Description
Summary
This role delivers the software testing across all Assessment Technology products within the Scanning and Marking business area.
Taking direction from the Test Team Leader (TTL) you will bring value to the department by delivering first class testing throughout all stages of the SDLC.
You will be fully involved in and will contribute to all stages of the SDLC. Bringing your knowledge and skill to the team to ensure that is at the centre of everything we do as a team.
At AQA we work in a culture of trust, learning, innovation, continuous improvement, collective ownership and technical excellence and this will support you throughout your career with us.
This role reports to the TTL.The Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments.
The Assessment Technology group is responsible for the operational systems that deliver millions of GCSE and A-level results annually. It includes the technology for assessment design and production, and the full lifecycle of exams series delivery from entry to post-results services.
Given the seasonal nature and criticality of the Summer exams series, the role may also be required to provide hands-on assistance through critical issues during the Summer series on occasions.
Team
You will be working within a team, that aim to employ best practice automation testing but also conduct a degree of manual function, exploratory and UI testing. To this effect we look for all colleagues to support each other and respond to workloads, irrespective of testing discipline.
You will work closely with test colleagues and you will provide and in turn expect support and guidance, you will be responsible for being self-sufficient in your role.
Key Relationships
Interfacing with all personnel within the Assessment Technology department, irrespective of level and location will be required. Your primary contacts beyond the QC Team will be Business Analysts, Developers and Product Owners, who are all based at Milton Keynes.
Whilst national and international travel are unlikely, we do have overseas customers so this could be needed.
Activities:
Automated Testing
The role encompasses the whole test life cycle including preparation of test environments, test plans, test data, automation scripts, executing tests and estimating.
Performing software testing in accordance with the Assessment Technology test standards and practices and the Test Team Leader’s direction.
Writing test plans and automation test scripts.
Reviewing test plans and automation scripts via PR review process
Pipeline execution of all stages of automated testing.
Set up and configuration of test environments.
Providing QC support for software products and customers.
Reporting
Providing QC release reports and sign-off for releases.
Providing regular reports and status updates to the TTL.
People
Acting as the lead test analyst on projects as directed by the TTL.
Planning and assigning testing tasks to team members.
Supervising / mentoring Software Test Analysts as directed by the TTL.
Other Responsibilities
Risk Management
Participating in the identification, assessment, planning and management of threats and opportunities.
Business continuity and incident management roles (Gold/Silver/Bronze)
Participating in identification, assessment, planning, testing and implementation of incident management processes to support recovery of key business processes in the event of a disruption to our normal operations.
Information Security
Take an active part in the preservation of confidentiality, availability and integrity of information assets used in conducting the role and follow additional security procedures associated with specific activities where applicable.
Asset management
Ensure that AQA provided tools, materials, systems, software are used in line with company policies and procedures.
To be successful in this role, you will need to know:
Proven ability to develop solutions in a .Net/C# environment
Ability to design and implement automated UI and API testing
Excellent communication skills and ability to explain issues to technical and non-technical staff