Software Test Lead

Position- Software Testing Lead

Location: Limerick, Ireland

Work Model: Fully Onsite

Contract Duration: Initial 12-Month Contract with Strong Potential for Extension

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Software Testing Lead to drive quality assurance activities across a large-scale Manufacturing Execution System (MES) programme. This role will be responsible for defining and executing the testing strategy, leading a team of test engineers, and ensuring the successful validation and release of MES solutions within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in enterprise software testing, test automation, Agile/DevOps practices, and hands-on exposure to Emerson MES (Syncade) platforms. Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated industries is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all testing activities across MES implementations, upgrades, enhancements, and integrations.
• Define and execute the overall testing strategy, ensuring alignment with business, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Manage and mentor a team of QA and testing professionals, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
• Develop detailed test plans, test scripts, test cases, and testing documentation.
• Oversee Functional, Integration, System, Regression, User Acceptance, and Performance Testing activities.
• Collaborate with development, validation, automation, and DevOps teams to embed quality throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to improve efficiency and release quality.
• Serve as the quality gatekeeper for MES releases, ensuring all deliverables meet functional and regulatory expectations before deployment.
• Partner with manufacturing, operations, quality, validation, and business stakeholders to ensure test scenarios accurately reflect real-world manufacturing processes.
• Manage defect tracking, prioritisation, root cause analysis, and resolution activities using tools such as Azure DevOps or Jira.
• Support Computer System Validation (CSV) activities and maintain compliance with GxP and regulatory requirements.
• Produce testing metrics, dashboards, risk assessments, and progress reports for project stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Ensure test environments are properly configured and aligned with production environments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to test automation, testing processes, and quality standards.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Software Testing Lead, QA Lead, or Senior Test Engineer within complex enterprise software environments.
• Strong background in software testing methodologies, test management, and quality assurance best practices.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and managing test automation frameworks and automation standards.
• Experience working within Agile and DevOps delivery models.
• Strong knowledge of test planning, execution, defect management, and release validation.
• Hands-on experience with testing and defect management tools such as Azure DevOps, Jira, Zephyr, qTest, or similar.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience within regulated environments such as Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Food & Beverage, or similar sectors.

Highly Desirable Skills

• Hands-on experience with Emerson MES (Syncade) including:
• Electronic Batch Records (EBR)
• Workflow Configuration
• Manufacturing Process Execution
• MES Integrations
• Recipe and Batch Management

Experience integrating automated testing within CI/CD pipelines using:

• Azure DevOps
• Jenkins
• GitHub Actions
• Knowledge of GxP regulations, Computer System Validation (CSV), and GAMP 5 methodologies.
• Experience with automation tools such as Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, or equivalent.
• Understanding of MES integrations with enterprise systems including:
• SAP ERP
• LIMS
• Quality Management Systems
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical and life sciences manufacturing processes.