Senior QA / Test Lead - Defence - Outside IR35

Senior QA / Test Lead - Defence
Outside IR35: £450 - £500 p/d
Hybrid: 2 days p/w into London
Active SC is a must
6 months initial with likely extensions

We are seeking a hands-on Senior QA / Test Lead to take ownership of Quality Assurance for a critical software project. This role will oversee a small delivery team (4 developers and a junior tester) building embedded, low-level software to support operational capability. You will define and drive the QA strategy, ensure requirements traceability, and play a key role in progressing the solution through Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) towards deployment.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead all QA and test activities, ensuring compliance with relevant defence assurance standards.
• Define and implement QA processes, tooling, and reporting to establish robust quality practices.
• Collaborate with developers to embed automated testing and maintain requirements traceability.
• Create, manage, and execute test plans, test cases, and the defect lifecycle.
• Mentor junior testers and provide day-to-day oversight of test execution.
• Support TRL progression and ensure readiness for operational deployment.
• Identify, prioritise, and communicate risks, along with proposed mitigating actions.

Skills & Experience

• Active SC Clearance is essential.
• Proven experience in QA/Test leadership within defence, aerospace, or safety-critical software environments.
• Background in testing production-grade embedded/low-level software on hardware systems.
• Strong understanding of TRLs and operational readiness requirements.
• Expertise in test design, requirements traceability, and defect management.
• Ability to mentor and guide testers while working collaboratively with developers.
• Inquisitive, solutions-focused approach to problem solving, with the ability to simplify complex challenges.