Automation Tester / QA Automation Engineer | Shape Quality. Drive Innovation.

Automation Tester

Location: Newcastle, three days per week on site- must be willing to relocate if not local
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with the intention to convert to permanent
Level: Senior Analyst / Consultant

Bring your Java test automation skills to opportunities supporting a large organisation in Newcastle. We’re looking for Automation Testers at both Senior Analyst and Consultant level who want to deliver quality software and are keen to pursue a pathway to a permanent role after the initial 12-month contract. Whether your strengths lie in hands-on testing or you also bring experience owning workstreams and guiding others, we’d like to hear from you.

What you’ll do

• Automate functional testing of SaaS software, writing test scripts in Java.
• Use tools such as Selenium, Cucumber, Karate, REST Assured or WireMock to support effective testing.
• Work with users to design and carry out manual testing, understanding requirements, user needs and solution design to distinguish defects from enhancements.
• Manage defects through their lifecycle, using tools such as Jira, Bugzilla or HP ALM.
• Collaborate with delivery teams to support structured testing and quality outcomes.

What we’re looking for

• Hands-on experience in Java-based functional test automation and relevant testing tools.
• A track record of testing software in a structured delivery environment.
• Experience designing and conducting manual tests with users.
• A sound understanding of the defect management lifecycle and experience with at least one defect management tool.
• For Senior Analyst opportunities: the ability to manage your own testing workload, apply established approaches and contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• For Consultant opportunities: experience working independently on more complex delivery, owning work packages or workstreams, and supporting or mentoring others.

For opportunities at the upper end of Consultant level, you may also lead test strategy and automation approaches, guide testers, agree test objectives and risks with stakeholders, and improve automation frameworks, coverage and release confidence. You don’t need to tick every box: our focus is on core testing capability, with responsibilities matched to your experience.

Essential Requirements

• Hands-on experience automating functional testing of SaaS applications using Java, with tools such as Selenium, Cucumber, Karate, REST Assured or WireMock.
• Proven experience testing software in a structured delivery environment.
• Experience working with users to design and carry out manual tests, interpret requirements and distinguish defects from enhancements.
• A sound understanding of the defect management lifecycle and experience using a tool such as Jira, Bugzilla or HP ALM.
• Ability to manage your own testing workload, apply established testing approaches and take ownership of assigned testing activities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with delivery teams to deliver quality testing outcomes.
• Hold Right to Work in the UK
• Must be able to obtain SC Clearance.

Applicants must be eligible for SC clearance: To be eligible, candidates must have five years of continuous UK address history, with no period of 30 consecutive days or more spent outside the UK during that period.

What We Offer

• Package: £35,000–£65,000, depending on experience and level, plus 23 days’ holiday and company pension.
• A supportive environment focused on your development.
• Exposure to exciting, fast paced projects.
• Opportunity to work with we large, well respected organisation to further your testing career.
• 3 days a week on site, with the rest from home.

Our Approach to Hiring

We’re committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive hiring experience for every candidate. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and we want you to feel comfortable bringing your authentic self to the process. If you feel like this is the right role for you, apply today to open up a world of opportunity!