Lead Test Engineer - 18 Month Fixed-Term at Newzealandtradeandenterprise

Join our dynamic team as a Lead Test Engineer to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of NZTE digital products. This is a full-time 18 - month Fixed-Term role and is primarily based in Auckland. Who we are: At New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) we use our extensive knowledge and global networks to help Kiwi businesses turn their global ambitions into reality. By supporting New Zealand businesses, we boost New Zealand's economy and reputation. NZTE helps to share what is special about New Zealand with the rest of the world whilst fulfilling our purpose to grow New Zealand companies internationally, bigger, better, faster, for the good of New Zealand. What you will be doing: As NZTE’s Lead Test Engineer, you will be the single accountable lead for quality engineering across our digital delivery squads, setting and evolving the end-to-end testing strategy and automation roadmap. You will embed quality from early discovery through to release, ensuring our products (including AI-enabled features) are reliable, accessible, performant and secure. You will be partnering closely with an existing Test Engineer, Full Stack Developers, product, analytics and delivery leaders to lift quality capability and ways of working across squads. This includes designing and scaling modern automated testing (including CI/CD integration), strengthening test environment stability and safe test data practices, and introducing fit-for-purpose tools that increase coverage and reduce manual effort. You will also be defining and communicating clear quality measures and dashboards by translating test coverage, defect trends and release confidence into actionable insights. What you will need to be successful: We are looking for an experienced quality engineering leader who can set direction and standards that scale across multiple agile delivery squads. You will bring strong test automation expertise within Playwright or Cypress and know how to embed automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to support fast feedback and confident releases. You will have sound engineering judgement and a systems/testing architecture mindset who will be able to design pragmatic, maintainable automation approaches that balance quality, speed and sustainability. Given the growth of AI-enabled features in our products, you will also be comfortable applying risk-based and security-focused thinking to testing, helping identify and reduce issues such as unintended access or misuse. Just as importantly, you will be a clear communicator and capable of leading through influence, able to build trust across engineering, product, delivery and analytics, and use meaningful quality measures to guide decisions and drive continuous improvement. Why you will love working here: NZTE offers flexible work arrangements of 3 days in the office, a dynamic environment, and the chance to build valuable business networks with a talented, diverse team. Our collaborative approach supports delivering greater value to customers, this is your opportunity to make an impact.  If this opportunity sounds like you and you want to be part of an organisation with a mission to support kiwi ingenuity around the world, we would like to hear from you.  For more info about the benefits and culture, visit: Life at NZTE What's next: For more information about the role, please review the Position Description for Lead Test Engineer here. If this sounds like the opportunity you have been waiting for, we would love to hear from you! Please apply online with your Resume and Cover Letter by 11:59 PM Monday 25th May 2026 telling us why this role is a perfect fit for you. This role is banded NZ Level 16 ITS.  Please note: We will be shortlisting candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the advert earlier than advertised.  We believe New Zealand is good for the World. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer.  At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability.  If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with your Talent Acquisition Partner.