Senior Test Engineer

Job Summary

Job Summary

Quality Assurance and Testing is an important part of the delivery of digital systems within the Health Research Authority. We have a team of skilled test professionals who ensure quality is delivered effectively. We are looking to add automation engineering skills to our team to automate as much of the test effort as possible, allowing our specialists to undertake better evaluations of the overall product set.

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will create and drive the automated test engineering approach within the Research Systems Programme, working closely with the Head of Test and other colleagues in the Agile development team. You will determine and implement automation approaches using Playwright (Type Script) to assure, measure, and build quality into every phase of the software life cycle. This involves developing or enhancing automation frameworks that deliver scalable tests which are faster, more frequent, and continuous.

The role also involves performing manual testing where automation is not suitable.

• Identify new and implement existing test automation frameworks
• Work on both functional and non-functional areas of complex systems built with multiple technologies (Microsoft, PEGA, etc.)
• Identify and raise awareness of defects, issues, and risks arising from the automation test results
• Proficient in a range of coding languages (C#, .Net, Java, JavaScript, Node, React, Type Script, etc.)
• Work closely with members of the Agile team
• Collaborate with senior test analysts and business to ensure required business scenarios are covered in the test scripts
• Carry out system, integration, and user acceptance testing using manual and automated techniques
• Lead on change impact assessment of all changes ensuring test coverage mitigates any impact to external stakeholders
• Work with the HRA's User Acceptance Team representatives and external users to perform acceptance testing of HRA software system changes
• Manage own work within the agreed timelines
• Duties above are not exhaustive. The applicant will be expected to perform duties per ISTQB best practices (automation & manual)

At the HRA, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where we actively invest in the development and empowerment of our staff, enabling them to perform at their best. We strive to promote a healthy workplace culture where wellbeing, collaboration, and professional growth are valued and encouraged.

Working at the HRA, our approach to flexible working is designed to support us all, recognising that for many people, home-based or hybrid working provides the most productive environment. We will try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible.

The HRA offers home-based contracts for all locations. Newcastle-based staff can be office-based. For staff based in Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol, hybrid working arrangements may be possible. We encourage you to speak with us to explore how this could be accommodated.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace. We welcome applications which represent the diverse characteristics of our community and have policies to ensure fair treatment at every stage of the recruitment process.

Date posted 17 February 2026

Pay scheme Agenda for Change

Band Band 7

Salary £47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract Fixed term

Duration 15 months

Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Reference number 980-HRA
7798917-A

Job locations Manchester, 3 Piccadilly Place, London Road, Manchester, M1 3BN

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents for full details about this role.

When completing your application, clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills align with the criteria outlined for this position.

We are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.

Applications that do not clearly demonstrate how the essential criteria outlined in the person specification are met will not be shortlisted.

We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies or other third parties.

The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.

Our fixed-term positions are also open to applicants who wish to apply for the role on a secondment basis. Applicants who fit this category are advised to speak with their Line Manager before applying and visit their organisation’s Secondments Policy.

The HRA is made up of five directorates:
Approvals, Chief Executive, Digital, Policy and Partnerships, and Resources. This role sits within HRA Digital. The digital directorate is…