Development Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Development Test Engineer

BUSINESS FUNCTION: IT
SALARY: £43,850
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York, Leeds
HOURS: 37 per week

Reliable journeys don’t just happen on the tracks — they’re built on effective, dependable technology. At Northern, our IT teams play a critical role in keeping the systems behind our railway running safely and smoothly. You’d play a key role in making sure the systems powering our railway are robust, resilient, and ready for anything.

This is a role where quality isn’t an afterthought – it’s built in from the start. Working closely with developers, Business Analysts, and Product Owners, you’d help shape how we test, validate, and deliver software. From early design through to release, your work helps make sure what we build works first time, every time.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be hands-on with both automated and manual testing, making sure our systems do what they’re meant to – and keep doing it.

· Designing and building automated tests that slot into our continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines

· Running complex functional, integration, regression, and backend tests across systems and services

· Working closely with developers to review changes, spot risks early, and improve testability

· Turning requirements and user stories into detailed, practical test scenarios – including edge cases

· Validating data and integrations using tools like SQL and APIs

· Identifying, analysing, and clearly communicating defects so they can be fixed quickly

· Supporting smooth releases by making sure testing is complete and risks are understood

· Improving how we test – refining frameworks, tools, and ways of working

· Sharing knowledge with others in the team to build consistency and capability

About you

You know how to look under the bonnet of a system and understand how it really works. You’re curious, methodical, and confident working with both code and data.

Programming knowledge, automation experience, and a sharp eye for detail – that’s three things you’ll bring. Alongside those:

• Experience testing software across functional, integration, and regression levels
• Confidence building and maintaining automated tests using tools like Selenium, Cypress, JUnit or similar
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and Agile ways of working
• Ability to work closely with developers and understand code, architecture, and integrations
• Experience using tools like Git and Jira (or similar) to manage work and track defects
• Skills in querying databases using SQL to validate system behaviour
• A practical approach to problem-solving, with the confidence to raise risks early

A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience is welcome, as is a recognised testing certification such as ISTQB – but what matters most is how you apply your skills in real-world situations.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.

Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.

Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.

Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.