Senior Software Test Engineer/Test Lead

Location: Royston (SG8)
Duration: 12-month contract initially with the potential to be extended
Hours: 9am - 5:30pm, mainly office based
Salary: circa £50 per hour - outside IR35
Job Reference: 36204

Polytec are seeking an experienced Senior Software Test Engineer / Test Lead to support the delivery of multiple software releases across 2026-2027. 
This is a hands-on leadership role, combining test strategy ownership with day-to-day technical delivery in a collaborative Agile environment for our Royston based client. 

Responsibilities

• Define and implement overall test strategy, coverage and approach
• Analyse requirements and convert them into test cases and test plans
• Lead system and integration testing, including hardware/software interactions
• Design and execute manual and automated regression testing
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts (Ranorex or similar)
• Manage defect lifecycle: logging, tracking, triage and re-testing
• Own and deliver test reporting, dashboards and final test summaries
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior test engineers
• Support estimation activities and oversee team workload planning
• Collaborate within a cross-functional Agile team, contributing to ceremonies and continuous improvement
• Participate in peer reviews, code reviews (test automation) and team governance activities
 
Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Software Test Engineer or Test Lead
• Strong background in testing desktop and web-based applications
• Experience with manual and automated testing frameworks (e.g. Ranorex)
• Solid understanding of test strategy development, test design and execution
• Experience handling release testing and documentation
• Experience with system integration testing, including hardware environments
• Familiarity with Agile / SAFe methodologies
• Ability to lead, mentor and support a small test team
• Strong defect management and analytical skills
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders
 
Additional Information

• 12-month contract opportunity
• Predominantly office-based due to device testing requirements
• Working as part of a wider Agile delivery programme

Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below!