Lead Test Engineer

TL;DR

Lead Test Engineer (QA Automation): Delivering thoroughly tested software by designing manual and automated functional/non-functional tests, building and maintaining automated test frameworks, and driving risk-based testing in an Agile delivery model. Focus on test automation frameworks, API testing, and coaching teams while supporting hirify.global’s transition to cloud-based technologies and improving test preparation efficiency with AI.

Location: Guildford and Manchester

Salary: £59,800–£67,400 (Guildford) and £57,400–£64,700 (Manchester)

Company

hirify.global is the UK’s largest provider of academic qualifications, marking over 10 million exam papers each year.

What you will do

• Undertake hands-on manual and automated functional and non-functional testing, including designing tests from requirements/acceptance criteria.
• Code, debug, and maintain automated tests and test frameworks; raise defects and follow defect management processes.
• Shape automation testing approaches in Agile delivery by providing estimates and advising on quality and risk.
• Provide API testing and apply risk-based testing techniques to mitigate delivery risks.
• Support Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, demos, 3 amigos, retrospectives) and contribute to acceptance criteria/requirements review (static testing).
• Deliver secure, reliable, cost-effective systems while contributing to hirify.global’s cloud technology re-platform and continuous improvement of testing practices.

Requirements

• Experience with automated testing in an Agile environment.
• Ability to design and implement automated testing frameworks using tools such as Selenium and SpecFlow, with languages like Gherkin and C#.
• Experience with API testing and strong knowledge of testing techniques and approaches.
• Proven ability to develop automated tests (e.g., TDD/BDD, Cucumber, SpecFlow, Selenium, CodedUI) and perform both functional and non-functional testing.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical issues clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Ability to coach and mentor colleagues in automated testing practices and promote adoption within the team.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working: 2 days a week in the office.
• Work on products supporting education and impacting learners across the UK.
• Opportunities to grow expertise in automation and modern testing practices.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Collaborative, supportive, and inclusive team culture with ongoing learning and development opportunities.

Hiring process

• Submit CV and a cover letter by 23:59 on Sunday 14 June.
• First-stage interviews take place remotely in the week of 22 June; second-stage interviews take place in the Manchester and Guildford offices in the week of 29 June.