Lead Test Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineer to take ownership of our automated testing capability and help drive the next phase of our quality journey. We already have a strong foundation, including a Playwright based automation framework and a substantial automated UI test pack. This role will focus on expanding and evolving that capability: increasing coverage, improving reliability, integrating automation into delivery workflows, and shaping how we test new functionality and new components.

You will work closely with engineers and QA colleagues, and you will provide guidance and practical support to our manual QA testers as they develop their own automation skills. The ideal candidate is hands-on, pragmatic, and self-directed, someone who can identify what needs doing, propose sensible improvements, and deliver at pace with minimal direction. You will report directly to the Chief Technology Officer and provide regular updates to our IT Delivery Manager, * Own and evolve the Playwright UI automation suite, expanding coverage across critical user journeys and high-risk areas.

• Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable Playwright based automated tests ( .NET preferred with BDD knowledge using ReqnRoll), following best practices for reliability and maintainability.
• Improve automation quality (stability, speed, diagnostics), including reducing flaky tests and strengthening reporting/observability of failures.
• Define and drive the test approach for new functionality and new components, including services and integrations (e.g., Azure Functions, APIs, background processes), not just UI.
• Collaborate with developers and QA to ensure testability is built into delivery (clear acceptance criteria, suitable test hooks, pragmatic test strategies).
• Integrate and optimise automated testing within CI/CD (e.g. Azure DevOps), including gating, smoke/regression strategies, and environment-aware execution.
• Assist in defect triage and support timely resolution by providing clear evidence, repro steps, and technical insight into root cause patterns.
• Mentor and support manual QA testers as they progress towards automation, including pairing, coaching, and creating simple patterns they can follow safely.
• Create and maintain clear documentation, standards, and "how we test here" guidance that enables consistent delivery across the team.
• Proactively identify gaps and propose improvements across the wider quality approach (e.g. API automation, contract testing, performance checks, data/test environment strategy)., This job description is non-contractual and the postholder will be expected to perform additional duties and tasks that may be assigned by management from time to time to suit business needs.

Do you have experience in UI?, * Proven experience building and maintaining test automation in modern software delivery environments, with a bias for pragmatic outcomes over theory.

• Solid understanding of testing strategy and how to balance UI, API/service, and integration testing to achieve confidence efficiently.
• Experience working with CI/CD pipelines (ideally Azure DevOps), including test execution, reporting, and quality gates.
• Comfortable testing systems built on a .NET backend and JavaScript-based frontend; able to work effectively with engineers across both stacks.
• Experience testing APIs and service components (including serverless such as Azure Functions) and shaping a sensible approach for automated coverage beyond the UI.
• Strong problem-solving skills: able to investigate ambiguous failures, isolate causes, and drive improvements that reduce repeat issues.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, able to explain technical concepts clearly and support colleagues with different levels of automation experience.
• Experience coaching or leading within a QA/testing function (informal leadership is fine) and influencing quality practices across a delivery team.

• Workplace pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave in addition to the normal bank holidays (pro-rated for part time hours)
• Flexible working hours
• Private Healthcare Insurance
• Discount schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health and wellbeing scheme that provides free access to a confidential phoneline, GP and counselling services
• Career development and opportunities for progression and training.

Medefer is a Disability Confident Employer.

Medefer is an innovative CQC registered healthcare provider that aims to transform the way that healthcare is delivered by enabling healthcare systems to provide patients with the best healthcare experience - timely, efficient and effective. Founded by Consultants and GPs working in the NHS, our culture is driven by a deeply held commitment to the NHS and delivering transformational change to the patient experience. We are a passionate, dedicated and patient-focused team striving to make healthcare fit for the 21st century. Our vision is to completely re-frame the way that healthcare is delivered. Medefer's technology platform delivers world-class leading safety, whilst delivering a unique approach in delivering a national service to patients, from referral, to treatment and discharge.