QA Engineering Principle

Job Description

Job Req ID: 57992

Posting Date: 11th May 2026

Function: Security

Location: London

Salary: Competitive with great benefits

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, you will be required to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) level Security Clearance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels). An allowance of £5k per annum may be payable monthly while you hold this DV and continue to work in a role that requires that level of security clearance. The terms of this allowance will be made available if you are successful in being recruited into this role.

Security isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber-attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses. We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.
You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.

About the role

The QA Engineering Principal leads testing activities and customer relationships for a portfolio of products and services for Cyber Assurance in the Complex Programme space, ensuring that customer requirements are successfully and effectively delivered to a high level of quality, that rigorous standards are upheld for test quality, resource planning and resolution of issues that impede the test effort, in alignment to business strategy and requirements.

What you’ll be doing

• Owns and leads the engineering organisation’s ability to deliver high quality outcomes, on time and on budget and implementing means of bringing measurability as well as predictability to the Cyber Assurance Complex organisation’s capabilities.
• Sets the technical product quality direction for the GSS Complex programme, designing test strategies for complex business-critical initiatives and developments
• Operates as an SME within own field of expertise, leading the assessment of the portfolio's success against test plans and leads the implementation of processes and approaches to ensure quality standards of products and services, ensuring testing procedures are compliant with any required industry specific standards
• Ensures the software and system quality in the team follow a predictable and repeatable engineering process
• Leads the utilisation of Shift Left testing in order to find and prevent defects early in the software delivery process
• Leads the identification of quality risks based on expert level technical expertise in solution architecture and is accountable for product quality and governance
• Drives the development of strong customer relationships at the senior level through regular engagement at a programme level, influencing the customer's service strategy and operational decisions.
• Leads customer solution quality design engagement, overseeing statement of work creation, including any 3rd party deliverables.
• Owns the contract management and negotiates with some vendors to modify or develop testing for components or other parts of the portfolio
• Works with leadership to drive a quality-driven culture, supporting innovation and continuous improvement practices in testing, keeping abreast of industry standards in QA engineering
• Leads the improvement of the team’s testing efforts to ensure high-quality outcomes are delivered in an efficient manner
• Drives the expansion of automated testing suites to increase test coverage and reduce the amount of manual regression testing performed
• Mentors and coaches experienced professionals to develop current and future team capabilities and ensure performance

Essential Skills / Experience

• Deep understanding of the role of technology provider into the community (customer base)
• Maintains DV+ clearance
• Extensive experience leading end to end software/platforms/systems engineering teams
• Leading innovative and technically complex programme of work in a professional services environment where research and development is at the core of the projects.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Member of a professional body desirable e.g. BCS / IET / qualified CEng.

Our Package

Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life. You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include:

• Company car scheme (or cash alternative)
• 15% on target annual bonus
• Private healthcare for you and your family
• Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family
• Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off
• Equalised maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay
• EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband
• Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us
• Holiday purchase scheme
• You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you’re ready.

Security is one of the fastest growing parts of our global organisation. We are protecting our networks from more than 6,500 cyber attacks each day, investing over £40m in research each year - and in employing nearly 3,000 people, we’re also the largest private cyber employer in the UK. With incredible opportunities to learn, develop and grow your skills, we’ll invest in you, nurture your potential and shape your future – whatever your background or experience.

In today’s world, safe and secure digital connections have never been more vital. You’ll be joining a global company operating at the forefront of the information age: BT employs 90,000 people in 180 countries. With huge scale, we’re capable of achieving great things, striving to be personal, simple, and brilliant for our customers whilst creating an inclusive working environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed. Play your part. Make a difference. We are the Protectors.