Python/Django QA Tester (CPT Hybrid) at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• A leading Financial Services Provider is undergoing significant modernization of its core insurance platform and is seeking a skilled Python/Django QA Tester to support this transformation.
• They are looking for an experienced and passionate Python Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) or Automation Engineer to join their growing technology team.  
• In this critical role, you will play a key part in ensuring the quality, performance, reliability, and security of systems and applications developed using Python and Django.
• As an SDET, you will be fully integrated into the development process—designing and developing robust, scalable automation frameworks and tools.
• You will lead the test automation strategy, enhance the CI/CD pipeline, and champion a culture of quality throughout the software development lifecycle, leveraging a range of open-source tools.

DUTIES:

• Design and Develop Automation Frameworks: Architect, build, and maintain scalable, robust, and reusable test automation frameworks using Python for their Django-based applications.
• Implement Comprehensive Test Automation: Develop and execute automated tests for functional, API integration, regression, performance, and security testing.
• Code Quality & Collaboration: Participate actively in code reviews, advocating for testability, quality, and maintainable code from the outset.
• Defect Management: Identify, document, and track software defects in Jira (using Kanban boards), collaborating closely with developers for efficient resolution.
• Performance Engineering: Conduct performance testing, analyse results, and identify bottlenecks to ensure their systems meet stringent performance requirements in a financial context.7/
• CI/CD Integration: Integrate automated tests into their Bitbucket-driven CI/CD pipelines to enable continuous testing and faster feedback loops.
• Tooling & Innovation: Research, evaluate, and implement new free and open-source testing tools and technologies to enhance their automation capabilities.
• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to the overall QA strategy, defining best practices, metrics, and reporting to ensure a high standard of quality across all releases.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Potentially mentor junior QA engineers and contribute to a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement within the team.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within the system and work with development to implement preventative measures.

REQUIREMENTS:

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience (3-5 years) a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), Test Automation Engineer, or a similar role with a strong development background.
• Exceptional proficiency in Python programming, with a deep understanding of object-oriented design principles and data structures, specifically for building test automation solutions.
• Strong hands-on experience with the Django framework, including its testing utilities and ORM.
• Solid experience in designing, developing, and executing API integration tests.
• Expertise with free and open-source testing tools and frameworks, such as: Unit/Integration Testing: Pytest, Django’s built-in Testcase
• Web UI Automation: Selenium WebDriver, Playwright
• API Testing: Requests library (Python), Postman (for scripting/automation)
• Performance Testing: Locust (Python-based load testing tool)
• Containerization: Docker
• Proficiency in using Jira for agile project management (Kanban specifically).
• Experience with Bitbucket or similar Git-based version control systems for code management.
• Strong understanding of CI/CD concepts and experience integrating automation into pipelines.
• Solid understanding of relational databases (SQL) and ability to write complex queries for data validation and test setup.
• Deep understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).
• Demonstrable understanding of financial services concepts, with a keen awareness of the criticality of data accuracy, security, compliance, and performance in this industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills, with an ability to deep-dive into code.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Desirable Skills (Advantageous):

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with security testing tools and methodologies.
• Experience with build tools and package managers relevant to Python (e.g., Poetry, pipenv).
• Certifications in software testing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent extensive practical experience.

Additional Skills:

• Experience with insurance or financial systems is advantageous
• Knowledge of modern JavaScript frameworks
• Familiarity with containerisation and development automation
• Experience with system modernisation and legacy code improvement

ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills with ability to mentor others
• Self-motivated with a passion for clean, maintainable code
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong focus on code quality and system reliability
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement