Graduate QA Engineer in Oxford, Oxfordshire

Full job description

Looking for a career in technology but not necessarily software development?

Avanti Recruitment is working with an established Oxford-based software company that develops highly specialised products used by organisations operating in regulated and data-driven environments.

They are looking to hire a Graduate / Junior QA Engineer to join their growing Quality Assurance team. This role will require you in the office 3 days per week.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional who enjoys problem-solving, spotting details others miss and understanding how software works from a user's perspective.

No commercial QA experience is required. The company is happy to provide training for the right person, but you will need a 2:1 or above degree in a STEM subject.

The Role

As a QA Engineer, you'll be responsible for ensuring software is thoroughly tested before release.

You'll work closely with developers and product teams, helping to identify bugs, improve user experience and maintain high standards of software quality.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Testing new software features before release
• Investigating and reproducing software issues
• Verifying bug fixes
• Providing feedback on usability and functionality
• Reviewing documentation and product changes
• Working closely with developers and product managers
• Supporting software releases and quality standards

The role is primarily focused on manual testing, with opportunities to develop automation skills over time.

What We're Looking For

You will need to be Naturally curious and an analytical, detail-oriented, strong communicator, comfortable learning new technologies, interested in software quality/testing, and motivated to build a career within technology.

Must Have Skills & Experience

• STEM degree (or graduating this year) in a subject such as Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences or similar
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical and logical problem-solving ability
• Ability to learn new concepts and technologies quickly
• Strong organisational skills
• Genuine interest in software quality, testing and user experience
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment
• Willingness to work from the Oxford office a minimum of 3 days per week

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous software testing or QA experience (commercial, internship, placement year or personal projects)
• Experience with Java or Python
• Experience using Linux
• Familiarity with Jira or similar issue-tracking tools
• Understanding of Agile development methodologies
• Exposure to API testing
• Experience writing or maintaining automated tests
• Previous customer-facing experience
• Summer internships, industrial placements or part-time work demonstrating initiative and responsibility
• Understanding of software development lifecycles

What's On Offer?

£30,000 starting salary

Up to 8% annual bonus

Enhanced pension contributions

Childcare contribution scheme

Free office lunches twice per week

Dog-friendly office

Hybrid working

Excellent training and career development opportunities

Supportive and collaborative team environment

Interview Process

1st stage: Initial video interview (30 minutes)

Final: Face to face interview onsite in Oxford (60-90 minutes)

No coding test required.

If you're looking for an opportunity to join a successful technology company where you'll receive genuine support, training and long-term career development, then I want to hear from you.

Click Apply Now!!