Principal Test Engineer (AI, Automation & Tooling)

About AXA

AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them. As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance. We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.

AXA UK Support Functions look after our three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure and expertise to make sure we can be there for our customers.

Job Overview

AXA UK is seeking a visionary Principal Test Engineer to lead our strategic initiatives in AI, automation, and tooling. In this pivotal role, you will define and drive the deployment of innovative testing solutions that elevate quality, streamline processes, and foster a culture of technological excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of Test AI and Automation initiatives across AXA UK, ensuring they align with our business goals and technological standards.
• Identify high-impact use cases, prioritize initiatives, and oversee their successful implementation.
• Manage the rollout and promote the wider adoption of core testing tools and practices, influencing teams and stakeholders across the organization.
• Combine strategic leadership with hands‑on technical expertise to ensure our testing practices leverage the latest advancements in AI and automation.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and best practices in testing to maximize quality and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrate and advocate the benefits of AI & Automation by identifying and tracking against key value and quality measures.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the testing community and wider communities of practice.

Work Arrangements

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means attending the office, visiting clients or attending industry events. We're also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition.

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in leading test automation, AI-driven testing, or related fields within a large organization.
• Strong strategic mindset paired with technical proficiency in testing tools, AI technologies, and automation frameworks.
• Exceptional communication skills to influence and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• A passion for innovation and a drive to push the boundaries of traditional testing practices.
• Strong understanding of the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), modern engineering practices and DevSecOps.
• Demonstratable experience mentoring and coaching junior (and senior) Test Engineers.
• Experience working within regulated environments or industries with specific compliance requirements is advantageous.
• Experience inspiring, leading and working with off‑shore Test teams and Test Engineers.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don't discriminate against employees or potential employees based based on protected characteristics. If you have a long‑term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we're proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to lauren.standen@axa-insurance.co.uk.

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