About the role

Senior Test Engineer
Fixed-term to June 2027 | Christchurch

About the role
We’re looking for a senior tester to help lift the quality of data and information services that sit behind critical decision-making. You’ll own the planning and delivery of both functional and non-functional testing across a large, complex programme – with a strong emphasis on automation, quality engineering practices, and improving how we test over time.

You’ll help shape and embed an enterprise testing framework, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure solutions are robust, reliable, and thoroughly tested before they reach production.

Key responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of functional and non-functional testing across a large programme of work
• Shape and implement test strategy across projects
• Deliver both manual and automated testing to validate business requirements and outcomes
• Build, maintain, and extend automated test frameworks, including regression and integration suites
• Identify, log, track, and manage defects through to resolution
• Participate in test reviews to ensure coverage, quality standards, and good practice
• Work alongside developers, analysts, and wider teams to embed quality throughout delivery
• Champion BDD practices, including clear, maintainable Gherkin scenarios
• Support CI/CD-aligned testing within delivery pipelines
• Contribute to continuous improvement of enterprise testing standards and frameworks
• Rapidly build understanding of the business context, data, and systems you’re testing

• 5+ years in software testing with a strong focus on automation
• Strong hands-on experience in automation and test engineering practices
• Advanced SQL and Python skills
• Proficient with automation tools and frameworks such as Selenium, Pytest or similar
• Solid understanding of functional, regression, integration, and non-functional testing
• Experience working in CI/CD environments (e.g. Azure DevOps, Git)
• Exposure to cloud-based data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks or similar
• Experienced in automating integration and regression testing at scale
• Able to establish and maintain automated test frameworks
• Clear communicator, comfortable working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Self-managing, collaborative, and effective in complex delivery environments

• Christchurch-based with flexible working options
• Supportive environment focused on meaningful, data-driven outcomes
• Work that directly contributes to national statistics and insights used across government, business, and communities
• Central office location with flexible ways of working
• Inclusive workplace with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and ongoing learning