Test Engineer
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Test Engineer to join our Digital directorate and work as part of a Programme team to build a new Integrated Research Application and Workflow system and to achieve the successful migration and eventual closure of current systems.
Research Systems Transformation Programme aims to deliver a World-Class Regulatory System for health research in the UK. This programme will build a new Integrated Research Application and Workflow System, designed using a microservices architecture, and oversee the successful migration and closure of existing systems.
Main duties of the job
Test Engineer will be responsible for the execution of test activities within the HRA Digital Directorate. This will involve the planning and coordination of testing activities of key national information systems for health research in the UK managed by the Health Research Authority (HRA). The test analysis and planning activity undertaken will include discovery capture, test definition and the estimation of test effort, as part of a broader risk-based approach within functional and non-functional testing.
The Test Engineer will ensure that all products delivered both internally and by suppliers, including significant update releases and routine fixes, are thoroughly tested, and accepted before delivery into live service. They will be required to manage and coordinate the system, system integration and user acceptance testing in line with the HRA's practices and procedures. They will also have the primary responsibility for writing, debugging and refactoring test code for end to end testing using HRA's best practices and preferred automation toolset.
About us
At the HRA, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where we actively invest in the development and empowerment of our staff, enabling them to perform at their best. We strive to promote a healthy workplace culture where wellbeing, collaboration, and professional growth are valued and encouraged.
Working at the HRA, our approach to flexible working is designed to support us all, recognising that for many people, home based or hybrid working provides us with the most productive environment to work well. We will try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible.
The HRA offers home based contracts for all locations. Newcastle based staff can be office based. For staff based in Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol, hybrid working arrangements may be possible. We encourage you to speak with us to explore how this could be accommodated.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents for full details about this role.
When completing your application, ensure you clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills align with the criteria outlined for this position.
We recognise that generative AI tools can be helpful in supporting applicants during the recruitment process, particularly for tasks such as proofreading, structuring, or refining written responses. However, we encourage candidates to use AI responsibly and sparingly. Applications should reflect your authentic voice, personal experiences, and genuine qualifications. Over reliance on AI-generated content can result in generic or inaccurate submissions that fail to meet the criteria or convey your individuality. Misrepresentation of skills, knowledge, or experience, including through AI-generated content, may lead to the rejection of your application, withdrawal of your offer, or your dismissal if you do start with us. If you choose to use AI, please ensure it enhances rather than replaces your own input, and be transparent about its use where appropriate. False and insincere examples go against our values of integrity and transparency.
Important information
We are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
Applications that do not clearly demonstrate how the essential criteria outlined in the person specification are met will not be shortlisted.
Only the information provided in the application form will be considered. CVs will not be reviewed.
We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies or other third parties.
The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
Our fixed term positions are also open to applicants who wish to apply for the role on a secondment basis. Applicants who fit this category are advised to speak with their Line Manager before applying and visit their organisations Secondments Policy.
Organisational structure and directorate overview
The HRA is made up of five directorates: Approvals, Chief Executive, Digital, Policy and Partnerships and Resources.
This role sits within HRA Digital. The digital directorate is responsible for developing, delivering and supporting complex solutions within the HRAs portfolio of UK-wide information systems for health and care research. This includes a major programme to build new systems, and to achieve the successful migration and eventual closure of current systems. The directorate owns, develops, and delivers the HRAs digital strategy in line with government digital and functional standards.
The HRA Digital team is a collaborative, supportive team consisting of HRA employees, secondees, contractors and vendors.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Educated to a master's level or equivalent in IS / IT field or portfolio of equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to work at this level
- Certified in ISTQB Foundation
- Certified in ISTQB Technical Test Analyst
Skills Knowledge Expertise
- Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of test tools such as Playwright, Selenium, Cypress, Cucumber, JMeter
- Working knowledge of Software coding language in the Microsoft stack E.g.: C#, node.js, JavaScript etc
- Working knowledge of any other SQL and relational databases
Experience
- Experience of working within the test team delivering successful outcomes
- Experience of working as an automated test engineer
- Practical experience of testing on .NET, SQL and Microservices architecture
Qualifications
- Certified in ISTQB Technical Test Analyst
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Lead on the analysis of complex requirements and derive testable scenarios
Knowledge, skills and Expertise
- Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of testing techniques
- Comprehensive knowledge of code version management tools like GitHub, Azure DevOps
Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to understand and interpret complex information. This requires Written English skills at a level to summarise complex issues into a document and Verbal English skills to be able to articulate procedural issues and comprehend complex discussion.
Analytical and Judgemental skills
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty
Other
- Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
- Working knowledge of the Pega Platform
Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to work within and contribute to a high performing team
Employer details
Employer name
Health Research Authority
Address
Manchester
3 Piccadilly Place, London Road,
Manchester
M1 3BN
Employer's website
https://www.hra.nhs.uk/