Senior Test Engineer – Technology and Service Operations Function, Digital and Technology Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition or appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.
This is a full‑time opportunity, on a fixed‑term contract basis until 19 April 2027.
The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4PU or South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so, depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.
A Digital Allowance of up to £12,823 per annum may be available for exceptional candidates based on our assessment of your skills and experience. This allowance is non‑pensionable and may change on an annual basis.
What’s the role?
The Senior Automation Test Engineer will play a key role in scripting and maintaining cutting‑edge automation testing frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of our software systems. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to streamline CI/CD processes, driving efficiency and innovation. This role offers the chance to work on impactful projects within one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators, shaping the future of healthcare technology.
Qualifications and Experience
* Automation Expertise: Proven experience in scripting, maintaining, and executing automated test scripts using tools such as Cypress, Playwright, or similar.
* CI/CD Integration: Hands‑on experience with integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions.
* Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of scripting languages (e.g. JavaScript, TypeScript) and working with cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.
* Problem Solving and Collaboration: Ability to identify and resolve defects efficiently while working collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
* Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated commitment to staying updated on the latest testing technologies and best practices, with a focus on improving testing processes and outcomes.
Behaviour Criteria
* Delivering at Pace (Application, Interview)
* Working Together (Application, Interview)
Experience Criteria
* Maintaining and enhancing automation test frameworks, including scripting and improving existing solutions (Application, Interview)
* Working collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, including developers, DevOps engineers and external suppliers to deliver high‑quality services (Application, Interview)
* API automation testing, including designing and executing tests across services and integrations (Application, Interview)
* Using test management and collaboration tools such as JIRA, Zephyr, TestRail and Confluence for test case management, defect tracking and documentation (Application, Interview)
* Applying a risk‑based approach to testing, prioritising efforts to maximise quality and coverage (Application, Interview)
* Supporting test data and environment management to ensure effective and reliable testing (Application, Interview)
* Experience with performance testing tools like JMeter, Azure Load Testing (desirable) (Application, Interview)
* Experience with accessibility testing tools like Wave, NVDA, Pa11y, Axe, etc. (desirable) (Application, Interview)
Technical Criteria
* Proficiency in automation using BDD frameworks and tools such as Cypress, Playwright or Selenium, with programming languages such as Java, JavaScript or TypeScript (Application, Interview, Test)
* Strong understanding of CI/CD principles and how automated tests integrate within delivery pipelines (Application, Interview, Test)
* Knowledge of API testing approaches and service validation techniques (Application, Interview, Test)
* Ability to use defect tracking and reporting tools to log, categorise and track issues, producing clear and actionable reports (Application, Interview, Test)
* Familiarity with modern Agile and DevOps testing practices (Application, Interview, Test)
* Understanding system architecture, including APIs, databases and cloud‑based applications, to support effective test design (Application, Interview, Test)
* Knowledge of performance testing approaches and tools (e.g. JMeter, Azure Load Testing) (desirable) (Interview)
* Knowledge of accessibility testing practices and tools (e.g. WCAG, NVDA, Pa11y, Axe) (desirable) (Interview)
* Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS (desirable) (Interview)
* ISTQB Test Automation Engineer certification or equivalent (desirable) (Interview)
Strengths Criteria
* Adaptable (Interview)
* Resilient (Interview)
* Learner (Interview)
Closing date: 29 April 2026
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.
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