Looking to lead something complex, hands-on, and genuinely impactful? This is your chance to own the test automation approach for a large-scale, engineering-led system that’s being rebuilt from the ground up. No legacy frameworks, no cookie-cutter solutions, just a technically rich environment, a smart team, and the opportunity to shape how things get done.

About the Role:

You’ll be leading the test automation workstream for a large-scale, real-time system that operates 24/7 in a secure, industrial environment. This isn’t web-based testing, there’s no GUI, no Selenium or Playwright. You’ll be creating a custom, data-driven test framework from scratch, built to operate in a tightly controlled, high-availability environment. The system is replacing a legacy platform, with complex data flows and infrastructure that spans Linux-based backends, real-time data streams, and communication protocols.

You’ll be working closely with internal engineers, technical specialists, vendors, and delivery stakeholders to ensure the automation is designed well, implemented cleanly, and fits the needs of both the current rollout and long-term BAU. While you’ll have some support, this is a hands-on role, so you’ll be doing the build work, leading the delivery, and keeping everyone aligned as the project moves forward.

Tech environment and tools:

• Custom, data-driven automation framework (not using traditional test automation tools)
• Scripting in Python with strong use of AQL, SQL, and JSON
• Working with backend systems running Linux, alongside some Oracle DBs
• Excel-based data inputs (moving to JSON over time)
• System architecture includes comms protocols and PLC stacks (so familiarity with infrastructure testing is helpful)

What we’re looking for:

• Strong hands-on experience in test automation, particularly in non-web, complex systems
• Confident scripting in Python, with a good grasp of automation concepts and reusable frameworks
• Experience with data-driven test design (not UI testing)
• Technical experience across backend systems, communication layers, and real-time data handling
• Familiarity with version control, defect tracking, and general test governance
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving across multi-vendor systems
• Clear, confident communicator who can explain technical approaches to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders

Nice to have:

• Background in telecoms, embedded systems, infrastructure, banking, or utilities
• Experience with communications protocols, PLCs, or real-time control systems
• Exposure to hybrid delivery models (agile and waterfall)

What else to know:

• Fixed-term contract through to November 2026
• Ideally based in Wellington or Christchurch, with 3 days per week in the office

If you’ve been searching for something outside the usual product or retail tech loop, this could be it. Apply now via this ad and we’ll be in touch.