Lead Test Automation Engineer

We are looking for an experienced Lead Test Automation Engineer to act as the authority on testing within our Defence Delivery function within the Technology division of UKHO. This is a great opportunity to influence and guide testing across the whole defence area. 

For approximately the first 12 months, this role will provide ‘hands on’ testing expertise within a dedicated scrum team, while also contributing to wider Defence testing needs such as strategy, standards, and approach. 

Beyond this initial period, you will remain embedded in the scrum team but will take on expanded remit, becoming a key figure in shaping and governing testing practices across defence. This includes implementing consistent This includes advising on best practice, and actively contributing to the UKHO Lead Testing Group to help strengthen testing capability.

Hybrid Working 

This job role is based in our modern and purpose built offices based a stone’s throw from the M5 in Taunton, Somerset. There will be some opportunity for hybrid working - a maximum of 1 day a week based remotely, 4 days in the office.   

Additional Information: 

Part-time hours will be considered (minimum of 29.6 hours per week)

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver high‑quality manual and automated testing capability within a scrum team. 
• Own and drive the testing strategy for the team, ensuring it aligns with departmental standards. 
• Provide testing consultancy and expert guidance across the wider Defence teams. 
• Work collaboratively with other Test Leads to help build and mature UKHO‑wide testing capability. 
• Implement, promote, and embed best‑practice testing standards across the Defence area.

• A broad range of commercial experience using .Net including building and maintaining automated test frameworks. 
• Has a comprehensive understanding of modern testing techniques and how these should be applied. 
• A comprehensive understanding and practical experience of Test Automation, Functional testing, non-functional testing. 
• Experience in leading testing for a team and/or organisation

Alongside your salary of £61,605, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £17,846 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. At the UK Hydrographic Office, it's very important to us that our people feel valued. We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/ homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more. See our attached Candidate Information Pack for more details.

Please submit your application through Civil Service Jobs. You will be short-listed against set criteria.

Please read all criteria in detail and tailor your application to these requirements.