Software Development Engineer in Test (Fixed Term Contract – 14 Months Maternity Cover)
Location: Hybrid – travel to our Bideford HQ when required
Contract Type: Fixed Term (14 months maternity cover)
Reports to: QA Lead
We’re looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to join our QA team on a 14-month fixed-term contract. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the performance and reliability of our bespoke reservation platform, working on a major initiative that brings together data, functionality, and experience into one unified system.
This role focuses on performance testing of complex API-driven services using K6, with additional involvement in maintaining our Cypress UI automation and supporting the wider QA function.
What you’ll be doing:
* Lead performance testing for our bespoke reservation platform using K6
* Design, execute, and analyse complex API load and stress tests, identifying bottlenecks and optimisation opportunities
* Maintain and reset performance test environments and datasets between runs
* Collaborate closely with Developers, DevOps, and Technical Leads to drive performance improvements
* Create clear, actionable reports and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders
* Contribute to our Cypress UI automation suite and embed quality checks early in the development lifecycle
* Use observability tools such as DataDog to monitor metrics and investigate performance trends
* Support our CI/CD processes and ensure smooth, reliable automation execution
* Share best practices and champion continuous improvement across QA and Engineering
What we’re looking for:
* Proven experience performance testing complex API-driven platforms, from design through to analysis and reporting
* Hands-on proficiency with K6 and Grafana for load and performance testing
* Strong JavaScript experience for test development
* Experience with Cypress for UI automation and familiarity with BDD tools such as Cucumber and Gherkin
* Solid API testing experience using tools such as Postman
* Experience with DataDog or similar tools for observability and bottleneck analysis
* Good understanding of performance metrics and collaboration with DevOps to optimise systems
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines and version control (GitLab or similar)
* Practical experience with test management and issue tracking tools such as Xray and JIRA
At Travel Chapter, we’re passionate about creating better holiday experiences and better workplaces. As a certified B Corp, we balance profit with purpose – from building sustainable technology to supporting local communities. You’ll be part of a collaborative, people-first culture where your ideas can make a real difference.
Ready to start your next chapter?
Apply now to help us shape the performance, quality, and reliability of our industry-leading technology platform.