Lead Test Engineer

Lead Test Engineer (Security) Location: Remote (UK-based) | Contract: Permanent Salary: £41,571 – £56,784 We’re delighted to be supporting a UK government organisation as they continue to transform their digital services. They are now seeking a Lead Test Engineer (Security) to take ownership of the security testing strategy across their platforms.This is an opportunity to lead, mentor, and influence security testing practices in an agile, forward-thinking digital department with a strong focus on public value, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Key responsibilities

• Lead the organisation’s approach to non-functional security testing across the full software development lifecycle.
• Manage and support a team of testers, providing coaching, mentoring, and oversight of workstreams.
• Run and oversee vulnerability assessments and penetration tests using tools such as Burp Suite.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated security testing pipelines and reporting mechanisms.
• Act as a subject matter expert and advocate for secure development and testing practices.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in security testing, with a strong focus on non-functional testing approaches.
• Hands-on experience leading, coaching, or managing technical teams.
• Certification in ethical hacking or penetration testing (e.g. 7Safe CSTA, GIAC), or evidence of working towards one.
• Experience using at least 5 of the following:
  • Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Postman or SOAP UI, OAuth2/OpenID
  • Jenkins/Concourse, Unix/Linux, AWS
  • SQL/MongoDB/Oracle, Git, Karate DSL or Rest Assured
  • SAST/DAST tools, IaC scanning, secrets detection tools
  • Threat modelling (e.g. STRIDE, PASTA), OWASP Top 10 testing

Salary & benefits

• Base salary: £41,571 – £45,784
• DDaT allowance: £4,350 – £11,000 (depending on skills/experience)
• Civil Service Pension: Employer contribution of 28.97%
• Leave: 30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 1 privilege day
• Flexible working: No core hours, hybrid/remote working
• Part-time options: Minimum 30 hours per week over 4 or 5 days

About the organisation This is a high-profile government organisation committed to delivering secure, user-friendly digital services. Their culture promotes inclusion, learning, and wellbeing, with flexible working at its core. As a Disability Confident Leader and an equal opportunity employer, they welcome applications from all backgrounds.