Quality Engineer

Senior Quality Engineer - Contract Location: Telford - minimum 2 days per month onsite, remaining time remote Contract Length: 12 months Rate: 460 per day IR35: Inside IR35 Start Date: Must be available to start w/c 4 January 2027 Client: Central Government The Role We are looking for an experienced Senior Quality Engineer to join a major Central Government programme on an initial 12-month contract. You will play a key role in shaping quality engineering practices across the team, designing and developing automated testing solutions while embedding modern approaches including TDD, BDD, shift-left testing and CI/CD. This is a hands-on role requiring strong Java-based test automation experience, alongside the ability to work closely with developers, contribute through pair programming, and coach others on quality engineering best practice. Technology Stack Frontend: Remix React, JavaScriptBackend: Java, Spring, .NETData: MongoDB, OracleTools/Technologies: RabbitMQ, JSON Key Responsibilities Design and implement test automation solutions from scratchDesign, develop and maintain automated end-to-end and system tests using Playwright with JavaDevelop and maintain automated test scripts in Java across UI, API and system-level testingRead, understand and interpret Java unit tests, including JUnit, to support test analysis and defect investigationApply TDD and BDD methodologies alongside risk-based testing approachesSupport CI/CD pipelines and embed shift-left quality practicesPerform testing across multiple levels, including Unit, System, Integration and Non-Functional TestingUndertake test analysis and test design, translating requirements, user stories and acceptance criteria into effective automated scenarios and comprehensive test coverageAnalyse business requirements and develop appropriate testing strategiesManage test data and associated testing collateralParticipate directly in development activities through pair programmingCoach team members on quality engineering principles and best practices Essential Skills & Experience We are looking for strong experience across: Selenium WebDriver, including designing, developing and maintaining automated test scripts in JavaStrong Java test automation experienceCI/CD pipelinesSoftware testing and quality engineeringGit / GitLabTest analysis and test designUI, API and system-level automated testingStrong communication and coaching skillsStakeholder managementA quality-focused, shift-left mindset Desirable Skills Experience with any of the following would be beneficial: PlaywrightGatling for performance testingOWASP ZAP for security testingDockerKubernetesAWSAccessibility testing, including WCAG, WAVE and Axe