Senior Software Developer in Test | SDET | React | Java | Outside IR35
Modern Test Strategy | Quality Engineering | Public Sector / Consultancy Delivery

SR2 is supporting a consultancy partner delivering modern software engineering services across complex Java and React-based systems.

This role sits within delivery teams as a hands-on, consultative Senior Software Developer in Test, focused on improving how quality is engineered into software. You’ll work closely with developers and platform engineers to modernise testing approaches, reduce brittle end-to-end testing, and introduce smarter, more effective automation strategies, including AI-assisted testing techniques.
You’ll report into a Principal Software Engineer and act as a testing authority within delivery teams, shaping test strategy rather than just writing tests.

The Role

You’ll take ownership of test architecture and automated testing strategy across Java and React applications, helping teams move away from slow, fragile test suites towards more reliable integration, functional, and contract testing.

This is a hands-on role for someone who thinks like a developer, enjoys influencing engineering practices, and is comfortable operating in a client-facing consultancy environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement modern automated test strategies for Java and React applications
• Migrate legacy automated test suites towards Playwright-based approaches
• Reduce reliance on heavyweight end-to-end testing by improving integration and functional test coverage
• Introduce and promote contract testing to improve service reliability
• Apply AI-assisted testing techniques to improve coverage, efficiency, and feedback cycles
• Work closely with developers to embed quality earlier in the delivery lifecycle
• Act as a quality advocate and testing authority within delivery teams

Essential

• Strong experience testing Java and React applications
• Deep knowledge of automated UI testing
• Experience designing test architecture and strategy, not just writing tests
• Strong understanding of BDD and collaborative ways of working with developers
• Hands-on experience with contract testing (e.g. Pact)
• Confidence modernising legacy test approaches and tooling
• Excellent communication skills and experience working in client-facing environments

Desirable

• Experience reducing end-to-end test suites in favour of integration and contract testing
• Exposure to AI-assisted testing or quality engineering techniques
• Consultancy or multi-team delivery experience

The Details

• Contract role
• IR35: Outside IR35
• Rate: 550-600P/D
• Location: London ~1 day per week in London

If you are a senior software test engineer who enjoys shaping test strategy and improving how quality is built into modern software, please apply for immediate consideration.