Salary: Up to £54,000 per annum dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
Security Level: SC
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
The Role
The Technical Test and Release Lead is a hands-on testing leadership role, combining team coordination, quality assurance oversight and active participation in test design and execution. The role works closely with the Development Team Lead and the System Owner to ensure robust end-to-end quality across the DSCO products and services.
The role provides visible, proactive leadership, ensuring that testing standards, release processes and quality expectations are met consistently across all workstreams. This includes supporting a formal, multi-emotional release pipeline and coordinating both internal QA staff and contracted QA resources.
The role focuses on:
* Leading comprehensive software testing processes, including functional, non-functional, and automated testing.
* Perform automated tests via Azure DevOps pipelines as part of the regular lifecycle.
* Driving release planning, coordination, and execution to meet project timelines.
* Collaborating with cross-functional teams and departments to improve test and release practices.
* Ensuring adherence to CAA software quality standards, accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA), and regulatory compliance.
Core Accountabilities
Testing Leadership
* Develop, document, and implement testing strategies.
* Oversee all testing phases, including system, integration, user acceptance, regression, non-functional (inc. performance).
* Provide day-to-day leadership, motivation and coordination to ensure the team achieves sprint goals and wider business outcomes.
* Act as a visible, proactive and confident leader within the delivery team and wider DSCO group.
* Utilise automated testing tools (e.g. Selenium, Mabl) to improve test efficiency and coverage.
* Conduct accessibility testing to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
Release Management
* Coordinate release documentation in alignment with project timelines.
* Working with the platform managers, manage the release process, including pre-release testing, validation, and post-release activities as needed.
* Work with the Development Team Lead and System Owner to establish and enforce release policies and standards.
* Operate within a formal, multi environment release process, ensuring adherence to structured approvals, environment controls, deployment pathways, and sign off procedures.
Stakeholder Collaboration
* Collaborate with developers, project managers, and business analysts to define quality and release requirements.
* Provide clear and timely updates on test progress, release readiness, and quality risks.
* Act as the primary point of contact for testing and release-related issues.
Continuous Improvement
* Identify and recommend improvements to testing and release processes.
* Promote and champion QA standards and good engineering practices.
* Mentor and upskill junior team members in modern automated testing techniques and release best practices.
* Keep current with testing technologies, automation frameworks, and evolving industry practices.
Team Management
* Line management of a small internal QA team and coordination and oversight of contracted QA resource to ensure consistent quality and aligned working practices.
* Provide strong, visible, proactive leadership—motivating the QA team and ensuring clarity, alignment, and momentum toward sprint and business goals.
About You
Technical Skills
* Experience in the technologies we use C#.Net, MS Test, Selenium, BDDfy, BrowserStack
* Working with microservices and experience of API testing
* Working with source control (git, GitFlow)
* Working with relational databases (PostgreSQL)
* Knowledge of Docker
* Knowledge of Playwright
* Testing in Azure DevOps via CICD pipelines
* Experience in non-functional testing
* Solid understanding of Agile ways of working
Leadership Skills
* Proven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate a multi-disciplinary QA function.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to act as a confident and visible leader in technical and delivery meetings.
* Ability to influence and work collaboratively across internal and external teams.
* Comfortable operating in complex, evolving environments with frequent change.
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.
SC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.
If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
For more information on SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK )
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years' time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.
We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.
We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028
Inclusive Recruitment
We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.
Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process
We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.
Working With Us
We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.
We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.
We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more
Our Values
Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here
Closing Date: Friday 6th March 2026
Interview Date: First stage - Thursday 12th March 2026 (via telephone)
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
No recruitment agencies please.