Senior Test Engineer - One Login
Government Digital Service
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 17th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
Government Digital Service (GDS) is part of the Cabinet Office. We’re here to make digital government simpler, clearer and faster for everyone. Our work is user-focused, dynamic and forward-looking, making our organisation an exciting and innovative place to work. We represent a once in a generation opportunity to simplify and widen access to all digital government services. Driving forward the Government's key aim to transform digital services and the Public’s experience of interacting, we are building one simple, safe and secure way for users to log in and prove who they are, that will work across all government services.
GOV.UK One Login is being designed and built for the many, not the few. It will unite services across government, revolutionising the way government departments digitally interact with users. One Login will deliver an accessible and essential function that will change lives and help millions.
Described as the most strategic programme in government, this role in One Login represents a once in a career opportunity to contribute to and shape a software product that will be used by the majority of the people living in the UK. It’s a fast-paced, fascinating and challenging environment that is sure to offer you career satisfaction as well as a chance to develop and enhance your skills. Our technology stack runs on AWS, using serverless compute and storage products. Backend services are written in TypeScript/Node.js and JVM technologies. Web applications also use TypeScript.
We are an ambitious and visionary team so if you want to be at heart of this, have a background in software delivery with a specific focus on quality engineering, and are used to working in a scaled agile environment then this could be the place for you!
Job description
Join us as a Grade 7 Senior Test Engineer, where you’ll lead Test Engineering in product / cross-product delivery (both functional and non-functional) and other quality engineering initiatives, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of high quality products. You will be part of the central/product-oriented Test and Quality Engineering team within the One Login program. This role offers the opportunity to innovate in testing methodologies, mentor team members and drive quality engineering practices throughout our software development lifecycle.
As a Senior Test Engineer, you’ll:
- lead and guide teams in strategic testing practices & quality engineering
- lead and guide testers/quality engineers in test approach, test planning, implementation of automated test suites, to meet acceptance criteria for both functional and non-functional product assurance
- lead and guide teams in quality metrics and, optimise quality practices and processes
- continuously learn new testing and quality engineering technologies (functional and non-functional) and apply them to the job by supporting teams with adoption as a subject matter expert in quality
- analyse technical/functional/business requirements, and collect information/evidence to identify problems and opportunities ensuring recommendations fit with strategic business objectives
- participate in the architecture and design review of the new features early in the development cycle, influencing it to drive quality, testability and adherence to the specification
- review and assess non-functional requirements. Lead design of performance tests, ensuring accurate simulation of real-world scenarios and user behaviours. Analyse and interpret test results to identify performance bottlenecks and areas for improvement
- oversee Operational Acceptance Testing(OAT) conducted by teams, ensuring that all systems meet operational requirements and are fully prepared for production deployment
Person specification
We’re interested in people who:
- have experience in leading testing (functional and non-functional) across multiple teams throughout the lifecycle, from understanding business needs and delivering to production. This includes technical leadership, strategy development, test generation, reporting, defect management and user/operational acceptance testing
- proven ability to lead teams in implementing automated test approach and test implementation for Mobile, Web UI and API, and driving quality improvements
- experienced in leading non-functional testing, including Performance, Accessibility and Compatibility testing. Proficient in utilising various test types, tools, and standards
- an adaptable team player who excels in a Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery environment using associated methodologies and tools. Advocates for and implements shift left principles
- skilled in fostering a quality-centric culture through a whole team approach, enhancing capabilities in delivery teams, including MSP (Managed Service Providers) team members
- comprehensive understanding of production testing, observability, and real usage monitoring, with the ability to implement risk based test strategies that ensure system reliability, and provide actionable insights into user behaviour
Benefits
The benefits of working at GDS
There are many benefits of working at GDS, including:
- flexible hybrid working with flexi-time and the option to work part-time or condensed hours
- a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days
- an extra day off for The King’s birthday
- an in-year bonus scheme to recognise high performance
- career progression and coaching, including a training budget for personal development
- paid volunteering leave
- a focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
- job satisfaction from making government services easier to use and more inclusive for people across the UK
- advances on pay, including for travel season tickets
- death in service benefits
- cycle to work scheme and facilities
- access to children's holiday play schemes across different locations in central London
- access to an employee discounts scheme
- 10 learning days per year
- volunteering opportunities (5 special leave days per year)
- access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning
GDS offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home and also spends some time in their local office. You’ll agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs.
Any move to Government Digital Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Things you need to know
Selection process details
The standard selection process for roles at GDS consists of:
- a simple application screening process - We only ask for a CV and cover letter of up to 750 words. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “person specification” section above
- a 90 minute video/virtual interview - Both Civil Service Behaviours based and technical questions
Whilst we value the use of AI technology to enhance our daily work, we also value the personal touch and urge applicants to write cover letters without the use of AI to emphasise their own unique experiences.
In order to assist candidates with this role, we will be holding a virtual recruitment event on Thursday 14th of November at 13:00 to go through the role in more detail. If you are interested in joining this event please e-mail: gds-recruitment@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk and a member of the team will send you an invitation to the event.
Depending on how many applications we get, there might also be an extra stage before the video interview, for example a phone interview or a technical exercise.
In the event we receive a high volume of applications, we will conduct the initial sift against the lead criteria which is: Have experience in leading testing (functional and non-functional) across multiple teams throughout the lifecycle, from understanding business needs and delivering to production. This includes technical leadership, strategy development, test generation, reporting, defect management and user/operational acceptance testing.
Please note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.
In the Civil Service, we use Success Profiles to evaluate your skills and ability. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, increases performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. We’ll be assessing your technical abilities, skills, experience and behaviours that are relevant to this role.
For this role we’ll be assessing you against the following Civil Service Behaviours:
- working together
- changing and improving
- managing a quality service
- delivering at pace
We’ll also be assessing your experience and specialist technical skills against the following skills defined in the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework for the Senior Test Engineer (Grade 7) role:
- Test Analysis
- Functional Testing
- Non Functional Testing
- Technical Breadth
Recruitment Timeline
Sift Completion: 22nd November 2024
Panel interviews: W/C 2nd December 2024
Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.
A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
Other information: Occasionally, business pressures, priorities or critical delivery may mean that we move you into a different team or work area within GDS. This will always be within the same grade and discipline within which you were hired, but does mean that your focus or objectives may shift in order to deliver GDS business.
You may be aware that there are plans for the Government Digital Service (GDS) & the Central Digital & Data Office (CDDO) to move into the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). This move is to bring together the digital transformation of public services into one core department. The move itself will offer huge opportunities whilst allowing DSIT to lead the way and drive forward the new Government's digital agenda.
As the announcement is relatively new, we are awaiting more detailed information. Therefore, we encourage you to apply for this role, and will keep you informed with updated information throughout the application process.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : gds-recruitment@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk
- Email : gds-recruitment@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : gds-recruitment@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission by email: info@csc.gov.uk Or in writing: Civil Service Commission, Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ.
