About the Role

As an Associate Engineer (Testing) at The Open University, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, performance, and security of our software applications. Working within a collaborative team environment, you will lead the testing processes to ensure that the software we develop not only meets but exceeds functional and non-functional requirements. You will be involved in every stage of the software development lifecycle, from planning and design through to implementation and support, ensuring that quality is embedded into every phase.

In this role, you will design and execute comprehensive test strategies, focusing on both functional and non-functional aspects, such as usability, performance, and security. You will collaborate closely with engineers, product managers, and designers to analyse user needs, ensuring that the applications we deliver are intuitive, user-friendly, and robust. You will also take ownership of quality management processes, ensuring that best practices in testing methodologies and tools are followed.

As part of your responsibilities, you will perform business process testing, ensuring that critical workflows are validated, and support test automation tools to streamline testing efforts. You will support post-deployment efforts by troubleshooting and resolving any software issues that arise, contributing to the smooth and efficient operation of our software applications. Additionally, you will be responsible for leading risk and process management within the testing lifecycle to ensure that potential issues are mitigated early.

We are looking for an individual with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for delivering high-quality software. If you enjoy working on complex projects, are proactive in problem-solving, and are excited about making a tangible impact, this role offers the perfect platform for professional growth and development.

At The Open University, we are always innovating. Join us and be part of a team that’s driving forward our technology, processes, and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead Testing Efforts: Design, execute, and manage detailed test plans, ensuring software meets quality, performance, and security standards. Support the development and running of automation testing (TEST, METL – Level 4).

· Support the Full Software Lifecycle: Collaborate across teams to support the testing across the development lifecycle, from requirements analysis to deployment, ensuring quality at every stage (SLEN – Level 3).

· Analyze User Needs: Participate in user needs analysis and usability evaluation, ensuring that the software delivers a seamless and intuitive experience (UNAN, USEV – Level 3).

· Quality Management: Maintain and enhance quality management processes, ensuring that testing adheres to organizational standards (QUMG, QUAS – Levels 4).

· Business Process Testing: Lead business process testing, ensuring that critical business functions are tested and validated effectively (BPTS – Level 4).

· Non-Functional Testing: Perform non-functional testing such as performance, security, and scalability testing, ensuring software robustness (NFTS – Level 3).

· Support and Problem Resolution: Provide post-deployment support, troubleshooting and resolving issues to maintain smooth operations (ASUP – Level 3).

· Contribute to Business Analysis: Work closely with stakeholders to ensure software testing aligns with business goals and requirements (BUSA, REQM – Levels 3, 2).

· Risk and Process Management: Assist in managing risks and validating business processes to maintain software integrity and minimize disruptions (RELM – Level 2, PGMB – Level 2).

You will support this work by developing and advocating for the Open University’s Engineering manifesto and promoting best practices.

Skills and Experience

· Proficiency in Testing: Expertise in creating and executing comprehensive test plans to ensure software quality and security (TEST – Level 4).

· User-Centered Evaluation: Skilled in analyzing user needs and evaluating the usability of software products (UNAN, USEV – Level 3).

· Quality Assurance Leadership: Strong background in maintaining and leading quality assurance processes (QUMG, QUAS – Levels 4).

· Tools and Methods Expertise: Knowledge of testing tools and methodologies to optimize software testing, testing automation and development (METL – Level 4).

· Business and Process Analysis: Ability to contribute to business analysis and ensure that testing aligns with key objectives (BUSA, REQM – Levels 3, 2).

· Non-Functional Testing Experience: Perform non-functional tests, including security and performance testing (NFTS – Level 3).

Behaviours:

· Attention to Detail: You have a keen eye for detail and ensure accuracy in all aspects of testing and quality assurance.

· Collaboration: You thrive in a team environment, working effectively with engineers, designers, and business stakeholders.

· Problem Solver: You enjoy tackling challenges and proactively finding solutions to ensure smooth software operation.

· Proactive Learner: You stay up-to-date on the latest testing methodologies and tools and are always eager to improve processes.

· Organized and Methodical: You have strong organizational skills and can manage multiple testing processes and priorities effectively.

Certification:

ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) - Foundation level

Essential Requirements

As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (maximum of 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed above. 

Flexible working 

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what may work for you and the role.

Early closing date notification 

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We anticipate this being twice per month on average.