Senior QA Engineer - fixed-term contract (maternity cover)

Senior QA Engineer - fixed-term contract (maternity cover) Drive global film delivery as a Senior QA Engineer. Lead testing, APIs and defects, mentor teams, and deliver reliable, high-quality releases in fast-paced Agile environments. Join us! Drive global film delivery. Elevate the cinema experience. Join MPS as a Senior QA Engineer on a 12-month fixed-term contract and ensure software quality and reliability, which includes software testing, contributing to Process Improvement, performing quality assurance and audit activities and by working closely with product and departmental managers to identify non-conformances and assist in the implementation of cost effective, timely solutions. What You’ll Do: Execute hands‑on quality assurance activities, primarily manual testing, to ensure stable and reliable product releases Collaborate closely with Developers, Product Owners, and Business Analysts to ensure solutions meet functional, non‑functional, performance, and scalability requirements Design, maintain, and execute test artefacts including test plans, test cases, acceptance criteria, and regression test suites Manage the full defect lifecycle, including accurate logging, prioritisation, investigation, escalation, and verification through to resolution Define, track, and report on quality metrics to provide clear visibility of product quality and release readiness Act as the quality subject‑matter expert within the team, promoting testing standards, best practices, and a culture of continuous improvement Lead and participate in root cause analysis of defects and incidents, ensuring corrective and preventative actions are identified and implemented Validate backend data integrity and test outcomes using SQL queries and database checks Analyse application behaviour and performance using logs and metrics (e.g. Splunk) to identify quality risks Perform API validation using tools such as Postman Support deployments to test and staging environments using SSH and Git Work within AWS environments (including S3, EC2, RDS, and Lambda) to support QA and testing activities Design and execute complex test scenarios across multiple browsers and platforms Prepare, manage, and maintain appropriate test data to support functional and end‑to‑end testing Ensure effective fault reporting, monitoring, and communication throughout the testing lifecycle Mentor and support team members by sharing QA knowledge, guidance, and best practices Foster a positive, solution‑focused approach, providing clear, constructive, and open feedback What You’ll Bring: Essential: Degree‑level education in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience Minimum of 5 years’ experience working as QA Engineer in a fast‑paced Agile environment Strong understanding of Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban Experience across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC) Proven experience in manual testing across functional and non‑functional requirements Hands‑on experience testing APIs using tools such as Postman or Swagger Comfortable working with Unix/Linux command line environments Experience working closely with developers and coordinating test and release branches using Git Strong verbal and written communication skills Desirable: ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level (or equivalent) Exposure to non‑functional testing areas such as performance, scalability, load, or security testing Experience with Git version control, including Gitflow branching strategies Knowledge of media file formats and metadata (e.g. XML) Familiarity with Digital Cinema Industry (DCI) file types and standards Awareness of scripting or programming languages such as PHP, Python, or JavaScript Why MPS? Be part of a global leader in theatrical content distribution. We’re innovative, collaborative, and passionate about delivering the best possible experience to cinemas and audiences worldwide As a Senior QA Engineer , you'll be a key representative of MPS, embodying our values and delivering excellence every step of the way. Here's what sets you apart: Brand Ambassador : You represent MPS with professionalism, warmth, and purpose—bringing a human touch to everything you do. Exceptional Communicator : Clear, confident, and articulate across written and verbal channels. Customer-Centric : You go the extra mile to deliver outstanding service, with a meticulous eye for detail. Organised Multitasker : You thrive in fast-paced environments, managing multiple priorities with precision. Time-Smart : You know how to prioritise and deliver on time—every time. Adaptable & Calm Under Pressure : You stay cool, flexible, and focused when things shift or escalate. Solution-Oriented : Quick to spot issues and quicker to resolve them with practical, thoughtful solutions. Strong Interpersonal Skills : You build trust with clients, partners, and teams, and you’re a great listener. Discreet & Reliable : Trusted with confidential information and always act with integrity. Tech-Savvy : Proficient with modern office tools and systems, including Microsoft Office Suite—especially advanced Excel. Industry Knowledge : Deep understanding of electronic content delivery and hard drive replication within the theatrical distribution space. Detail-Driven : You care about accuracy—nothing slips through the cracks. Culturally Aware : You bring inclusivity and empathy to your global interactions. Positive & Proactive : A team player who’s motivated to make a meaningful impact. Strong Communication Skills : Able to convey technical and operational information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Qualifications/Experience Strong ability to validate backend data integrity using SQL queries and database checks Experience analysing application behaviour and performance through log and metric analysis (e.g. Splunk) Solid understanding of API concepts and service‑based architectures Knowledge of deployment processes and supporting test and staging environments using SSH and Git Familiarity with AWS environments from a QA and testing perspective Ability to design and execute complex, risk‑based test scenarios Experience preparing and managing test data to support functional and end‑to‑end testing Strong understanding of regression testing and maintaining effective test coverage Knowledge of defect tracking, fault monitoring, and escalation processes Ability to coach and support other team members in developing testing and quality capability Competencies & Behaviours Strong ownership of quality, with a proactive and risk‑aware mindset Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders Collaborative approach to working across cross‑functional teams Analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail Ability to manage priorities effectively in a fast‑moving environment Commitment to continuous improvement and raising quality standards Professional, pragmatic, and solution‑oriented approach to challenges Benefits Access to EOT(Employee Ownership Trust) tax-free bonus 25 days' Annual Leave Enhanced Parental Leave Enhanced Sick Leave Retention recognition - extra perks at key milestones: from increased employer pension to private medical care Birthday or work anniversary day off on us Cinema perks, including access to premieres and special screenings Rental Housing Deposit Support Access to hybrid and remote working arrangements Volunteering Day off Department Technology Locations London Remote status Hybrid About MPS Limited Working with customers through creativity and technology to showcase cinematic stories around the world. Founded in 2005 Co-workers 140 and growing