DescriptionWe have an exciting opportunity for a Senior QAT Analyst (Non-Functional) in our Digital and Technology Group. This is a full-time, permanent role focused primarily on Non-Functional Testing (NFT) for our web and server-side microservice cloud-based solutions, as well as low-code environments like D365 and Appian.
The roles will be based in one of our two office sites in Canary Wharf, London or South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. We are currently operating a hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 40% of contracted hours working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. This may rise to 60% during the year. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, some roles will need to be on site more regularly.
Who are we?
The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including database and other technology platforms including both software and hardware infrastructure, leading the maintenance of applications directly and through management of outsourced service delivery providers, including the Agency IT and helpdesk and for the development and QA of and transition to new software and hardware infrastructure.
The Engineering team, made up of Software developers, DevOps engineers, Quality Assurance testers, and data professionals including engineers, scientists, and visualisation experts, is tasked with the creation of applications and services, ensuring quality for both new and existing agency offerings, and developing data visualisations through their expertise in data engineering and science.
What’s the role?
As a Senior QAT Analyst (Non-Functional), the post holder will primarily focus on Non-Functional Testing (NFT), ensuring the scalability, performance, reliability, security and accessibility of our systems. However, you will also occasionally be involved in Functional Testing working alongside Test Engineers and software developers to ensure all aspects of the software meet business requirements and provide an optimal user experience.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Develop testing solutions by taking a business-focused approach to identify testing needs and create practical solutions across various systems.
- Lead Test design, planning and execution to validate system behaviour by defining test strategies, independently planning and executing tests for both Functional and Non-functional
- Engage with stakeholders through regular communication with users, departments, vendors, and the broader agency to ensure that testing aligns with both business and technical requirements
- Perform security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure systems are secure from potential threats, using tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite.
- Ensure that systems can handle growing workloads and maintain high availability under stress, particularly in cloud environments such as Azure.
- Verify that web and mobile applications are accessible to users with disabilities, adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards and ensuring inclusivity.
- Contribute to functional test planning and execution for critical business functionalities, collaborating with functional testers to ensure end-to-end system quality.
This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to critical, high-impact projects while ensuring MHRA’s digital services are robust, secure, performant, and accessible to all users.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking a Senior QAT Analyst (Non-Functional Testing) with significant expertise in NFT, along with experience in Functional and Accessibility Testing. The ideal candidate will have:
- Extensive experience in performance, load, stress, and scalability testing using tools such as JMeter, LoadRunner, or similar.
- Proven ability to perform security testing using tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, or similar, with a focus on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.
- Proven ability to create test strategies, identify defects, and deliver solutions to ensure quality
- Experience in testing for accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 / 2.2) to ensure digital services are usable by people with disabilities (Desirable)
- Strong understanding of microservices architecture in cloud environments (ideally Azure), with experience in low-code platforms.
- Knowledge of non-functional automation tools and frameworks to support continuous testing and integration (Desirable)
- Experience with functional testing techniques (e.g., regression, UAT) and tools like JIRA, Zephyr, or similar for defect and test management.
- A natural problem solver who adapts to evolving requirements and handles complex challenges with confidence and creativity.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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How to apply:
Closing Date: 24December 2024
Sifting: 30December 2024 – 2 January 2025
Interview Date: 9– 10 January 2025
Application – please complete the online application on the Agency’s recruitment portal, ensuring that you provide full answers to all the application questions, with reference to the Behaviours, Experience and Technical Criteria set out in the Persons Specification section of the Job Description.
Please note, our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Please complete the ‘Work Experience’ section of the application fully, providing details of your previous roles, clearly describing your achievements and key responsibilities.
Interview – aligned to the Person Specification criteria marked “I” (Interview) in the Job Description.
Test – aligned to the Technical Criteria in the Person Specification, with more details given if you are shortlisted for interview.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the answers provided - ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the criteria for this role in the job description.
In the instance that we receive a high volume of applications, we will hold an initial sift against the following Technical criteria:
- Proficient in using performance testing tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, or similar, with experience in testing workloads on cloud platforms such as Azure.
Use of AI in Job Applications
Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Mira Mepa, Head of Recruitment and Operations, Mira.Mepa@mhra.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
info@csc.gov.uk
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