At the UK Data Archive, we hold the largest collection of social science survey data in the UK. Our strategy in the next three to five years is to be a world-class repository for cross-disciplinary data that allows customers to find and analyse the highest quality data both securely and quickly. Testing, security and quality are at the heart of our systems and we are looking for a skilled software test engineer to join our development team. As a software test engineer, you will be responsible for evaluating software functions and designing test protocols to ensure that products work as intended. You will also be responsible for designing and implementing our next generation of software delivery pipelines. We are looking for a talented all-rounder to work in a small, motivated, multi-disciplinary team who isn’t afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and think differently about how we do things. This is a great opportunity to upskill in cloud and containerization technologies as we transform our development infrastructure over the next three years.
In conjunction with the development team, you will be responsible for designing, maintaining and optimizing the software QA, testing & deployment infrastructure. This includes finalizing and documenting testing procedures; designing, optimizing and maintaining Secure CI (Continuous Integration) and CD (Continuous Delivery) software delivery pipelines; managing and optimizing security for the software development infrastructure, including management of GitLab, Jenkins, Nexus IQ Server and SonarQube.
In addition, you will be responsible for running test programs to ensure that testing protocols evaluate the software correctly; meeting with developers and project managers to discuss software specifications and controls and appropriate test parameters; assisting end-users and project managers with User Acceptance Testing and completing final tests and creating test reports.
The Software Testing Engineer should have a good knowledge of software design and engineering, and familiarity with different testing methods, as well as an understanding of software delivery infrastructure, including automated build pipelines like Jenkins and code analysis tools like SonarQube. It will be an advantage to be aware of secure development issues e.g. OWASP top 10. Most importantly, you can demonstrate an ability to think about and analyse software and its deployment in a structured and logical way, with an ability to acquire new knowledge quickly.
A full list of duties and responsibilities and applicant requirements can be found within the job pack.
This post is fixed term until 31/03/2024 due to the cyclical nature of the funding. Whilst this a full-time post (36 hours per week), a job share arrangement could be considered for the right candidates and we would similarly welcome applications from those looking to work 0.5 FTE (18 hours per week) on this basis. We would also consider applications from anyone wishing to work upwards from 0.8 FTE.
This post involves access to Government systems, information or data and will be subject to the staff vetting process. Further information can be found in the job pack.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please email the Resourcing Team (resourcing@essex.ac.uk).
*More information: Working at the University
