Principal Test Engineer

Our client, a leading organisation in the technology and insurance sector, is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to provide technical leadership across complex technology programmes. This permanent role offers a hybrid working pattern, with two days per week based in the London, Bournemouth or Stockport office, alongside flexible working options.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end software testing lifecycle across large-scale programmes, including planning, estimation, execution, defect management and reporting

• Own testing strategy, governance and delivery across multiple projects, ensuring consistent and effective quality assurance

• Design and evolve scalable test automation frameworks, promoting automation standards, continuous integration and modern engineering practices

• Act as a recognised test engineering authority, providing technical leadership and guidance on testing standards and best practice

• Drive quality across complex distributed systems, including microservices, APIs, cloud-based environments and multi-system integrations

• Influence senior stakeholders, architects, developers and product teams on requirements, testability, design decisions and launch readiness

• Lead non-functional testing strategies covering performance, accessibility and security, while researching emerging and AI-powered testing solutions

• Coach and mentor test engineers, contributing to communities of practice and the continued development of test engineering capability Job Requirements:

• Significant experience leading testing and quality engineering across large-scale, complex technology programmes

• Recognised expertise in test engineering, software testing, test automation and modern quality practices

• Advanced experience designing automation frameworks and embedding testing within CI/CD pipelines

• Strong technical capability in a modern programming language, with experience testing APIs, microservices and distributed systems

• Experience defining and implementing testing strategies, governance frameworks and enterprise-wide quality standards

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and collaborate with third-party partners

• Understanding of non-functional testing, including performance, accessibility and security testing

• A proven ability to coach and develop test engineering talent, alongside an interest in innovation and AI-enabled testing practices Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus scheme

• Employer pension contributions

• Comprehensive health insurance with access to rewards and wellbeing benefits

• Life assurance

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

• Professional development, career progression and opportunities to contribute to technical communities

• A supportive culture focused on wellbeing, inclusion, learning and continuous improvement

• Opportunities to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation and make a positive impact on society If you are a Principal Test Engineer with expertise in software testing, automation framework design and quality strategy leadership, apply now to help shape reliable, scalable technology solutions across a range of customer journeys.