Software Development Engineer in Test

At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), we take testing very seriously and we automate as much as we can. Our Software Development Engineer in Test (SDETs) are building best-in-class test automation software so that we can build products quickly and safely.

We will look to you to build and execute test automation for our brand new or newly transformed services. You will be a critical part of a squad following a behaviour-driven design approach (ATDD) making sure our software is tested and testable and continually driving all aspects of quality improvements.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build upon your skills and experience while helping to build world class digital services that pave the way for future business transformation. If you love to test and code and want to work with cutting edge cloud-first technologies, we encourage you to apply.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren?t limited to:

• Developing and executing test automated frameworks.
• Working in an agile environment with product development teams.
• Ensuring good engineering practices and knowledge sharing within your team.
• Working closely with business analysts and agile delivery managers to prepare and review user stories and tasks.
• Helping ensure that our services are resilient and supported.

For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Open Sessions:

Would you like to find out more about the role, the team and what it?s like to work in our department? If so, we are organising an open session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on Thursday 7th May at 1pm. Sign up here https://www.ticketsource.com/dvlaitsrecruitment/heo-software-development-engineer-in-test-sdet-fami Person specification, Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 35 hours per week.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Security Check

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, candidates will be required to have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK. All applicants for this role must ensure that they meet this minimum residency requirement - if you do not, your application will be withdrawn.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application. Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Modern development standards (Practitioner)
• Programming and build (software engineering) (Practitioner), Experience ? you will be asked to provide a CV (unlimited wordcount). Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:
• Experience using modern programming languages
• Demonstrable experience of automation in all aspects of test
• Practical experience of CI (Continuous Integration)

This sift will take place 14/05/2026

Stage 2: Pre-recorded video interview

If at sift your application is successful, you will be invited to the first stage of the interview process (hosted by Inspire People), where you will be asked to complete a pre-recorded video interview (this again will be based on the experience points outlined in the essential criteria on this advert).

If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to a final stage interview (which will include an assessment) and be conducted by DVLA Hiring Managers.

Stage 3: Interview & Technical Exercise

At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

• Behaviours ? Working Together
• Experience
• Technical ? Modern Development Standards (Practitioner), Programming and build (software engineering) (Practitioner)

The interviews will take place week commencing 25/05/2026.

Please note that the technical elements of the role will be assessed against Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (Skills) which you will be able to access here., If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service within the last 12 months, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .

See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• We are looking for experienced developers who are proficient in Automation Testing, able to use modern programming language and to programmatically test any software product and develop automation for it.
• You will have experience of improving QA efficiency through test automation and tools and will proactively look to implement Continuous Testing principles to speed up the feedback cycle for all elements of quality using automation by default.
• You will have a high attention to detail and not be afraid to challenge when required and will enjoy working as part of a team in a fast-paced Agile delivery environment.

Details Reference number 458730 Salary £39,163 The salary of £39,163 includes a non-pensionable Recruitment and Retention Allowance of £3,500. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP Job grade Higher Executive Officer Contract type Permanent Business area DVLA - Information Technology Services Type of role Digital Information Technology Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time Number of jobs available 5 Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location Swansea About the job Job summary

Do you have experience of automation development and Continuous Integration?

Would you like to work with leading serverless and cloud-based technologies?

If so, we?d love to hear from you!

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King?s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!, Benefits Alongside your salary of £39,163, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency contributes £11,345 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Best in class learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues
• Generous employer contribution of 28.9%, depending on chosen pension scheme
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
• Digital communities with clear career frameworks
• On-site gym plus personal training available (membership applies)
• On-site nursery, restaurants and coffee bar
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 each year (up to 30) & 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King?s birthday.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Free parking

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies .

At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that?ll wash across the nation. Here the work you?re doing has the capacity to change the way 53 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day. To see how our people are transforming our digital services, head over to our DVLA Digital Services Blog and, to understand more about the great opportunities and benefits of working at DVLA read our Inside DVLA blog.