Senior Test Engineer

The leadership, planning, design, execution, and continuous improvement of testing activities to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and secure software and systems. The Senior Test Engineer provides technical expertise, mentors colleagues, and contributes to the definition of test strategies, tools, and processes in line with organisational standards and objectives. 

For Internal Reference: Generic Job Description - INTF01 - Senior Test Engineer.pdf

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain test strategies, frameworks, and standards for projects and teams.
• Lead the design, implementation, and execution of manual and automated test solutions.
• Oversee and coordinate testing activities on complex or large-scale projects.
• Mentor and support junior team members, promoting best practice in testing.
• Collaborate with technical leads, architects, and product owners to embed quality into solutions.
• Analyse and interpret test results, providing clear reports and recommendations on risks and improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement of testing practices, tools, and automation coverage.

• Provide accurate test effort estimation and input into project risk assessments.

   

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in software testing within structured development environments.
• Expertise in both manual and automated testing techniques.
• Strong knowledge of test automation frameworks and scripting.
• Proven experience leading testing activities on complex projects.
• Ability to mentor and support junior colleagues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Proficiency with test management and defect tracking tools.

   

Desirable

• Knowledge of performance, scalability, or security testing.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Familiarity with cloud-based environments and containerisation.
• Domain expertise relevant to the organisation’s sector.
• Experience in selecting and implementing new testing tools or approaches.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree (BSc/BEng) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline.
• OR equivalent practical experience gained through industry, internships, or substantial personal projects.

• Security clearance eligibility (BPSS as minimum; SC/DV may be required depending on client/domain). 

   

Desirable

• ISTQB Advanced Level (Test Analyst, Test Manager, or Technical Test Analyst) or equivalent.
• Professional training or certification in automation, performance, or security testing.
• Leadership or management training/certifications. 

 

 

Costain helps to improve people’s lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK’s energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK’s leading smart infrastructure solutions company. We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets: future-shaping strategic consultancy; consultancy and advisory; digital technology solutions; asset optimisation and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.