Lead Test Automation Engineer

Base Location: Reading, Havant, Leeds, Glasgow, Perth, Inverness and Aberdeen

Salary: £69,105 - £81,406 and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time  | Flexible First options available

The Role

We’re looking for a Lead Test Automation Engineer to join the Product Platform Services value stream, responsible for ensuring the delivery of secure, scalable, and reliable test automation frameworks that underpin Thermal IT’s digital products. You’ll lead the evolution of test practices across Agile delivery teams, providing technical leadership, building reusable automation, and promoting quality throughout the development lifecycle. You’ll need strong experience in automation strategy, a deep understanding of modern test tooling and frameworks, and the ability to coach others while driving testing excellence. A background in enterprise-scale environments and a passion for continuous improvement are key.

You Will

As Lead Test Automation Engineer, you’ll be responsible for defining and leading test automation strategy, ensuring scalable, effective, and high-quality product delivery.

- Design, build, and maintain modular test automation frameworks that support Agile delivery pipelines across multiple workstreams.

- Collaborate with developers, product analysts, and DevOps engineers to embed test automation early and effectively in the delivery lifecycle.

- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and coaching to other test professionals across Thermal IT.

- Define and promote standards, tools, and best practices for test automation, ensuring alignment with organisational and regulatory standards.

- Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of automated test activities, including non-functional testing (e.g., performance, security, and availability).

You Have

- Proven experience designing, implementing, and leading test automation in complex enterprise environments using modern frameworks and tools (e.g. Selenium, Postman, Playwright, or equivalent).

- Experience building scalable automation frameworks and integrating them into CI/CD pipelines, ideally within Azure DevOps or equivalent platforms.

- Demonstrable ability to mentor and support test engineers, fostering capability growth and continuous improvement.

- Familiarity with non-functional test domains (e.g., performance, security) and experience managing testing risks and coverage across product portfolios.

- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a proactive and pragmatic approach to problem-solving and team collaboration.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're building the world's largest offshore wind farm. Transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

Our IT division powers growth across all SSE business areas by making sure we have the systems, software and security needed to take the lead in a low carbon world. They provide expertise, advice and day-to-day support in emerging technologies, data and analytics, cyber security and more.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact David.Brickell@sse.com / 01738 275846 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

#LI-DB2

#LI-Hybrid