Job Description

Systems Test Engineer

This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work, or you are already employed by the NHS and would transfer to the pay point at the top of Band 6.

Job Summary

You will be joining NHSBT at a particularly exciting time as we are embarking on a journey of change, enhancing our current IT service provision. We have now transitioned into an Agile SDLC. Safe and effective delivery of IT-enabled services through thorough software and hardware testing is key to its success.


You will be responsible for testing IT applications based on the latest technologies in an Agile SDLC. You will write and execute tests using tools like TestRail and Selenium. Testing is both manual and automated and you will bring in your experience of having done this before. You will also get the opportunity to learn and use different tools on platforms like Udemy, QA.com which we provide.


The position is based in Bristol Filton which is a lively place to work and live. You must be able to work flexible hours on occasion and travel across the NHSBT network may be occasionally required which may include overnight stays.


This is a challenging but extremely rewarding post which offers a unique opportunity to make your mark. You would be truly making a contribution to improving and saving people's lives. NHSBT is an inspirational place to work with the end result of the services providing job satisfaction that is second to none. What can be better than saving or improving a life?

Main duties of the job

You will ensure the safe and effective delivery of IT-enabled services through thorough software and hardware testing and administrative support. You will develop and improve effective testing processes and provide expertise in the field of software testing strategy and methodology across NHSBT. You will ensure that testing processes with Systems Development and Integration department adhere to recognised good practice standards (including GMP, GAMP and GDP) and provide assurance that the quality of testing is appropriate to meet the needs of NHSBT. This includes cascading information about procedures and challenging poor practice when observed. You will write and maintain software test scripts, test cases and test logs/reports to a high degree of accuracy. You will carry out software testing and produce test results/coverage reports. Log and manage any defects found in testing and communicate outcomes to systems developers, users and other stakeholders. You will analyse test scripts and determine the testing data required for them to be used effectively. Prepare this testing data based on knowledge of the system being testing and the underlying business process that it supports. You will develop and maintain an understanding of the BTS Software Development Life Cycle, relevant external guidelines and standards and identify where these can be improved or better used in NHSBT.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

Creating appropriate test strategies using a risk based methodology Planning and organising complex testing activities involving multiple systems to meet deadlines Able to construct and read basic SQL code Writing effective test scripts and creating test data from software requirements. Logging and managing details of defects found in testing and to isolate the root cause of defects. Able to drive the resolution of important/ critical defects. Expert knowledge in "black box" and "white box" testing. Good knowledge of test management, estimation, monitoring and control. Knowledge of software testing in an Agile/Lean software development environment Significant experience of using Microsoft Office

Qualifications and Training

Degree level qualification in a related subject or equivalent experience Postgraduate diploma in software testing or equivalent experience

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

About Us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you'll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.


Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.


By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.


You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What we offer:

A starting salary of 38,682 - 46,580 per annum. NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow. 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years' service and to 33 days after 10 years. NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions We've fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It's open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 3rd November 2025.

NHSBT reserves the right to close the job early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interviews are anticipated to be held on w/c 17th November 2025 subject to confirmation


For informal enquiries please contact Mansoor Attar, Systems Test Lead on mansoor.attar@nhsbt.nhs.uk