QA Tester

Work on Technology That Protects What Matters At SiXworks , we build secure digital solutions that support Defence and National Security missions . Our teams work on complex problems where reliability, security, and speed of innovation matter. We’re looking for a QA Infrastructure Test Engineer who enjoys solving difficult technical challenges and wants their work to have real operational impact. What You’ll Do As a QA Infrastructure Test Engineer , you’ll help ensure the quality, reliability, and security of physical and Infrastructure‑as‑Code (IaC)‑based platforms across SiXworks delivery teams by applying the SiXworks STLC and Shift‑Left principles throughout requirements, planning, design, environment provisioning, execution, and closure. Your work may include: Analyse infrastructure requirements and architectures; identify test conditions; maintain traceability; log risks. Create infrastructure‑focused test strategies and plans defining scope, environments, tooling, automation, and governance entry/exit criteria. Provision and validate test environments in collaboration with DevSecOps, ensuring OS, network, platform services, monitoring, and pipelines align to readiness standards. Design and execute tests across physical infrastructure and IaC, including functional, integration, regression, resilience, non‑functional, and security‑related scenarios. Apply Secure‑by‑Design principles; support security testing; contribute to accreditation, assurance, and compliance documentation. Manage defects with clear evidence; support retesting and regression; produce concise summaries, dashboards, and release recommendations. What We’re Looking For We value people who take ownership, think critically, and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team tackling complex challenges. You don’t need to tick every box, but we’re particularly interested in people with skills/experience in: Proven experience in all phases of the STLC: requirement analysis, test planning, design, environment setup, execution, reporting and closure. Experience with traceability, risk-based testing, defect lifecycle management, gating, and evidence‑led testing. Strong knowledge of test automation tools and frameworks. Familiarity with Secure by Design principles and MOD testing standards. Experience with Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD environments. Knowledge of test management tools (Xray, TestRail, Zephyr, SpiraTest etc.) and integration with issue management systems (Jira/Azure DevOps). Certifications such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), TOGAF, or equivalent is desirable. Infrastructure, Networking & Operating Systems Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, firewalls, VLANs , and related network behaviours. Experience with physical infrastructure setup and troubleshooting (routers, switches, cabling). Proficiency with Linux/Unix command line for diagnostics, configuration, and validation. Experience working across virtualisation platforms (VMware, VirtualBox) and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). Experience of active directory or Microsoft application suite such as SharePoint & Exchange Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Terraform: writing/validating HCL, managing state, using modules. Ansible: building playbooks/roles, inventories, and validating idempotency. Kubernetes: deploying workloads, validating manifests, managing clusters, and testing containerised applications. CI/CD & Automation Familiarity with CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions). Experience integrating IaC validation and environment checks into automated pipelines. Understanding of pipeline gating, automated readiness checks, and environment orchestration. Security & Compliance Strong grounding in Secure‑by‑Design principles, IAM, least privilege, OS hardening, network segmentation, and observability. Experience within regulated or highly governed environments (e.g., MOD or similar). Ability to support compliance, assurance, and accreditation activity. Security & Compliance familiarity with JSP, NIST, CIS or STIG frameworks. Just as important are curiosity, strong problem solving ability, and the motivation to continuously improve how technology is designed and delivered. About SiXworks SiXworks is a specialist digital innovation partner delivering secure, mission-critical technology to Defence and National Security organisations. We focus on digital experimentation, secure-by-design architecture, cloud technologies, and rapid application development to help our customers move faster and stay ahead of evolving challenges. Our team combines expertise from across technology, business, and operational backgrounds including the armed forces creating a collaborative environment where practical thinking and innovation thrive. Why Join Us Our culture is guided by six principles: Agility, Security, Innovation, Quality, Collaboration and Inclusivity our North Star for how we work. SiXworks is a leading provider of secure digital solutions, specialising in digital experimentation and focused on fail-safe-fast cutting-edge technology solutions deployed in highly secure environments. As an end-to-end digital innovation and delivery partner, we turn complex challenges into mission-critical digital advantages. This is a thrilling time for us, with ambitious plans for growth. We are looking for brilliant, experienced, driven and self-motivated people to join the team on our journey. We offer competitive salaries and a package that supports your wellbeing and development, including 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, free Private Medical cover and Life Assurance, Generous pension (10% employer, 5% employee contribution), Bonus and Professional development and training support. In addition to secure parking, gym, café & restaurant on site and lots of open break out spaces. A word on UK Security Clearance Due to the secure nature of the position and working environment, you must have or be eligible to obtain Security Clearance. More details relating to UK Security Clearance can be found here: United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Interested? Please apply!