QA Test Engineer - 6 month contract
We are seeking an experienced
QA Tester
to join our QA Test Team on a contract basis. The ideal candidate will bring proven expertise in S
ql and Life assurance policy's
This role will suit someone with a strong background in validating complex data flows, ensuring data integrity, and supporting transformation programmes within financial or enterprise environments.
This is a
hybrid role
, with two days on-site and three days remote.
Qualifications & Experience
* IT Degree
or equivalent technical experience (must be evidenced)
* Minimum 6+ years' experience
as an IT Tester, with a proven track record in complex environments
* Direct experience testing Life Assurance products
or within a Life or Financial Services company (non-negotiable)
* Experience testing Azure platform solutions
(must be recent and demonstrable)
* Experience testing GPT prompts and system integrations
* Expertise in API testing
(including standards, techniques, and tools)
* Strong knowledge of programming languages, databases, and test environments
* Proven experience working in an Agile environment
in close proximity to business stakeholders
* Demonstrable ability to work independently
under direction from the QA Lead, including taking ownership of large tasks and delivering end-to-end solutions
* Ability to work under pressure
and meet tight deadlines
Technical Skills (Must Have)
* Expert understanding of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)
* Excellent knowledge of SQL and database structures for test planning and execution
* Proven experience with test automation, integration, UAT, and regression testing techniques
* Strong experience with API testing tools and frameworks
* Experience with seeding and integration of data within test environments
* Expert knowledge of testing tools and industry-recognised standards
* Ability to recommend and implement new industry-standard tools and technologies
* Experience creating and implementing standards for API and Automated UI test cases
Desirable Qualifications
* Experience with Python
(advantageous)
* Relevant certifications
(e.g., ISTQB Advanced, Azure certifications)
* Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives and process optimisation
Key Responsibilities
* Analyse new requirements, developments, and system changes to identify all testing needs (test scripts, API, system, regression, etc.)
* Design, execute, and maintain UI, regression, and service test cases to a high standard
* Liaise with key stakeholders to ensure project requirements and timelines are met; communicate progress and escalate issues as needed
* Engage and influence in workshops and meetings with internal and external stakeholders for efficient delivery
* Attend stand-ups and project meetings as QA representative during delivery cycles
* Raise, document, and manage defects found in testing, including blockers
* Conduct peer reviews of test designs, ensuring adherence to internal standards and risk assessment protocols
* Define and coordinate maintenance of regression/automation/API test packs post-release
* Assist in planning activities, managing team workloads, and resource allocation as required
* Proactively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the team
* Recommend and implement new industry-standard tools and technologies
* Ensure all system changes are tested and signed off before production deployment, adhering to internal QA standards and strategy
Essential Soft Skills & Working Style
* Self-starter:
Able to come up to speed quickly and work independently with minimal supervision. Takes initiative to troubleshoot, identify root causes, and propose well-reasoned solutions.
* Strong organisational skills:
Able to prioritise and coordinate multiple tasks to tight timelines
* Excellent communication and influencing skills:
Able to engage effectively with business partners and technical teams
* Teamwork and collaboration:
Proven ability to work under direction from a QA Lead and provide guidance within project teams, and collaborate cross-functionally
* Critical analysis and risk assessment:
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyse and resolve QA-related issues. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to investigate issues end-to-end.
* Drive for results:
Personally effective, takes responsibility for delivery, and manages time well
* Adaptability:
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, change-ready, and agile environment