via Reed · 1 October 2026 ·4 days ago

Principal Test Engineer

Matchtech
Stockport Full-time GBP 65,000 – 75,000
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Our client, a leading organisation in the technology and insurance sector, is seeking a Principal Test Engineer to provide technical leadership across complex technology programmes. This permanent role offers a hybrid working pattern, with two days per week based in the London, Bournemouth or Stockport office, alongside flexible working options.

Key Responsibilities: • Lead the end-to-end software testing lifecycle across large-scale programmes, including planning, estimation, execution, defect management and reporting

  • Own testing strategy, governance and delivery across multiple projects, ensuring consistent and effective quality assurance

  • Design and evolve scalable test automation frameworks, promoting automation standards, continuous integration and modern engineering practices

  • Act as a recognised test engineering authority, providing technical leadership and guidance on testing standards and best practice

  • Drive quality across complex distributed systems, including microservices, APIs, cloud-based environments and multi-system integrations

  • Influence senior stakeholders, architects, developers and product teams on requirements, testability, design decisions and launch readiness

  • Lead non-functional testing strategies covering performance, accessibility and security, while researching emerging and AI-powered testing solutions

  • Coach and mentor test engineers, contributing to communities of practice and the continued development of test engineering capability

Job Requirements: • Significant experience leading testing and quality engineering across large-scale, complex technology programmes
  • Recognised expertise in test engineering, software testing, test automation and modern quality practices

  • Advanced experience designing automation frameworks and embedding testing within CI/CD pipelines

  • Strong technical capability in a modern programming language, with experience testing APIs, microservices and distributed systems

  • Experience defining and implementing testing strategies, governance frameworks and enterprise-wide quality standards

  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and collaborate with third-party partners

  • Understanding of non-functional testing, including performance, accessibility and security testing

  • A proven ability to coach and develop test engineering talent, alongside an interest in innovation and AI-enabled testing practices

Benefits: • Performance-related bonus scheme
  • Employer pension contributions

  • Comprehensive health insurance with access to rewards and wellbeing benefits

  • Life assurance

  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

  • Professional development, career progression and opportunities to contribute to technical communities

  • A supportive culture focused on wellbeing, inclusion, learning and continuous improvement

  • Opportunities to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation and make a positive impact on society


If you are a Principal Test Engineer with expertise in software testing, automation framework design and quality strategy leadership, apply now to help shape reliable, scalable technology solutions across a range of customer journeys.

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