We are working with a leading delivery partner on a high-impact national security and border transformation initiative. The programme is focused on modernising the UK’s ePassport gate systems by integrating biometric technology to streamline and enhance identity verification for border admittance.

Currently in the component testing phase, the project will transition into performance testing over the next 6–8 weeks. A live pilot is scheduled to launch at Manchester Airport in September, making this a pivotal period for the testing function.

Role Summary
We are looking for a skilled Automation Test Engineer to join a small, agile development team. You will take full ownership of the back-end testing workstream, using Cucumber, Java, and BDD frameworks, with an emphasis on test automation and integration into the CI pipeline.

You’ll be the sole automation specialist in the team, working closely with developers and product leads to validate functionality, detect defects early, and improve test coverage across all phases of delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Automation: Develop, maintain, and execute automated test scripts using Cucumber, Java, and BDD frameworks.
• Test Planning: Define and maintain comprehensive test plans aligned with project goals and deliverables.
• Test Case Development: Write test cases for back-end components based on user stories, requirements, and traceability standards.
• Execution & Reporting: Perform test executions, document results, and generate reports outlining test coverage, defect trends, and key risks.
• Defect Management: Log, track, and retest defects using defined processes and tools.
• Test Environment Setup: Support configuration and maintenance of test environments, including integration with Linux-based systems and relational databases (SQL/XQL).
• CI/CD Integration: Embed automated testing into the build and deployment pipelines to ensure continuous quality assurance.

Required Experience

• Strong hands-on experience with Cucumber, Java, and BDD frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining automated test frameworks from scratch.
• Understanding of relational databases and ability to write queries using SQL (or similar).
• Comfortable working in a Linux-based environment with familiarity in basic terminal/command-line operations.
• Experience across the full test lifecycle – from planning through to reporting and performance testing.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable

• Prior experience in border security, biometrics, or critical national infrastructure.
• Understanding of performance testing strategies or experience supporting trials and pilots.
• Familiarity with working as the sole tester in small Agile teams.