Junior Software Tester

Junior Software Tester

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package: £29,940 - £35,00 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight.

Clearance Level: You will need to obtain and maintain DV security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years in order to apply for DV clearance.

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Let us introduce the role

AWE is currently recruiting for a Junior Software Tester for the Enterprise Applications group. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent Graduate with a keen interest in Information Technology or an experienced IT professional who has an interest in Software Testing.

Within this role you will be writing and executing formal software tests against a large range of science and engineering applications; working closely with members of the science and engineering community to ensure enterprise software meets their needs.

Key Accountabilities:

Ensuring that testing is carried out to agreed corporate standards utilizing resources from third-party integrators and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from user departments as appropriate.
Responsible for the delivery of one or more concurrent test activities within the IT schedule of work or designated Solution Centre.
For Test Execution typically, the engineer will be required to work alone, seeking guidance and assistance as necessary, but for larger elements of work may work as part of a team.
For Test Design and Test Phase Closure, deliverables are to be produced with support from Tester (B2) or Test Manager.
Delivery timescales and quality goals will be agreed, to which the test analyst is expected to deliver at all times, taking action as appropriate to ensure that delivery or quality is not compromised.
Assist in the production of the required documentation to support all phases of the system development process.
Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
Documentation of all test design and execution activity in the AWE test toolset (MS DevOps).

Key Responsibilities:

Write Test Scripts (with support/review from Tester B2 or Test manager).
With support analyse a system to identify the test conditions and test scripts required to test the software item, meeting the requirements of the approach defined in the test plan.
With support derive tests from requirements, design documents and user input and report on test coverage and traceability to the business requirements.
With support analyse the risks present in the software item under test, and the creation of test material that reflects the mitigation of those risks.
Execute and record tests in accordance with the defined test process and the test plan/test schedule.
Ensure that test incidents are raised and documented in accordance with the agreed process.
Maintain the integrity of the test environment during test execution.
Arrange and support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities appropriately for the project deliveries.
Develop their own technical skills and knowledge in line with the needs and requirements of the project and business.
Produce progress reports as directed.
Provide estimates with reasonable accuracy of the effort required to complete tasks assigned to them, and reporting on the status of those tasks.
The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs.

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

Strong IT/Software literacy
A background in Computer Science, Science or Engineering
Strong analytical skills

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

A relevant IT, Computer Science or Engineering qualification

You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

#LI-AT