Quality Assurance & Testing Lead (Technical Exploitation)

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it’s really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

HMRC is the UK’s tax, payments and customs authority and we have a vital purpose: we collect the money that pays for the UK’s public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.

HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is responsible for the department’s civil and criminal investigations.

FIS provides HMRC with an effective investigation arm to enforce the Department’s compliance policies. This enables the Department to deliver against the strategic responsibilities across all the taxes and duties it administers. This includes complex offshore evasion, international smuggling of illicit excise goods, exports of controlled weapons and technology, labour market abuses, VAT and Self-Assessment repayment frauds and a host of other fraud attacks targeted at the tax system.

FIS is home to a wide range of people with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds – including accountants, cybercrime specialists, criminal justice professionals, tax professionals and operational delivery support teams to name but a few. We use a range of powers and approaches to protect funding for UK public services, investigating the most harmful tax cheats and ensuring nobody is beyond our reach.

Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within FIS. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

The Technical Exploitation Development (TXD) team plays an integral role in His Majesty's Government's fight against serious and organised crime, supporting investigations totalling hundreds of millions of pounds each year.

Job description

The G7 Quality Assurance and Testing (QAT) Lead is responsible for producing and owning quality assurance strategies, managing testing activities, and overseeing the implementation of best practices and standards across projects.

The team manages a diverse and rapidly increasing product portfolio, ranging from development of covert tools for mobile device data acquisition, computer and network exploitation, building custom radio frequency hardware, to the implementation of cutting-edge data visualisation platforms.

Collaboration and capability sharing are critical to our mission so working alongside other Government and Law Enforcement agencies will ensure that no two projects nor two days are ever the same in this role. The team is recognised across the LE and UKIC community as deep matter experts in a range of complex technical specialisms including software engineering, hardware electronics, radio frequency, computer and network exploitation, and reverse engineering.

To enable the rapid prototyping and production of bespoke capabilities, the team is split into two distinct functions:

• Engineering: this function is responsible for managing the full stack development and testing of all bespoke solutions. This could include; developing tools to normalise, interrogate and visualise large datasets, command and control systems, to producing plugins and modules to extend functionality of commercial and in-house built tools.

• Exploit Development: this function is responsible for conducting security research before producing specialist tools that assist in the exploitation of digital devices, encrypted communications and networks.

Person specification

As the Quality Assurance and Testing (QAT) Lead within the Technical Exploitation Development (TXD), you will be responsible for leading the QA and Testing function to ensure the delivery of high-quality specialist capabilities and services. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to embed quality-focused processes, oversee testing activities, quality assurance practices, and drive adherence to standards and enhancing user ratification.

In addition to managing testing and quality assurance processes, the role involves conducting regular audits to maintain compliance and operational excellence. You will champion best practices and foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement across engineering and exploitation development.

As QAT Technical Lead, you will:

• Support the Head of TXD by developing and implementing quality assurance strategies and frameworks for specialist digital projects.
• Plan, execute, and oversee all phases of testing, including unit, integration, system, and user acceptance testing.
• Conduct regular quality audits of services and processes to ensure adherence to best practices and industry standards.
• Regularly review and refine testing processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Produce detailed audit reports with actionable insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure smooth integration of quality processes into the project lifecycle.
• Deliver training, workshops, and resources to upskill teams in QA methodologies, tools, and standards.
• Collaborate with teams to address audit findings and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of test cases, results, and defect tracking.
• Report on key performance metrics and quality trends to senior management.
• Work with Engineering and Exploit Development leads to allocate team resources effectively to meet project needs, balancing priorities and workloads.
• Act as the primary escalation point for quality assurance and testing issues.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to align on quality objectives.
• Advocate for continuous improvement and foster a culture of quality across the department.
• Oversee the management of testing assets, including tools, environments, and documentation.
• Ensure accurate tracking and maintenance of QA assets to support ongoing and future projects.
• Drive innovation in QA practices by introducing modern tools and methodologies.
• Analyse performance data to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Manage the TEI Transfer to Ops (TTOP) testing process for every capability produced and maintained by the team.

Essential Criteria

You must be able to demonstrate:-

• Proven experience in quality assurance and testing within digital, data, or technology environments.
• Experience in defining and implementing QA strategies, policies, and frameworks.
• Ability to align QA activities with project objectives.
• Strong knowledge of testing frameworks, methodologies, and tools (e.g., Selenium, JIRA, Postman).
• Familiarity with automated testing, performance testing, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to analyse complex systems and identify risks or gaps in quality processes.
• Strong ability to inspire and develop teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and process improvement.
• Familiarity with GDS and NCSC quality standards and frameworks, as well as industry best practices.
• Experience in conducting compliance audits and producing actionable recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Meticulous approach to documentation and testing, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
• Experience conducting quality audits and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Familiarity with asset management processes and tools relevant to QA environments.
  

Desirable Criteria

One or more qualifications that supports your ability to manage projects and teams including but not limited to:

• Lean Six Sigma
• UKAS Internal Audit
• Agile PM Practitioner
• Certified ScrumMaster
• Certified Scrum Project Owner
• APM Fundamentals
• APM Qualified Practitioner
• Knowledge, understanding and practical application of the following legislation: Investigatory Powers Act (IPA 2016), Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA 2000) and the associated Codes of Practices.
• Experience of working in a Cyber, Digital Forensics or TEI environment.

Additional Security Information

In addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. Once in post you will be required to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance which has a requirement for 10 years UK residency. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

This post is open to ‘UK Nationals Only’.

CODE have a support network that can offer assistance to colleagues throughout the DV process. CODE understands the experience of obtaining DV clearance affects individuals differently with the process being in depth and intrusive. The network consists of CODE DV cleared volunteers who will be able to guide you through the process and systems and look to alleviate any concerns.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Technical Skills - Presentation

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £65,869, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £19,082 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV including your job history and previous experiences.
• A 1250-word Personal Statement to demonstrate the Essential Criteria and the Person Specification.

Please evidence any Desirable Criteria where applicable up to 250 words max. This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy holder where candidates have the same score at interview.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your Personal Statement.

At full sift your CV and your Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, you will be assessed on Experience, Strength and Technical Skill based questions. You will also be required to do a 15 minute technical skills presentation. Further details of this will be given prior to the interview if you reach that stage.

This is an example of a strengths-based question

“It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days(Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]’.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and appointments will be made in strict merit order until the set demand is filled. If successful, you will be informed when we reach your position on the merit list.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record, are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Important Information for Existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Andrew Looker
• Email : andrew.looker@hmrc.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles.
In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles.
If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.