Test Engineer (SFIA 4)

  • Opus Recruitment Solutions
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear
  • 21/05/2026
Contractor Information Technology Telecommunications

Job Description

Test Engineer (Data & Automation)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Test Engineer to support the delivery of high-quality data and application solutions. This role focuses on automation, data validation, and production analysis within a modern cloud-based environment. You will play a key role in ensuring system reliability, improving testing frameworks, and driving best practices across engineering teams.
This is a collaborative position requiring strong technical expertise, analytical thinking, and the ability to mentor others while working across complex data platforms.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks to improve testing efficiency and coverage
  • Analyse and interpret test results, identifying risks, issues, and areas for improvement
  • Produce clear reports on testing activities, outcomes, and associated risks
  • Automate data validation and application testing processes across distributed systems
  • Investigate production issues using data analysis to identify root causes
  • Work with orchestration tools (e.g., Apache Airflow) to monitor workflows and troubleshoot failures
  • Validate data using tools such as Jupyter Notebooks and Amazon Athena
  • Analyse data across multiple formats to ensure integrity and correctness of new functionality
  • Support CI/CD practices using Git-based workflows and pipeline automation
  • Participate in infrastructure and deployment activities, including containerisation and Infrastructure as Code
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into testable solutions
  • Mentor and guide team members on testing methodologies and best practices
Key Skills & Experience
Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in Python, SQL, and at least one additional programming language (e.g., Java)
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Bash
  • Strong understanding of automated testing frameworks and methodologies
  • Hands-on experience with Apache Airflow and log analysis
  • Familiarity with data processing tools such as Apache Spark
  • Experience working with cloud platforms and services, including:
    • Monitoring and logging tools
    • Storage and data services
    • Compute and container services
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and version control systems (e.g., GitLab)
  • Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform)
  • Familiarity with Docker and containerised environments
Data & Analytics
  • Strong data analysis skills, including working with structured and semi-structured data
  • Experience validating and querying data using tools such as Athena and notebooks
  • Understanding of data modelling concepts, including dimensional models and slowly changing dimensions
  • Ability to generate realistic test data for various scenarios
Additional Knowledge
  • Understanding of distributed data platforms and big data environments (e.g., EMR)
  • Knowledge of encryption principles (client-side and server-side)
  • Awareness of production system monitoring and incident analysis
Soft Skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly
  • Proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks
  • Ability to mentor and support less experienced team members
  • Collaborative mindset with experience working in agile delivery environments
Working Arrangements
  • UK-based role with flexible location
  • Occasional travel required for team collaboration sessions and workshops