Job summary
Are you an experienced test engineer?
Can you confidently test against Web based interfaces and API’s?
Do you have experience of testing tools such as Bruno and Xray?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
Find out more about what it's like working at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - Department for Transport Careers
Job description
A Test Engineer is responsible for creating solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of testing processes. They apply established engineering standards to design, develop, and execute a range of technical tests.
This role ensures a high‑quality, reliable testing service by planning, designing, and performing all testing activities, including work on legacy systems.
The Test Engineer verifies and validates code using appropriate tools and methodologies, supporting the Scrum team in delivering tasks and achieving a clear definition of ‘done.’
Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
- Determine test scope and estimate the effort required
- Use technical tooling and engineering approaches to design and execute tests
- Develop reports, record outcomes and support the resolution of defects
- Contribute to and follow engineering practices and standards
For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Open Sessions: Would you like to find out more about the role, the team and what it’s like to work in our department? If so, we are organising an open session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on Tuesday 8th September at 12pm. Sign up here:
https://www.ticketsource.com/dvlaitsrecruitment/heo-test-engineer-familiarisation-session/2026-09-08/12:00/t-zopvkvx
Person specification
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- You will be comfortable reading and writing stories in the Gherkin specification language.
- You will have real experience of using test tooling to assist you in testing both web-based user interfaces and APIs. You will proactively look to implement Continuous Testing principles to speed up the feedback cycle for all elements of quality, such as security and accessibility.
- You will have experience as a Test Analyst or Test Engineer and able to work across multiple delivery squads and be able to have difficult conversations when your testing has identified defects. You will actively seek and consider input of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and collaborate with others to share information, resources and support.
Working for the DVLA Digital Team
At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that’ll wash across the nation. Here the work you’re doing has the capacity to change the way 50 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day.
To see how our people are transforming our digital services, head over to our DVLA Digital Services Blog and, to understand more about the great opportunities and benefits of working at DVLA read our Inside DVLA blog.
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements
Applications will be accepted from full time/part time/job sharers. Full time roles at DVLA consist of 37 hours per week. Part time and/or flexible working may also be available subject to the needs of the business. If you have a flexible or part time working requirement, you should contact the vacancy holder in advance of making an application to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your desired working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role. To contact the vacancy holder, please use the job contact details listed under ‘Contact point for applicants’.
This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (the location cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.
If you have a question about hybrid working, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role. To contact the vacancy holder, please use the job contact details listed under ‘Contact point for applicants’.
Security Checking
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, candidates will be required to have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK. All applicants for this role must ensure that they meet this minimum residency requirement - if you do not, your application will be withdrawn.
Visa Sponsorship
Please take note that DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Designing and executing tests (working)
- Test and quality planning (working)
