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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Test Automation Engineer - Principal & Senior Roles - **Company:** Hastings Insurance Services Limited - **Location:** Bexhill, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, JIRA, Automation of Tests, C Sharp (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, Github, Human-Computer Interaction, Scrum Methodology, Selenium, SoapUI, Test Management, TypeScript, Postman, Cypress (Programming Language), Gherkin, Playwright, Cucumber (Software), Selenium Webdriver, Software Version Control, Jenkins - **Published:** July 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://hastingsdirect.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/external_careers/job/Bexhill/Test-Automation-Engineer---Principal---Senior-Roles_60012896-1 ## About the Role * Proficient practical experience working in a Testing Automation role * Extensive experience working in an agile environment * Transformational leadership skills being able to influence decision making and implement new tools, processes and procedures in support of the company's vision * Good mentoring skills to support direct reports in their ongoing development Tools & Technologies: * Proficient knowledge of at least on agile methodology (e.g. Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) * Familiar with backlog and test case management in a system of record such as Jira or Octane * Excellent knowledge using declarative Gherkin to capture business rules, run as automated tests with Cucumber * Strong coding skills to implement automated tests in one or more of Java, JavaScript, Typescript, C# * Comfortable with source control using GitHub * Skilled in user interface automation with Selenium & Selenium Grid, Playwright or Cypress * Ability to implement tests against API either in code or via tools such as SoapUI, Postman * Good understanding and experience using continuous integration platforms such as AzureDevOps or Jenkins (or equivalent) ## Description We are looking for both Senior and Principal Test Engineers, the roles will involve the following; * Provide automation capabilities that support the Scrum Teams to deliver on the Automation Only approach, reducing the percentage of tests that cannot be automated through designing and implementing extensions / adjustments to the Automation Frameworks. * Ensure SCRUM teams apply critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs, support the testing and continuous improvement of AI-enabled solutions, and help drive the responsible and effective adoption of AI within everyday delivery. * Use AI tools extensively to accelerate the creation, maintenance and optimisation of test automation and test cases while improving quality and efficiency. Promotes effective human lead AI practices within SCRUM teams. * Create effective prompts and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs, identifying inaccuracies, gaps and improvement opportunities. Supports colleagues in adopting AI effectively and responsibly. * Contribute to the testing of AI-enabled solutions and ensure that AI tools are used in line with security, privacy, cost and governance requirements. Stays informed about emerging AI capabilities and recommends improvements to engineering practices. * Identify new opportunities to enhance / extend our test automation capabilities with new and/or updated tooling, supporting the evaluation, decision making, implementation and maintenance of these tools. * Provide capabilities to support the provision of timely and accurate Test Automation MI for all Scrum Teams, which includes quality measures where possible supporting continuous improvement. * Mentoring all direct reports, junior staff, and new joiners to achieve the necessary competencies to progress. ## Related Videos - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [Innovating Developer Tools with AI: Insights from GitHub Next](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1268-innovating-developer-tools-with-ai-insights-from-github-next) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Continuous testing - run automated tests for every change!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/190-continuous-testing-run-automated-tests-for-every-change) - [Bringing AI Model Testing and Prompt Management to Your Codebase with GitHub Models](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1536-bringing-ai-model-testing-and-prompt-management-to-your-codebase-with-github-models) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)