Lead QA Automation Engineer

QA Engineering Lead - API & Integration Testing Rate: Up to £550 per day, Outside IR35 Duration: Six months Working pattern: Hybrid - Tuesdays and Thursdays in the office and three days from home, with flexibility according to business needs. Our client, a housing association, is seeking a technically hands-on QA Engineering Lead to take ownership of the testing cycle for an in-flight reactive repairs system implementation. The project involves six prime contractors and up to 20 suppliers, connecting through APIs and a portal. The priority is to ensure systems integrate correctly, information flows accurately and end-to-end processes work across successful journeys and failure scenarios. You will provide technical testing leadership, establish clear test structures and improve the quality of test results and supporting evidence. Working closely with internal technical teams, business analysts, project managers and external vendors, you will combine practical testing with clear advice on strategy and delivery. The role Own delivery of the QA test cycle, from planning and framework setup through execution, defect resolution and reporting. Assess existing testing and results, identify gaps and establish clear standards for coverage, expected outcomes and evidence. Advise on test strategy while remaining hands-on with API and integration testing. Use SQL to validate data and investigate issues across connected systems. Verify that information flows correctly between the repairs system, supplier systems and portal. Test successful journeys, failure paths and exception handling. Coordinate functional and non-functional testing, including end-to-end financial and supplier payment flows. Analyse results, track defects, support retesting and communicate risks clearly. Challenge inadequate testing or unresolved issues professionally and drive action across multiple suppliers and technical teams. What you'll bring Proven experience delivering QA as a hands-on QA Engineering Lead or Technical Test Lead. A thorough understanding of the end-to-end testing lifecycle and what constitutes reliable test results and evidence. Strong API and integration testing experience, including negative testing and failure scenarios. Experience establishing or improving test frameworks, test structures and plans. Practical SQL skills and experience working with Azure DevOps. The ability to assess an in-flight project quickly, prioritise testing and advise on strategy. Strong communication skills, with confidence raising issues and challenging suppliers constructively. A proactive, professional approach and the ability to deliver under pressure. Housing, reactive repairs or similar service delivery experience would be advantageous, particularly where processes involve multiple contractors and payment flows. To apply, please send your CV highlighting your hands-on API testing experience and ownership of QA delivery across complex integrations to Laura at lramm@itecopeople.co.uk Services Advertised are those of an Employment Business.