Test Automation Lead - Network Testing at Virgin Media O2
Location: Birmingham, Bradford, Leeds, London, Manchester, Peterborough, Reading
Job Family: Digital & Technology
Job Type: Full Time
Posted Date: 21-Oct-2025
Ref #: 69869
Overview
The Test Automation Lead will develop and implement automated testing strategies to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of network infrastructure. This role involves leading a team of developers, collaborating with network architects, lab, and manual test teams to support test automation of functional and regression scenarios. The successful candidate will drive innovation in testing processes, ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, and balance leadership/strategy (≈30%) with hands‑on testing (≈70%).
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
* Develop and implement test automation strategies and frameworks for network infrastructure using tools such as VMware, Ansible, Jenkins, and CloudShell.
* Lead and mentor the automation development team, ensuring best practices and continuous improvement of testing processes.
* Collaborate with network, manual test, and development teams to integrate test automation and identify testing requirements.
* Coordinate and execute test plans, analyze results, and report on the quality and performance of network products.
* Investigate, evaluate, and institutionalize new tools, methods, and standards to enhance the automation testing process.
Must Haves
* Significant experience leading network testing and automation initiatives, preferably within telecom or enterprise networking.
* Proven QA leadership with a track record of driving automation strategy and mentoring cross‑functional teams.
* Strong proficiency in test automation frameworks and scripting languages such as Python, Java, or PowerShell.
* Deep understanding of network infrastructure, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, SIP, DNS), and telecom lab environments.
* Experience in process automation to streamline test execution, reporting, and defect triage aligned with network testing workflows.
Other Skills & Experience
* Familiarity with network devices such as Cisco CPEs, Alcatel NTUs, and other carrier‑grade equipment.
* Proficiency with traffic generation and analysis tools like Ixia and Spirent for performance and stress testing.
* Hands‑on experience with SD‑WAN technologies, including configuration, validation, and performance testing.
* Demonstrated ability to design and develop independent APIs to support test automation and integration with network systems.
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI), containerization (Docker), and infrastructure‑as‑code tools such as Terraform.
Equal Opportunities
Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer. We are actively removing bias and barriers for our people and candidates and support you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey.
Next Steps
Once you submit an application, the further steps may include technical and competency interviews. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, and we may bring the closing date forward. If offered a role, conditions will include background checks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr