Senior Test Analyst - Automation

• locations
• Milton Keynes

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted 2 Days Ago

• time left to apply
• End Date: September 29, 2025 (14 days left to apply)

• job requisition id
• R6887

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Senior Test Analyst - Automation

18 Month Fixed Term Contract

Milton Keynes: £53,000 - £57,000

Hybrid Working

Ready to shape the future of digital assessment through precision, collaboration, and innovation?

AQA is looking for a Senior Test Analyst – Automation with proven experience in creating automated tests using BDD methodology. You’ll translate specifications into meaningful automated tests using C# toolsets and libraries such as Playwright.

You’re someone who thrives on quality, champions best practices, and is eager to play a key role in delivering the systems behind millions of GCSE and A-level results across the UK and internationally.

This is more than just writing test scripts – it’s your opportunity to influence how we build, test, and deliver software that truly matters. You’ll be embedded in a fast-moving, collaborative team, working closely with developers, business analysts, and product owners to ensure our systems are robust, scalable, and built with purpose.

At AQA, your curiosity is encouraged, your expertise is valued, and your growth is supported. Join a culture that champions continuous learning and empowers you to challenge the status quo.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the design and development of automated UI and API testing solutions using SpecFlow and Playwright, written in C# .NET.
• Own the full test lifecycle – from planning and scripting to execution and reporting.
• Work hands-on with Azure DevOps: managing user stories and bugs in Boards, creating and running test cases in Test Plans, and integrating automation into Pipelines.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure quality is embedded from the start, including testing Azure componentslike Container Apps, Functions, SQL and NoSQL data storage.
• Champion quality through a shift-left mindset, helping the team adopt modern testing strategies and improve CI/CD integration.
• Mentor and support junior analysts, sharing knowledge and shaping best practices.
• Provide hands-on support during critical exam delivery periods when needed.

What you bring

• Proficient in writing automated tests in C# .NET using SpecFlow and Playwright.
• Solid understanding of BDD practicesand writing Gherkin scenarios.
• Familiarity with microservices,event-driven systems, andmessage bus architectures.
• A clear understanding of the test automation pyramidand a commitment to writing clean, maintainable, and reusable test code.
• Excellent communication skills – able to explain complex issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• A proactive, self-sufficient mindset – you take ownership and deliver with confidence.
• A collaborative spirit – ready to support and be supported by your team.

What’s in it for you?

• The chance to shape world-class assessment systems used by thousands of schools and centres.
• A supportive, inclusive environment where your development is a priority.
• A generous pension scheme (up to 18.5% combined contributions).
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 4 additional days over the festive period.
• A 35-hour working week and flexible working options.
• Access to employee networks (LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, disability, wellbeing, and more).
• Volunteering days, eLearning platforms, and continuous development opportunities.

What next

Upload your most recent CV with a cover letter to explain why you are the best person for the job and let’s build something brilliant together.

Applications close Sunday 28th September

We are reviewing applications as they come through and reserve the right to close this role early.

Ready to make your mark? Apply now and join a team where your insights won’t just be seen—they’ll shape the future.

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

#PRO22

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Taking direction from the Test Team Leader (TTL) you will bring value to the department by delivering first class testing throughout all stages of the SDLC.

You will be fully involved in and will contribute to all stages of the SDLC. Bringing your knowledge and skill to the team to ensure that is at the centre of everything we do as a team.

At AQA we work in a culture of trust, learning, innovation, continuous improvement, collective ownership and technical excellence and this will support you throughout your career with us.

This role reports to the TTL.The Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments.

The Assessment Technology group is responsible for the operational systems that deliver millions of GCSE and A-level results annually. It includes the technology for assessment design and production, and the full lifecycle of exams series delivery from entry to post-results services.

Given the seasonal nature and criticality of the Summer exams series, the role may also be required to provide hands-on assistance through critical issues during the Summer series on occasions.

Team

You will be working within a team, that aim to employ best practice automation testing but also conduct a degree of manual function, exploratory and UI testing. To this effect we look for all colleagues to support each other and respond to workloads, irrespective of testing discipline.

You will work closely with test colleagues and you will provide and in turn expect support and guidance, you will be responsible for being self-sufficient in your role.

Key Relationships

Interfacing with all personnel within the Assessment Technology department, irrespective of level and location will be required. Your primary contacts beyond the QC Team will be Business Analysts, Developers and Product Owners, who are all based at Milton Keynes.

Whilst national and international travel are unlikely, we do have overseas customers so this could be needed.

Activities:

Automated Testing

The role encompasses the whole test life cycle including preparation of test environments, test plans, test data, automation scripts, executing tests and estimating.

Performing software testing in accordance with the Assessment Technology test standards and practices and the Test Team Leader’s direction.

Writing test plans and automation test scripts.

Reviewing test plans and automation scripts via PR review process

Pipeline execution of all stages of automated testing.

Set up and configuration of test environments.

Providing QC support for software products and customers.

Reporting

Providing QC release reports and sign-off for releases.

Providing regular reports and status updates to the TTL.

People

Acting as the lead test analyst on projects as directed by the TTL.

Planning and assigning testing tasks to team members.

Supervising / mentoring Software Test Analysts as directed by the TTL.

Other Responsibilities

Risk Management

Participating in the identification, assessment, planning and management of threats and opportunities.

Business continuity and incident management roles (Gold/Silver/Bronze)

Participating in identification, assessment, planning, testing and implementation of incident management processes to support recovery of key business processes in the event of a disruption to our normal operations.

Information Security

Take an active part in the preservation of confidentiality, availability and integrity of information assets used in conducting the role and follow additional security procedures associated with specific activities where applicable.

Asset management

Ensure that AQA provided tools, materials, systems, software are used in line with company policies and procedures.

To be successful in this role, you will need to know:

Proven ability to develop solutions in a .Net/C# environment

Ability to design and implement automated UI and API testing

Excellent communication skills and ability to explain issues to technical and non-technical staff

About Us

AQA is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year. Our purpose is to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential. As part of AQA, you’ll very quickly appreciate the determination and unwavering passion to deliver this goal in everything we do. To help drive these ambitions, AQA invests in the development of its people by offering a range of professional development and learning opportunities leading to over 50% of our permanent roles being filled internally.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at fharrison@aqa.org.uk or on

07813 724161. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate. Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries. If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact:

temprecruit@aqa.org.uk

Smart Working

We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Conflict of Interest

Please note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations.

Safeguarding

AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly.

For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website here. 

Contact

Temporary roles: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk
Permanent and Fixed Term roles: opportunities@aqa.org.uk