville office.

• Grade 12 is a minimum requirement.
• Relevant tertiary qualification is required; a qualification in Computer Science, Software Development or a related field is preferred.
• ISTQB certification is advantageous.
• Previous experience in a senior testing role overseeing or guiding testers.
• Proven experience in automation development, including writing scripts and maintaining automated testing frameworks.
• Extensive experience working in Agile environments; knowledge of Scrum practices.
• Strong manual testing experience, including deriving test cases from business requirements and managing test cases.
• Proficiency in software testing practices and the software testing life cycle.
• Demonstrable experience using software test management tools and writing test cases.
• Working knowledge of API testing tools.
• Excellent time management, organisational and problem-solving skills, with mathematical aptitude.
• Customer-first, curious mindset and commitment to delivering quality products.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong verbal communication skills and confidence engaging with stakeholders at all organisational levels.
• Ability to mentor, guide and provide constructive feedback to junior testers.
• Commitment to continuous learning and keeping up to date with changing industry practices.

Essential Activities:

• Manual test design, execution and test case management
• Automated test script development and execution
• Testing framework maintenance and automation coverage improvement
• Defect recording, reporting, retesting and regression testing
• Test estimation, planning and coordination in Agile delivery
• Test review, technical guidance and mentoring of junior testers
• Quality reporting and verification of software fixes

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse user stories and business requirements to design, document and execute effective manual and automated test cases.
• Estimate testing effort accurately, coordinate testing activities with team members and meet delivery timelines.
• Maintain an organised test case management framework, test documentation and traceability of requirements.
• Develop, execute and maintain automated test scripts and testing frameworks; identify opportunities to expand and improve automation coverage.
• Perform functional, regression and other appropriate testing; record results, log software defects and verify bug fixes.
• Participate in product design and Agile delivery discussions to ensure test coverage meets end-user requirements.
• Work alongside developers, product and delivery team members to identify risks, resolve defects and deliver quality software.
• Use software test management and API testing tools as appropriate to the application under test.
• Mentor junior testers, provide technical guidance, review test cases and testing approaches, and promote consistent quality standards.
• Oversee and coordinate testers as required, providing guidance on priorities, test quality and execution.
• Communicate testing observations, progress, risks and outcomes clearly to stakeholders at different organisational levels.
• Continuously develop testing skills and remain current with software testing practices, automation and emerging technologies.