Summary: The Senior Automation Engineer role is a contract position focused on enhancing the automation capabilities of a large organization undergoing a technology transformation. The engineer will work hands-on within delivery squads, utilizing tools like Playwright and C# to develop automated test frameworks and support the transition of manual testers to automation. This position emphasizes practical delivery and collaboration rather than purely strategic planning. The role offers opportunities for professional growth and involvement in meaningful, long-term projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing, building and maintaining automated test frameworks
- Working hands-on within delivery squads to support active programmes of work
- Using Playwright as a core automation tool as the organisation scales its adoption
- Writing and maintaining automation code (primarily C#)
- Supporting and collaborating with manual testers as they transition towards automation
- Providing informal guidance and knowledge transfer where appropriate
- Working closely with engineering, QA leadership and delivery teams
- Contributing to continuous improvement of testing standards and practices
Key Skills:
- Strong, current hands-on experience in test automation
- Solid experience with C# in an automation context
- Commercial experience using Playwright (or very close equivalents with a clear desire to specialise in Playwright)
- Comfortable working in hybrid teams and modern delivery environments
- Able to balance technical delivery with leadership and collaboration
- Confident communicator with good stakeholder awareness
- Pragmatic, delivery-oriented mindset – not over-engineered
Salary (Rate): £650 daily
City: Gatwick
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: inside IR35
Seniority Level: Senior
Industry: IT
Senior Automation Engineer (Contract)
Contract length: Initial 6 months, likely to extend to 12 months
Day rate: £550–£650 (Inside IR35)
Location: Hybrid – 2 days per week on site (Gatwick, UK)
ASAP / Flexible for the right person
We’re working with a large, purpose-led organisation undergoing a significant technology transformation, driven by an ambitious growth strategy and accelerated delivery roadmap. They are strengthening their test capability and are looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to play a hands-on role in delivering a growing portfolio of initiatives, while helping shape and mature their automation approach. This is a practical, delivery-focused role rather than a purely strategic one. You’ll be embedded within squads, contributing directly to outcomes, while also supporting the uplift of automation capability across the wider testing function.
Responsibilities:
- Designing, building and maintaining automated test frameworks
- Working hands-on within delivery squads to support active programmes of work
- Using Playwright as a core automation tool as the organisation scales its adoption
- Writing and maintaining automation code (primarily C#)
- Supporting and collaborating with manual testers as they transition towards automation
- Providing informal guidance and knowledge transfer where appropriate
- Working closely with engineering, QA leadership and delivery teams
- Contributing to continuous improvement of testing standards and practices
Experience Required:
- Strong, current hands-on experience in test automation
- Solid experience with C# in an automation context
- Commercial experience using Playwright (or very close equivalents with a clear desire to specialise in Playwright)
- Comfortable working in hybrid teams and modern delivery environments
- Able to balance technical delivery with leadership and collaboration
- Confident communicator with good stakeholder awareness
- Pragmatic, delivery-oriented mindset – not over-engineered
Why this role stands out:
- Meaningful, long-term programme of work rather than short-term firefighting
- Opportunity to shape and grow automation practices using modern tooling
- Strong team culture with a reputation for treating contractors well
- Stability and likely extension beyond the initial term
- Exposure to transformation work that materially strengthens your CV
