Automation Test Engineer

Salary: Contract (FTC or hourly) + flexible, hybrid work

Our Story

Founded in 2011 in Christchurch, Stratos Technology Partners has grown from a small, passionate team into a trusted provider of software development and SharePoint solutions across New Zealand and Australia.

While our team brings the depth of expertise you'd expect from a large technology provider, we pride ourselves on maintaining a personalised, relationship-first approach. We take the time to truly understand our clients' businesses, ensuring we deliver solutions that make a real impact.

Our Role

We're looking for an experienced Automation Test Engineer to join our Software Division in Christchurch. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving problems, finding ways where testing can add more value, and helping deliver software that works exactly as it should.

You'll be part of a cross-functional team, working closely with developers, business stakeholders, and clients to ensure quality is embedded throughout the delivery process. Alongside automated testing, you'll use your judgement to identify risks, strengthen test coverage, and help shape better testing practices across projects.

You'll be involved throughout the software delivery lifecycle, from planning and design through to release and support. This is an initial 6-12-month contract role (open to fixed-term or hourly rate) with potential for longer-term opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, building, and maintaining quality automated test suites
• Working through client requirements to best understand the testing approach
• Creating automated Web UI, API, and integration tests using tools such as Playwright
• Performing manual testing where automation isn't practical
• Contributing to sprint planning, stand-ups, retrospectives, and solution discussions
• Integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines
• Investigating defects, identifying root causes, and working with developers to resolve issues
• Monitoring test reliability and addressing intermittent failures
• Improving test coverage, QA processes, and delivery standards
• Producing clear test results, progress updates, and documentation
• Supporting User Acceptance Testing and client engagement activities when required

About You

We're looking for a tester who combines strong technical capability with practical problem-solving skills. You're naturally curious and enjoy digging into how things work.

Ideally, you'll have:

• 3-5 years' hands on manual testing experience
• At least 3 years' experience working professionally in test automation
• Experience delivering automated testing within Agile teams
• Strong coding skills in TypeScript, JavaScript, C#, or a similar language
• Hands-on experience with Playwright or comparable automation frameworks
• Experience testing REST APIs using tools such as Postman
• Good understanding of CI/CD pipelines and modern delivery practices
• ISTQB certification or equivalent testing qualification
• A degree in IT or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience

Nice to haves:

• Experience in consulting or client-facing delivery environments
• Exposure to Azure DevOps, GitHub, or similar toolsets
• Practical use of AI-assisted testing tools and techniques

You'll also bring:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work independently and manage priorities
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• A collaborative approach and willingness to share knowledge
• A genuine interest in improving quality, processes, and team performance

What you'll get:

• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
• Varied and established long-term project work
• A collaborative team that values quality and continuous improvement
• Opportunities to influence testing strategy and automation practices
• A supportive working culture where ideas are heard and acted on
• Professional development and ongoing learning opportunities

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Automation Test Engineer looking for a role where you'll have real influence on quality outcomes and the way testing is delivered, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your updated CV and cover letter via SEEK.

Please note: You must be eligible to work in NZ to be considered for this role.

Important note: Research shows that while men tend to apply for roles when they meet around 60% of the criteria, women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply if they tick every box. We're not about box ticking, if this role sounds like you but you don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.