SDET at Xcede, East London, £Contract Rate

Automation Tester (SDET) – Azure Data Platform Contract: 3–6 Months (Initial)
IR35: Outside IR35
Location: Hybrid – London (2–3 days per week on-site)
Start: ASAP
A major UK public body within the financial regulation and consumer protection space is seeking an experienced Automation Tester (SDET) to support a large-scale Azure data platform transformation. This role plays a key part in improving data quality, enhancing analytical capabilities, and supporting fair outcomes for consumers across the UK.
Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute automated and manual tests for ETL processes, data transformations, and end-to-end data pipelines.
• Validate database migrations across heterogeneous systems, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and lineage integrity.
• Perform hands-on testing across Azure Data Factory, including pipelines, triggers, data flows, and ingestion processes.
• Support test activity within Azure Synapse Analytics, ensuring quality across data warehousing and analytics layers.
• Write, optimise, and troubleshoot advanced SQL queries for data validation and reconciliation.
• Conduct data validation and interrogation using Cosmos DB (DocumentDB).
• Work collaboratively with engineers, architects, business analysts, and project leads to ensure timely delivery.
• Contribute to overall testing strategy, reporting, and automation improvements within the data platform team.

Key Skills & Experience Essential:

• Strong background in ETL testing, data validation, and data quality assurance.
• Solid experience with Azure Data Factory (pipelines, triggers, flows).
• Familiarity with Azure Synapse Analytics and modern data warehousing approaches.
• Proven ability to write and troubleshoot complex SQL queries.
• Experience with Cosmos DB / DocumentDB.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working in cross-functional delivery environments.
• Demonstrated success in testing data platforms, migrations, or large-scale transformation initiatives.

Desirable:

• Exposure to Azure Databricks, Data Lake, or Azure SQL.
• Automation scripting experience (Python, C#, or Java).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps).

Why This Opportunity?

• Work on a high-impact programme within a respected organisation serving the UK financial sector.
• Outside IR35 contract with strong extension potential.
• Opportunity to influence and improve a critical data platform used for decision-making and consumer outcomes.
• Hybrid working with a collaborative and supportive environment.