Test and Validation Assurance Lead

The Test & Validation Lead provides strategic leadership for testing, service validation and independent assurance across Dstl's digital services, programmes and supplier-delivered capabilities. The role is accountable for establishing and maintaining organisational test policy, quality standards and assurance frameworks that support effective governance, service acceptance and operational readiness.

Acting as Dstl's independent authority for testing and validation, the postholder provides objective assurance to ensure services are fit for purpose, resilient and aligned to operational, contractual and security requirements. The role is critical to supporting the successful delivery and operation of supplier contracts and other strategic digital services.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

You will lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Dstl's testing, validation and quality assurance framework, ensuring alignment with organisational, contractual and regulatory requirements.

You will be responsible for Dstl's organisational testing and validation capability, ensuring appropriate methods, standards, processes, tooling and governance arrangements are in place to support current and future service delivery.

You will establish quality test and validation metrics which monitor data reliability, Service Level Agreement adherence, and platform performance, and highlight any associated issues.

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in Information Technology, Digital Services, Engineering, Quality Management or related discipline.
• Professional testing qualification such as ISTQB Foundation or equivalent experience

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

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

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 9th November with interviews to be arranged from the 30th November 2026

Interviews will be face-to-face at Dstl Porton Down and consist of behavioural & technical interview to include a presentation, details of which will be provided at the invite to interview.

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