Senior Test Engineer - MHPRA - SEO
Government Digital & Data -
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer in our Digital and Technology Group.
This is a full-time, permanent role focused primarily on Automation Testing alongside Functional Testing for our web and server-side microservice cloud-based solutions, as well as low-code environments like D365 and Appian.
Our office locations are Canary Wharf, London, and South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please note that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.
Who are we?
The MHRA is transforming, creating a progressive, responsive and sovereign regulator of medical products that is a fundamental requirement to achieve the innovation set out in the UK Life Sciences Vision.
The Digital and Technology Group lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services. Its centre of excellence is also responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of change initiatives, both to transform the Agency’s legacy technologies and to deliver innovative new solutions, designed around our customers’ needs.
The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including database and other technology platforms including both software and hardware infrastructure, leading the maintenance of applications directly and through management of outsourced service delivery providers, including the Agency IT and helpdesk and for the development and QA of and transition to new software and hardware infrastructure.
The Engineering team, made up of Software developers, DevOps engineers, Quality Assurance testers, and data professionals including engineers, scientists, and visualisation experts, is tasked with the creation of applications and services, ensuring quality for both new and existing agency offerings, and developing data visualisations through their expertise in data engineering and science.
Job description
What’s the role?
As a Senior Test Engineer, the post holder will focus primarily on the Automation testing. The role involves scripting and maintaining automation in Cypress/Playwright for both UI and API automation. The successful candidate will mentor junior team members, promote best practices in automation, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the software delivery process. The role may also involve other functional testing and non- functional testing based on the business requirements.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Scripting and maintaining automation frameworks for functional, API and regression testing to improve efficiency, coverage, generating detailed automation test reports.
- Collaborate with DevOps and development teams to embed automated testing in CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps to ensure seamless software delivery.
- Identify test cases for automation, focusing on optimising test coverage and improving the accuracy and reliability of results across multiple applications.
- Use monitoring tools to track and evaluate test performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
- Stay updated on the latest testing tools and practices, proactively integrating new technologies to optimise test processes and improve overall quality.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation for test plans, automated test scripts, and results, ensuring transparency and knowledge sharing.
- Work closely with functional testers, developers, DevOps engineers, and product owners to ensure alignment of testing activities with project goals and timelines.
- Identify and address automation-related issues, ensuring the continuous and reliable execution of automated test suites.
This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to critical, high-impact projects while ensuring MHRA’s digital services are robust, secure, performant, and accessible to all users.
Person specification
We are seeking a Senior Test Engineer with significant expertise in Automation of both UI and API testing. The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience in scripting, maintaining, and executing automated test scripts using tools such as Cypress, playwright, Selenium or similar.
- Hands-on experience with integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions.
- Strong knowledge of scripting languages (e.g. JavaScript, Typescript) and working with cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.
- Ability to identify and resolve defects efficiently while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated commitment to staying updated on the latest testing technologies and best practices, with a focus on improving testing processes and outcomes.
- Experience with functional testing techniques (e.g., regression, UAT) and tools like JIRA, Zephyr, or similar for defect and test management.
- A natural problem solver who adapts to evolving requirements and handles complex challenges with confidence and creativity.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
- Experience in Performance and Accessibility testing (Desirable).
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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