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Outside IR35: 450 - 500 p/d
Hybrid: 2 days p/w into London
Active SC is a must
6 months initial with likely extensions
We are seeking a hands-on Senior QA / Test Lead to take ownership of Quality Assurance for a critical software project. This role will oversee a small delivery team (4 developers and a junior tester) building embedded, low-level software to support operational capability. You will define and drive the QA strategy, ensure requirements traceability, and play a key role in progressing the solution through Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) towards deployment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all QA and test activities, ensuring compliance with relevant defence assurance standards.
- Define and implement QA processes, tooling, and reporting to establish robust quality practices.
- Collaborate with developers to embed automated testing and maintain requirements traceability.
- Create, manage, and execute test plans, test cases, and the defect lifecycle.
- Mentor junior testers and provide day-to-day oversight of test execution.
- Support TRL progression and ensure readiness for operational deployment.
- Identify, prioritise, and communicate risks, along with proposed mitigating actions.
- Active SC Clearance is essential.
- Proven experience in QA/Test leadership within defence, aerospace, or safety-critical software environments.
- Background in testing production-grade embedded/low-level software on hardware systems.
- Strong understanding of TRLs and operational readiness requirements.
- Expertise in test design, requirements traceability, and defect management.
- Ability to mentor and guide testers while working collaboratively with developers.
- Inquisitive, solutions-focused approach to problem solving, with the ability to simplify complex challenges.
