The Senior Test Engineer is a hands-on technical leader responsible for uplifting the Bureau's testing capability through strategic planning and direct execution and management of automation solutions. This role involves designing, developing, executing and maintaining scalable test automation frameworks, driving an automation-first approach across System Testing (ST), System Integration Testing (SIT), and User Acceptance Testing (UAT). The successful candidate will actively contribute to automation feasibility assessments, environment and data provisioning, and continuous improvement of testing practices, ensuring alignment with both Agile and Waterfall delivery models. The key duties of the position include The Senior Test Engineer will play a key role in uplifting the Bureau's testing capability through both strategic leadership and hands-on technical execution. The role requires deep expertise in test automation, proactive problem-solving, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Strategic & Tactical Contribution Actively contribute to the Bureau's Test Capability uplift by participating in strategic and tactical planning, while also delivering hands-on implementation of automation test initiatives. Lead by example in adopting modern testing practices and automation-first approaches. Discovery & Feasibility Assessment Organise and facilitate discovery sessions to assess and implement automation solutions that support testing, including: Provisioning and managing test data. Designing and implementing automation for repetitive manual test activities. Developing scripts and tools for daily environment health checks and reporting. Automation Execution & Maintenance Take ownership of the development, execution, and maintenance of functional and integration test automation frameworks. Ensure automation solutions are scalable, reusable, and aligned with project and enterprise standards. Continuously assess existing automation frameworks for fitness for purpose and drive improvements or replacements where necessary. Test Engineering Oversight Evaluate ongoing test engineering work to ensure alignment with delivery priorities and technical standards. Ensure all testing activities are logged, tracked, and reported accurately, with clear and complete acceptance criteria. Automation-First Testing Drive an automation-first approach for System Testing (ST) and System Integration Testing (SIT) across Agile and Waterfall delivery models. Implement and maintain automated test coverage with a goal of achieving near-complete coverage where feasible. Identify and implement cost-effective automation opportunities within end-to-end SIT planning and execution. Traceability & Quality Assurance Develop and maintain Requirements Traceability Matrices for ST, SIT, and UAT for automated tests. Apply agile principles to validate and confirm traceability to business and technical requirements. Demonstrate a strong focus on shift-left testing, including early automation and service virtualisation. Test Execution & Defect Management Plan and execute automated test cases, raise and manage defects, and ensure timely resolution. Identify testing blockers and proactively drive resolution through collaboration and escalation. Environment & Data Management Define and manage environment and data requirements to support robust and reliable automated testing. Risk & Compliance Proactively manage risk and ensure compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and performance controls. Adhere to Bureau processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Collaboration & Enablement Work closely with testers, Business Analysts, SMEs, Project Managers, Architects, and Operations teams to ensure testing is integrated and effective. Support and enable testing peers by providing automation solutions, guidance, and reusable assets. Workplace Conduct & Values Comply with all Bureau Work Health and Safety policies and procedures, taking reasonable care for your own safety and that of others. Demonstrate a strong commitment to APS Values, Employment Principles, the APS Code of Conduct, and the Bureau's Social Justice Strategy.
