Senior Test Engineer - DVSA - SEO

Job summary

This will be a key role in the design, build, support, implementation, bug fixing and improvement of existing and new digital services across DVSA.

You will work within a multi-disciplinary team using Agile delivery methodologies where you will be responsible for the development and delivery of well-designed and executed test automation software, as a programmer who is able to adapt to multiple technologies, manage more junior colleagues and produce clean well tested code, contributing to  delivering solutions that meet user needs. 

If you want to find out more about this role, get tips on the application or ask the hiring manager any questions, join us for a virtual information session on 1st October at 17:30. Click here to register. 

Job description

You will:

• Be managing all test processes, including test plans, resources, costs, timescales, test deliverables and traceability.
• Ensure that automated tests are written with the same care and accuracy as production code.
• Provide input to the environment requirements, setup, manage, maintain and ensure test data & environments are available to satisfy project and/or work package test requirements.
• Coaching and mentoring technical staff including graduates.
• Liaise with Corporate Senior Leaders and Product Owners to deliver against tight deadlines, providing advice and challenge where necessary to ensure the operation of the services that DVSA provides is not compromised.

For further information please see the attached Role Profile.

Additional Information

This role can be based in Bristol, Swansea, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham or Birmingham or Leeds your presence at one of these locations will form part of the working arrangements agreed with you. We operate a hybrid working model giving you greater flexibility about where and when you work. Our expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your time at your base location. Visits to other DVSA sites or work locations count towards this. However, the role will require regular attendance at our Swansea office, where the majority of the team are based.

Government Digital and Data Profession Pay Framework

This role is part of the Government Digital and Data profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay is £40,808. In addition to this, the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £16,592.

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.

Here are more details on the pay framework.

Person specification

We are looking for individuals who have:

• Ability to quickly research and learn new tools and techniques, learn by proof of concepts and iteration.
• Experience building test frameworks and detailed knowledge of at least one programming language (we use a range of languages including Java, Javascript, Groovy and Scala) and awareness of front-end web development (CSS/HTML).
• Ability to mentor and coach colleagues.
• Excellent written communication skills including reports, and technical specifications.
• Understanding of the use of Design at every step of the Agile process.

Please view the attached role profile for an in depth view of the post.

There may be an element of travel associated with this role to other DVSA offices, with some infrequent overnight stays.

Please take note that DVSA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. 

About Us 

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. 

We do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles. 

We’re working hard to:  

• Make roads safer.
• Improve services for our customers.
• Make road transport greener and healthier.
• Harness the potential of technology and data.

We’re committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams where everyone is valued. You can grow, develop and progress, and make a real difference to society. 

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice and welcome and encourage applications from everyone, such as ethnic minorities, women, disabled people and those who identify as LGBT+. 

To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace and making DVSA a great place to work visit our Careers website.  

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Senior test engineer - Functional Testing (Skill level: Practitioner)
• Senior test engineer – Test Analysis (Skill level: Practitioner)

Benefits

• An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
• Exceptional pension with an employer contribution of an average of 27%.
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 each year of service, up to 30.
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Latest IT and Tech devices.  
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues. 
• Excellent learning and development tailored to your role including paid apprenticeships up to Masters level.
• Wide range of discounts schemes on high street names.
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing. 
• Cycle to work scheme and Gym membership offers.
• For more information see visit our careers page.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please structure your CV to provide detailed evidence of each of the following: 

• Experience building test frameworks and detailed knowledge of at least one programming language (we use a range of languages including Java, Javascript, Groovy and Scala) and awareness of front-end web development (CSS/HTML).
• Experience in testing within a large-scale ICT estate, including integrating new and legacy products.
• Experience working on technical projects within an Agile & service aligned model and the necessary sharing communicative behaviours.

Sift & Interview Dates  

The sift is due to take place from the week commencing the 14th of October 2024.

Interviews are due to take place from the week commencing the 4th of November 2024.

This interview will be conducted via a video interview, details of which will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.   

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.  

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment will include: 

• An interview.
• A Technical Assessment.

You’re encouraged to become familiar with the Role Profile attached, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within. 

The Department for Transport recruits using Success Profiles. For each role, we consider what you need to demonstrate to be successful. 

This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.  

You can read more about Success Profiles here. 

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you cannot access the information on our website for any reason, please email DRGComms@dft.gov.uk for assistance.

Further Information

For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

Pre-employment Checking

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service