Job Description
We are seeking a technically deep, automation-first Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to embed within a blended digital delivery squad of civil servants and supplier staff. You will design, build, maintain, and improve automated test frameworks and quality-engineering practices for high-volume, citizen-facing digital services. You will own the full testing lifecycle from strategic planning through CI/CD integration, and work with software engineers, architects, and product owners to ensure quality is built in from the start. You will code in languages used across our modern tech stack and maintain a strong grasp of API, performance, security, and accessibility testing.
About Scrumconnect Consulting
Scrumconnect Consulting is a multi-award-winning digital consultancy delivering impactful technology solutions across UK government departments, with a focus on user-centred design, agile delivery, and scalable digital services.
Location
Swansea (with a regular expectation of 60% on-site attendance).
Role Overview
Based in Swansea, South Wales — three days per week on-site.
Key Responsibilities
* Framework Development: Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks covering functional, regression, API, integration, performance, and security testing.
* Test Code Generation: Write high-quality, maintainable test code in languages aligned to the strategic tech stack (e.g., Java, JavaScript (Node.js), Ruby).
* Pipeline Integration: Embed automated tests within CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins or GitHub Actions) to ensure continuous quality feedback and fast build cycles.
* Strategy & Planning: Define and own the test strategy for assigned digital products, ensuring coverage across unit, integration, system, performance, and accessibility layers.
* Specialised Testing: Lead API testing for REST/GraphQL services using tools like RestAssured, Postman, or Karate; perform performance/load testing (Gatling, k6, JMeter) for large-scale validation.
* Accessibility & Security: Conduct WCAG 2.2-aligned accessibility testing with automated tools (e.g., axe-core, Pa11y) and manual testing; embed security testing (OWASP Top 10, DAST with OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite) in the delivery pipeline.
* Shift-Left Quality: Collaborate with engineers, architects, and business analysts to define acceptance criteria, review testability, and promote shift-left quality.
* Environment & Defect Management: Maintain test environments/data strategies, manage defect lifecycle, and produce quality dashboards and reports.
* Government Service Standards: Support formal government service assessments with evidence of test coverage, quality metrics, and accessibility compliance.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Public Sector Delivery: Experience as an SDET or Senior Test Automation Engineer on large-scale, cloud-hosted digital or government services.
* Programming Proficiency: Strong coding skills in at least two of Java, JavaScript (Node.js), or Ruby, with evidence of building automated test frameworks from scratch.
* Automation Frameworks: Deep expertise with Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, Cucumber/BDD, RestAssured, or Karate.
* CI/CD & Cloud: Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and AWS-hosted environments.
* Performance & API Testing: Experience in API testing (REST/GraphQL) and high-volume performance testing.
* Accessibility & Security: Knowledge of WCAG 2.2, accessibility tools (NVDA, JAWS), and secure testing practices including vulnerability scanning and DAST.
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Tech Stack Familiarity: Testing Java SpringBoot, Ruby on Rails, and AWS Lambda serverless patterns.
* Certifications: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer or similar.
* Advanced Testing Principles: Experience with contract testing (Pact), chaos engineering, and site reliability testing principles.
* Tooling Proficiency: Experience with Jira, Xray, or Zephyr.
* Government Assessments: Experience with GDS-assessed services and service assessment evidence packs in high-volume government digital environments.
Refer to guidance at the UK government capability framework for breadth and depth of relevant skills.
Benefits
* Competitive salary with annual review
* Company pension scheme
* Generous annual leave entitlement
* Critical illness cover
* Relocation support of £3,000 – £5,000
* Visa sponsorship for eligible candidates
* Access to learning and development resources
* A supportive, inclusive working environment
Interview Process
We keep things straightforward: CV review, screening call, followed by a two-stage process including a technical assessment and a values-based interview. We aim to move quickly and will keep you informed at every stage.
Equal Opportunities
Scrumconnect Consulting is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV to recruitment@scrumconnect.com or apply through this listing. For an informal conversation about the role, contact the provided details.
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