Senior Test Engineer (AI)

Across government, the successful adoption of artificial intelligence depends not only on innovation, but on the ability to assure quality, reliability and ethical use at scale. As AI systems become embedded in critical services, robust testing and validation practices are essential to ensure that models perform as expected, outputs are trustworthy and risks are effectively managed. Ofgem plays a vital role in the UK’s energy system, protecting consumers and enabling a more secure, fair and sustainable energy future, and strong assurance of AI-enabled services is critical to delivering this mission.

Ofgem is on an ambitious transformation journey. Within the Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are building advanced data and AI capabilities to support innovation, improve efficiency and enhance decision-making. As part of this, we are embedding modern testing practices across digital, data and AI services, ensuring that quality is built into every stage of delivery.

As the Senior Test Engineer for AI, you will play a key role in ensuring the quality and reliability of AI and data-driven solutions. You will lead the design and implementation of testing strategies for complex systems, including AI models, data pipelines and digital services. You will work across multidisciplinary teams, embedding test-driven and behaviour-driven development practices and promoting a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

This is a senior, hands-on technical role requiring strong expertise in testing, automation and AI systems, alongside the ability to influence and mentor across delivery teams., * Leading the design and execution of test strategies across AI, data and digital services, ensuring alignment with organisational standards and delivery objectives.

• Designing and implementing testing approaches for AI systems, including model validation, data quality assurance and pipeline testing.
• Embedding quality practices such as TDD and BDD across delivery teams, ensuring early and continuous testing throughout the lifecycle.
• Developing and maintaining automated test frameworks and integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines.
• Identifying risks and issues from test results, providing clear insight and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborating with engineers, data scientists and product teams to ensure quality is embedded from design through to deployment.
• Leading defect management processes, analysing trends and supporting continuous improvement in quality and testing practices.
• Championing new testing approaches and tools, including AI-driven testing and predictive analytics.
• Coaching and mentoring team members, contributing to capability development and knowledge sharing across the organisation.
• Ensuring compliance with accessibility, security and governance standards within testing practices.

We are looking for:

A technically strong and forward-thinking testing professional who can lead quality assurance for AI and data-driven systems. You will bring experience in modern testing practices, alongside an understanding of AI and data platforms., At Ofgem, we expect our staff to carry out their roles with honesty, fairness and openness. They should follow the Civil Service code and be free from any influence or bias. We are committed to making sure interests are recognised, declared and managed appropriately so that we can fulfil our duties as an energy regulator. Our Conflicts of Interest policy outlines the types of interests Ofgem staff must declare before onboarding, and the rules they must follow throughout employment so that we can clearly demonstrate that our decisions are not influenced by private interests. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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., * 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

You may come from a testing, QA, data or engineering background, but you will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience managing testing across complex systems, including AI and data platforms
• Strong knowledge of automated testing frameworks and tools within Microsoft-based environments
• Experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g. Python, Java, SQL or JavaScript)
• A solid understanding of CI/CD, DevOps and cloud-based testing integration
• The ability to analyse risks, manage defects and drive continuous improvement in quality

An ISTQB Advanced certification (or equivalent) is expected (or willingness to obtain).

Experience working in agile delivery environments, and exposure to AI model validation or data pipeline testing, would be beneficial.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in ensuring that Ofgem’s AI and data-driven services are reliable, ethical and high quality. You will help embed robust assurance practices across the organisation, supporting innovation while maintaining trust and performance in critical systems., * Extensive expertise in managing quality across the AI solution development lifecycle in a Microsoft AI environment using testing platforms and tools, including Azure Test Plan, Co-pilot Studio, Co-pilot studio CLI and PowerShell tools, AI foundry and AI foundry Agent evaluation SDK (Lead Criteria)

• Proficiency in one or more coding languages (e.g. Python, Java, R, SQL, or JavaScript). (Lead Criteria)
• Strong understanding of AI CI/CD, DevOps and cloud-based test integration practices.

Holds or can obtain the following certifications or equivalent:

• ISTQB Certified (Advanced Level)

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within agile delivery environments., * Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• You will also be invited to complete a technical test. Full details will be included in the invitation to interview., This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Alongside your salary of £49,452, OFGEM contributes £14,326 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides . Ofgem can offer you a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes; 30 days annual leave after 2 years; Excellent training and development opportunities; The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension which also includes a valuable range of benefits; hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office but this is kept under review), flexible working hours and family friendly policies. Plus lots of other benefits including clean and bright offices based centrally, engaged networks and teams and an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious and important targets of establishing a Net Zero energy system by 2050. This exciting blend of professional challenge and personal reward identifies career opportunities at Ofgem as something to get excited about.