Band 4 Quality Assurance Test Analyst – Safeguards Information Management and Reporting System (SIMRS)
Background
As part of its 2025 strategy, ONR is committed to being a modern and transparent regulator, delivering trusted outcomes and value. We are making substantial investments in new digital technologies and skills to enhance our regulatory processes and management of information.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation is the UK’s independent nuclear regulator, with the legal authority to regulate nuclear safety, security, and safeguards at 36 licensed nuclear sites in Great Britain (GB). ONR also regulates the transport of nuclear and radioactive materials by road, rail, and inland waterways.
Our work is critical to the protection of society at large, so it is important that we do it with rigour, diligence, and with an appropriate level of assurance.
Job Purpose
SIMRS (Safeguards Information Management and Reporting System) is a critical component of the UK State System of Accounting for and Control (SSAC) of nuclear material that underpins the provision of our monthly cycle of statutory reporting to the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and other international partner states in meeting the UK’s international safeguards obligations. It is also fundamental in allowing ONR to regulate the UK nuclear industry against domestic safeguards regulations through the provision of an accountancy function.
Working alongside safeguards specialists and the ONR IT department, you will play a pivotal role in the management of the quality assurance and change process across multiple environments to enable continuous development whilst helping to coordinate the release schedule to ensure improvements do not impede BAU activities.
Principal Responsibilities
* Define test scenarios/cases from source material (e.g., requirements, user story) or subject matter experts in the absence of source material.
* Raise any potential gaps in coverage of test scope with the Test Lead during test design activity.
* Conduct testing as set out in the test plan and provide timely & detailed updates to the Test Lead.
* Identify and document defects/bugs encountered during test execution activity and help prioritize based on defect severity/impact to the business.
* Track defects/bugs through to resolution and plan out retests & appropriate regression testing where required.
* Aid the development/support teams during their defect/bug investigations.
* Contribute to ideas and provide feedback/recommendations to assist in the development of the products and services.
We are looking to develop an individual to deliver this important role for ONR. At the start of this training period, you will have the principal responsibilities. However, as you become more proficient, the responsibilities will increase until the role can be carried out in full.
* There will be an extensive period of training (minimum 15 months) working with the current IT contractors who have developed significant knowledge of SIMRS over a number of years. The additional responsibilities you will be training in are:
o Maintain the SIMRS Test strategy and ensure best alignment to the agreed principles both by ONR and 3rd party suppliers during all development cycles.
o Produce Test Plans and End of Test Reports for each development project, for all agreed test phases.
o Facilitate the ONR Safeguards accountancy team in maintaining the integrity of the monthly reports, in accordance with the IAEA acceptance standards.
o Ensure product compliance against quality improvement targets.
o Support the development of technical specifications for software changes.
o Manage standards for change and incident management aligned with suppliers, the ONR IT Service Management/Managed Service provider, and the regulatory division.
o Understand the impact of software changes and identify potential risks to the business. Identify and mitigate those risks by taking tangible steps by shaping the Test approach and scope.
o Support and manage 3rd party suppliers for Accessibility and Penetration Testing.
o Determine & measure variances against quality and operational performance/functional standards.
* Gain knowledge of the governance associated with decisions related to SIMRS and key interfaces with other roles.
* Gain International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) certification to become a certified tester:
o Foundation
o Technical Test Analyst/Test Analyst
o Test Manager
Line Management Responsibilities
* None currently; however, at this level, there could be an expectation to manage staff in the future.
Person Specification
Inclusion
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We will consider reasonable adjustments to ensure the recruitment process is inclusive and barrier-free. Please contact ONR.Human-Resources@onr.gov.uk or jessica.normile-curran@onr.gov.uk to discuss further.
We will also offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for applicants who opt into the guaranteed interview scheme.
We recognise we have a role to play in helping those leaving the Armed Forces and have a Veterans guaranteed interview scheme. We offer an interview to Veterans who meet the minimum criteria for applicants who opt into the scheme. Please see eligibility criteria below.
* Served for at least one year in His Majesty's Armed Forces (as a Regular or Reserve).
* Be in transition from, or ceased to be a member of, His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
* Not already be employed by ONR.
Skills, Attributes and Experience
Essential
* Proven ability of working to deadlines, prioritising effectively whilst demonstrating attention to detail.
* Enthusiastic about the role and a commitment to continued professional development in IT.
* Developed communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
* Proven decision-making skills and experience.
* The ability to manage and deliver a quality service.
* Confidence in the use of modern Microsoft-based IT tools and applications.
Desirable
Experience with:
* Functional testing
o Manual testing covering System & User Acceptance Testing
o Experience in the definition & execution of test scenarios/cases.
o Experience of logging, analysing & reporting defects/bugs.
o ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation.
o Non-functional testing and techniques.
Location / Travel
This post may be undertaken from a base at any one of ONR’s office locations (Bootle, Cheltenham, or London).
ONR operates hybrid working (a mix of working in the office or at home) as part of our flexible working policy. There is an expectation that everyone will spend time in the office on a regular basis, recognising that some work is better done face-to-face. Managers will work with their teams on what works best to meet individual, team, business, and organisational needs to enable collaboration, as well as balancing personal choice and wellbeing.
Work with Us
Our colleagues are from all walks of life with varied personal experiences and career journeys into ONR. We want the best people for our roles. As an inclusive employer, we value individuals’ contributions, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, social background, religion, or belief. Our values ‘supportive, open-minded, fair and accountable’ are central to this. We invest in our people to build capability, resilience, and promote wellbeing in our great teams, underpinned by our inherent focus on inclusion and excellence.
Security Clearance
The posts require national security clearance at the “SC” level. Applicants should be prepared to undergo the necessary clearance procedure and secure clearance before commencing the role.
For Further Information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Adam Gewargis, ONR IT Test Manager.
Adam.gewargis@onr.gov.uk
How to apply
Please submit your application through the recruitment portal.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 11 December 2024 at 11:45pm.
Your application should include:
* CV to include a full record of your education and professional qualifications and a full employment history.
* A suitability statement (maximum of 800 words) highlighting how you meet the ‘essential skills and experience” required for the role, which will be used at shortlisting in conjunction with your CV.
* Where applicable highlight if you have any experience under ‘desirable skills and experience’ within the application form.
Throughout our shortlisting process, we will make decisions about your capability to do the job, based on evidence you provide against the essential criteria (and the desirable if applicable).
AI Tools & Platforms
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