At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Senior Test Analyst - Automation

18 Month Fixed Term Contract

Milton Keynes: 53000 - 57000

Hybrid Working

Ready to shape the future of digital assessment through precision collaboration and innovation

AQA is looking for aSenior Test Analyst Automationwho thrives on quality champions best practices and is ready to play a key role in delivering the systems that power millions of GCSE and A-level results across the UK and internationally.

This is more than just writing test scripts its your chance to shape how we build test and deliver software that matters. Youll be right in the heart of a fast-moving collaborative team working side by side with developers business analysts and product owners to make sure our systems are rock-solid scalable and built with purpose.

At AQA your curiosity is encouraged your expertise is valued and your growth is supported.

Join a culture that champions continuous learning and empowers you to challenge the status quo.

What youll be doing

• Lead the design and development of automated UI and API testing solutions using SpecFlow and Playwright written in C# .NET.
• Own the full test lifecycle from planning and scripting to execution and reporting.
• Work hands-on withAzure DevOps: managing user stories and bugs in Boards creating and running test cases in Test Plans and integrating automation into Pipelines.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure quality is embedded from the start including testingAzure componentslike Container Apps Functions SQL and NoSQL data storage.
• Champion quality through ashift-left mindset helping the team adopt modern testing strategies and improve CI/CD integration.
• Mentor and support junior analysts sharing knowledge and shaping best practices.
• Provide hands-on support during critical exam delivery periods when needed.

What you bring

• Proficient in writing automated tests in C# .NET using SpecFlow and Playwright.
• Solid understanding ofBDD practicesand writing Gherkin scenarios.
• Familiarity withmicroservicesevent-driven systems andmessage bus architectures.
• A clear understanding of thetest automation pyramidand a commitment to writing clean maintainable and reusable test code.
• Excellent communication skills able to explain complex issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• A proactive self-sufficient mindset you take ownership and deliver with confidence.
• A collaborative spirit ready to support and be supported by your team.

Whats in it for you

• The chance to shape world-class assessment systems used by thousands of schools and centres.
• A supportive inclusive environment where your development is a priority.
• A generous pension scheme (up to 18.5% combined contributions).
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 4 additional days over the festive period.
• A 35-hour working week and flexible working options.
• Access to employee networks (LGBTQ neurodiversity disability wellbeing and more).
• Volunteering days eLearning platforms and continuous development opportunities.

What next

Upload your most recent CV with a cover letter to explain why you are the best person for the job and lets build something brilliant together.

Applications close Sunday 24th August

We are reviewing applications as they come through and reserve the right to close this role early.

Ready to make your mark Apply now and join a team where your insights wont just be seentheyll shape the future.

AQA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity or expression sexual orientation religion ethnicity age neurodiversity disability status citizenship or any other aspect which makes people unique.

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We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job 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 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 Leaders 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