Lead Test Engineer

Kainos Software Limited

Apply to this job
Birmingham Belfast Until 9/20/2026 3+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted June 26, 2026 Last posted July 22, 2026
Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future 

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.


We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.


Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE BUSINESS:
As a Lead Test Engineer (Consultant) in Kainos, you’ll be a technical leader and innovator in software testing, providing strong test leadership and direction within a multi-skilled agile team, within the public, defence or healthcare sector. Taking responsibility for the strategy, design and development of automated, manual, and non-functional tests, you’ll help the team to deliver working application software that meets user needs and is of sufficient quality for promotion to users. It’s a fast-paced environment so it is important for you to make sound, reasoned decisions. You’ll do this whilst learning about new technologies and approaches, with talented colleagues who will help you learn, develop and grow.

You’ll manage, coach and develop a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development. You’ll also provide direction and leadership for your team as you solve challenging problems together.

As a technical leader in the team, you will also interact with customers, share knowledge and mentor those around you.
 

MINIMUM (ESSENTIAL) REQUIREMENTS:

  • Experience of ensuring testing layers have adequate coverage in line with software testing principles and practices.

  • Expertise in designing, creating and maintaining tests scripts and test approaches, including manual and automated testing across all layers of an application including non-functional test coverage.

  • Experience using Test Automation open-source technologies (e.g. one of the following Selenium, JUnit,TestNG, Cucumber, Cypress), and configuring tools for testing such as Jenkins and/or TeamCity, within a continuous integration environment.

  • Practical knowledge of at least one object-oriented programming language (e.g. Java).

  • A high level of technical awareness and a sound understanding of software architectures.

  • We are passionate about developing people – experience in managing others, setting objectives, giving feedback and leading performance reviews.

  • Passionate technologist, keen to expand knowledge of latest QA tools, tech and methodologies.

DESIRABLE:

  • Operating within a Test Lead role (or similar) on a medium-large sized Agile project.

  • Demonstrable experience of effective stakeholder management and commercial awareness.

  • Experience within defence, health or public sectors

Embracing our differences   

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive.   We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are.   We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. 

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. 

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.

 

About this role

Summary

Lead software testing efforts, develop strategies, and manage testing teams in agile environments.

Job title

Lead Test Engineer

Experience level

mid to senior level

Minimum experience

3+ years exp

Industry

software

Location requirements

UK-based or remote work allowed

Salary

Not specified

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

test automationSeleniumJUnitTestNGCucumberJenkinsTeamCityJavasoftware architecturesteam management

Preferred skills

defencehealthpublic sectorsstakeholder managementagile

Specializations

testingautomationmanual testingnon-functional testingtest automation
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

United Kingdom

Remote Country

Birmingham, UK

On-site City

Belfast, UK

On-site City