£95,000 DOE + Benefits | Manchester (with travel) | Must Hold Existing UK Security ClearanceAPPLICANTS MUST HAVE ENHANCED DV CLEARANCE FOR THESE ROLES - NO MOD DV CLEARANCE ACCPETED! I’m currently supporting a specialist organisation operating at the leading edge of Defence and Cyber Security as they continue to expand their engineering teams. We’re looking for Test Engineers who are passionate about quality, reliability, and building robust systems for mission‑critical environments.This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across complex platforms, collaborating closely with engineers, and shaping how testing is done—not just executing it.About the RoleAs a Test Engineer, you’ll be embedded within cross‑functional engineering teams, ensuring that software meets the highest standards of assurance. You’ll help define testing strategies, build automation frameworks, carry out exploratory testing, and contribute to a culture where quality is baked into every stage of delivery.This organisation welcomes applicants from varied backgrounds. Strong testing fundamentals, curiosity, and pragmatic problem‑solving matter more than familiarity with every specific tool.What You’ll Be DoingDesigning and executing manual and automated tests across complex software systemsBuilding, maintaining, and extending test automation frameworksPerforming exploratory and risk‑based testing to uncover edge casesWorking closely with engineers to improve testability and qualityContributing to continuous improvement across tools, frameworks, and practicesSkills & Experience (Any of the following)You don’t need everything listed—just a solid foundation and a willingness to learn.Technical Experience:Programming/scripting with Java, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScriptTesting web applications (e.g. Angular, React, Vue)Automated testing tools such as Robot Framework, Cypress, CucumberExperience building or evolving test frameworksExploratory and risk‑based testing approachesDesirable Exposure:Docker, Kubernetes, AWS or AzureModern stacks such as MERN, Elasticsearch, or Neo4JSecurity & Location RequirementsUK citizen with 10+ years UK residencyMust already hold high‑level UK security clearanceComfortable travelling to customer sites in Cheltenham or ManchesterBenefits & PackageSalary: £40,000–£85,000 (flexible for exceptional junior or senior candidates)10% clearance bonus25 days holiday + bank holidaysOption to buy/sell up to 5 days8% employer pension contributionBUPA health coverLife cover at 4× salaryEV salary‑sacrifice schemeEMI share schemeFlexible working + flexi-time10 days annual training allowanceIndividual training & career development plans for every employeeThis is a fantastic opportunity to work on meaningful, high‑impact systems within an environment that genuinely invests in professional growth.