About the CDS Technology team We create and develop software that makes a difference to people s lives. We work on projects that fit with the CDS core values of making a positive difference, and we feel good about our work. Our hybrid working model is centred around a team delivery approach; meaning our people come first. Supporting each other to balance work and life is core to our success, so if it works for you and for the team we have a winning formula. We measure our successes by what we achieve in our working week, over when the work is done. Plus, with limited client site visits we really have adopted a flexible approach to project delivery which works for everyone. About the role As part of the QA team, the Senior Automation Engineer will be working across a variety of projects with the purpose of improving processes and quality standards, with a specific focus on creating and automating the quality assurance of our customers' platforms. We have an extensive automation test platform in place and are looking for a person who will help drive forwards innovation and performance across the entire suite of projects and products that CDS develops. A highly technical role that will have a direct impact on the success of the whole of CDS. Responsibilities We are looking for someone who can Work closely with their team to develop and deliver automated testing for software projects and actively contribute to the development discussion. Work across multiple projects on core development, bespoke client requests, and performance quality assurance. Keep up to date on development technology across automation software development. Develop and support across the entire test development spectrum and take ownership of complex tasks. Produce quality code and peer-review pull requests, helping others create quality as well. Working with server logs and analysing to aid in working alongside dev-ops engineers, finding root causes of performance problems. Actively contribute towards continual change and improvement in an agile delivery process. Support our mid-level and junior testers (across manual, automation, and performance testing), as well as any apprentices. Help define your work in planning sessions with clients and Business Analysts. Monitor trends and identify opportunities for improvement within CDS. Requirements As a Senior Automation Engineer we expect a high level of technical expertise. This includes Proficient in one or more development languages (e.g., C#, Java, JavaScript, Python) Cloud technology experience such as Microsoft Azure and/or AWS. Solid experience and practical hands-on skills with several of the following: Visual Studio Test Manager Selenium SpecFlow (Cucumber / Gherkin) Visual Studio Performance Profiler OWASP Testing Tools Appropriate ISTQB/ISEB qualification Strong understanding of SDLC and STLC and how they fit into CI/CD pipeline. Working knowledge of JIRA and Microsoft Azure DevOps. Be efficient in k6 or a similar performance test tool (e.g., loadninja or Neoload). Competent in root cause analysis. Understanding of system architecture and performance issues. Deep knowledge and understanding of core testing tools and approaches. Thorough understanding and experience in desktop, mobile and bespoke application testing. An understanding of accessibility standards and testing guidelines. We also expect a level of technical leadership, including Genuine interest in learning, applying, and working on new emerging technology. A great team player that has gained the respect of others. A clear, confident, and effective communicator who is comfortable speaking with customers. Well organised. Possess a keen eye for detail and encourage others to do the same. Experience of delivery in both Agile and Waterfall projects. Be passionate about the QA function and always look for improvements in this area. Possess the ability to work well with others in the technical team and be able to maintain good working relationships with others outside of that team. Leads by example. Vetting Due to the nature of this role and the business, you will need to either currently hold UK Government clearance to a minimum of SC level or be able to undergo and maintain this level of clearance. Hybrid & Homeworking To ensure the health, safety & wellbeing of our employees we have minimum standards for homeworking environments which must be maintained. Further details available on request. In return we offer Attractive base salary 25 days holiday public holidays Company pension and life assurance scheme Medicash health plan online GP access, support services & discounted gym membership Complimentary fruit, coffee, tea, and Friday drinks at the office Wellbeing events/services in Leeds office Cycle to work scheme Season pass loan for rail & bus travel A business focused on professional development and personal growth opportunities Smart, engaged co-workers and a culture of inclusion, innovation, and opportunity About CDS CDS is an agency that enables strategic change in organisations. We help clients create, develop and deliver better services to meet the evolving needs of customers, employees and citizens. Our experts specialise in technical enablement, operational transformation, experience transformation and business process outsourcing. We improve outcomes by resolving complex insight, digital, data, technology and print challenges. Consequently, many of the largest, most complex organisations trust CDS to provide solutions that improve health, wealth and safety in the UK. For example: Digitally transforming the ability to report crime online for UK police forces. Building a new digital platform for the regulator Social Work England. Providing behavioural analysis and insight to drive EE's evolving digital and customer service offering and delivering marketing and operational print management services to the Ministry of Defence Our clients include National Rail Enquiries, the Cabinet Office, Bank of England, Open University and Insight Investments. We also work with global brands, including Coca Cola, McDonald s and Microsoft. Together with our parent company, Bailie Group, CDS is positioned as a leader in enabling change. We are a multi-award-winning agency recognised by the industries we serve and our peers for our innovations and contributions that truly make a positive difference. Our Inclusive Culture CDS positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We foster an inclusive culture that enables everyone to achieve their full potential and enjoy a fulfilling career with us. Recruitment Agency Disclaimer: Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) operates with Preferred Suppliers list for recruitment agencies which are reviewed periodically. When we choose to work with a preferred supplier, this supplier will be invited to support us in sourcing candidates for specific roles (submitted via a secure online portal). Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) only pay agency fees where an authorised member of the HR/Recruitment team has provided prior instructions to the recruitment agency to work on our behalf with reference to a particular role. We do not accept unsolicited speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. Receipt of unsolicited CVs via email or any other online platforms does not imply an introduction to Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop); therefore, no ownership of such candidates will be given. In the event that recruitment agencies submit unsolicited speculative CVs, we retain the right to contact, pursue and hire these candidates directly and consider them for current/future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers. Should you wish to be considered as a preferred supplier in the future or feel you have a niche skill set you can help with, then please send some company information to RecruitmentBailiegroup.co.uk Naturally, we receive a high level of interest from recruitment agencies, and as such, we will only contact you should we wish to discuss this further, please reframe from sending multiple emails. Submission of any unsolicited speculative CVs to Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) will be deemed evidence of full and unlimited acceptance of this statement.