Python/Django QA Tester

Job Description

Play a pivotal role in modernizing a leading Financial Services Provider’s core insurance platform as a Python/Django QA Tester. You’ll design and develop robust automation frameworks, ensuring the quality, performance, and security of Django-based applications. Collaborate with developers to integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and champion a culture of quality across the software development lifecycle. This hybrid role in Cape Town offers the chance to innovate in a critical, high-impact environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent extensive practical experience
• Proven experience (3-5 years) as a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), Test Automation Engineer, or a similar role with a strong development background
• Exceptional proficiency in Python programming, with a deep understanding of object-oriented design principles and data structures, specifically for building test automation solutions
• Strong hands-on experience with the Django framework, including its testing utilities and ORM
• Solid experience in designing, developing, and executing API integration tests
• Expertise with free and open-source testing tools and frameworks, such as: Pytest, Django’s built-in Testcase, Selenium WebDriver, Playwright, Requests library (Python), Postman (for scripting/automation), Locust (Python-based load testing tool)
• Proficiency in using Jira for agile project management (Kanban specifically)
• Experience with Bitbucket or similar Git-based version control systems for code management
• Strong understanding of CI/CD concepts and experience integrating automation into pipelines
• Solid understanding of relational databases (SQL) and ability to write complex queries for data validation and test setup
• Deep understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
• Demonstrable understanding of financial services concepts, with a keen awareness of the criticality of data accuracy, security, compliance, and performance in this industry
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills, with an ability to deep-dive into code
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is desirable
• Familiarity with security testing tools and methodologies is desirable
• Experience with build tools and package managers relevant to Python (e.g., Poetry, pipenv) is desirable
• Certifications in software testing is desirable
• Experience with insurance or financial systems is advantageous
• Knowledge of modern JavaScript frameworks is advantageous
• Familiarity with containerisation and development automation is advantageous
• Experience with system modernisation and legacy code improvement is advantageous

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain scalable, robust, and reusable test automation frameworks using Python for Django-based applications
• Develop and execute automated tests for functional, API integration, regression, performance, and security testing
• Participate actively in code reviews, advocating for testability, quality, and maintainable code from the outset
• Identify, document, and track software defects in Jira (using Kanban boards), collaborating closely with developers for efficient resolution
• Conduct performance testing, analyse results, and identify bottlenecks to ensure systems meet stringent performance requirements in a financial context
• Integrate automated tests into Bitbucket-driven CI/CD pipelines to enable continuous testing and faster feedback loops
• Research, evaluate, and implement new free and open-source testing tools and technologies to enhance automation capabilities
• Contribute to the overall QA strategy, defining best practices, metrics, and reporting to ensure a high standard of quality across all releases
• Potentially mentor junior QA engineers and contribute to a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement within the team
• Proactively identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within the system and work with development to implement preventative measures