Software Development Engineer In Test (Automation Test Engineer) - DVLA - SEO
Government Digital & Data -
Are you experienced in building test automation for both web-based user interfaces and APIs?
Is your attention to detail thorough?
Are you passionate about Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) principles with a good comprehension of Automation Testing?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
This is a fantastic opportunity as you will be building automation for our brand new or newly transformed services, working as a core member of one of our delivery squads as the software is being developed. You will have a critical role in making sure the software is tested and testable.
Join the DVLA as an SDET - Automation Test Engineer and you’ll help build world class digital services that pave the way for future business transformation.
Job description
At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), we take testing very seriously and we automate as much as we can. Our SDETs are building best-in-class test automation software so that we can build products quickly and safely. You will be a critical part of a squad following a behaviour-driven design approach (ATDD). You will love to code and to test in equal measure and challenge us to increase the scope of our Continuous Testing.
We use Cucumber with Ruby for most of our testing. Our systems under test are usually Dockerised or Serverless applications.
In this dynamic role you will be part of an engineering team accountable for continually driving all aspects of quality improvements. You will be working in one of our delivery teams or as part of the dedicated independent testing team.
Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include but will not be limited to:
• Developing applications using: Java, Spring Boot, Ruby on Rails, Node.js and React.js.
• Testing using: Ruby and Cucumber, Capybara, RSpec, Artillery and Jest.
• Deploying and running using: Cloud infrastructure, such as AWS, MS Azure, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes and Serverless Technologies.
• Coaching and mentoring more junior colleagues
Our delivery squads follow a DevOps model and are responsible for the full life-cycle of their product. As such, there may be an opportunity going forward to participate in an out-of-hours rota which will attract an additional allowance.
For further information about the role please see the attached role profile.
Additional Information
Applications will be accepted from full time/part time/job sharers. Full time roles at DVLA consist of 37 hours per week. Part time and/or flexible working may also be available subject to the needs of the business. If you have a flexible or part time working requirement, you should contact the vacancy holder in advance of making an application to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your desired working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role. To contact the vacancy holder, please use the job contact details listed under ‘Contact point for applicants’.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills set out in the Civil Service Line Management Standards. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
Person specification
The DVLA is at the cutting edge of cloud-first technologies. You will be comfortable using the Cucumber framework and able to develop expertise in the Ruby programming language to test applications and infrastructure on Platform-as-a-Service environments.
You will have real experience of building test automation for both web-based user interfaces and APIs.
You will proactively look to implement Continuous Testing principles to speed up the feedback cycle for all elements of quality, such as security and accessibility, using automation by default.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about SDET principles who has a good comprehension of Automation Testing, able to use modern programming language and to programmatically test any software product and develop automation for it.
You will have examples of improving QA efficiency through test automation and tools. You will have high attention to detail and not be afraid to challenge when needs be.
It would be great if you had experience of technical coaching and enjoy leading junior members of a team.
Working for the DVLA Digital Team
At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that’ll wash across the nation. Here the work you’re doing has the capacity to change the way 50 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day.
To see how our people are transforming our digital services, head over to our DVLA Digital Services Blog and, to understand more about the great opportunities and benefits of working at DVLA read our Inside DVLA blog.
Government Digital and Data Profession Pay Framework
The 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 £42,848. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £14,552.
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.
Due to the evolving nature of the business, vacancies can become available at any time. Therefore, this campaign may create a reserve list to fulfil demand if it arises which will be held for a period of 12 months.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
