Junior QA Engineer (Cube Academy)

Junior QA Engineer (Cube Academy)

Location: Bournemouth Office (at least 2 days in office)

Type: Part-time, 2-3 days per week (flexible scheduling - we'll work around your course or exam timetable if you're studying)

Salary: From £13 per hour

Protect quality. Build things that matter.

At Cube, we build digital products that make a real difference, from life saving first aid apps to platforms that help people stay connected when it matters most. Making sure those products are reliable, usable, and trustworthy is a huge part of the impact we have.

We're looking for a Junior QA Engineer to join us through Cube Academy, our pathway that gives people the opportunity to build real world experience alongside ongoing study, at the start of their career or if you're looking for a career change. Cube Academy is about being embedded in delivery teams and contributing to real client projects, working day to day with experienced QA Engineers, developers, and product teams.

You'll build strong foundations in testing, quality thinking, and collaboration through hands on work, with support along the way. This isn't about clicking through test cases, it's about thinking critically about quality, asking the right questions, and helping teams ship work they can trust, as part of a community that cares about building reliable digital products.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting teams from development through to release by learning to identify quality risks early.
• Reviewing requirements and designs to help spot gaps, assumptions, and edge cases.
• Exploring features and executing tests across mobile (iOS & Android), React Native, and web products.
• Communicating findings clearly - explaining what you've found, why it matters, and what the risks are.
• Prioritising testing effort based on risk, user impact, and delivery context (not trying to test everything)
• Collaborating closely with developers, project managers, and product owners to build shared confidence in releases
• Raising issues early and constructively, contributing to open conversations about quality and trade offs
• Supporting regression and release testing to help teams ship with confidence
• Contribute to automated testing by maintaining and extending existing test coverage, with guidance
• Continuously learning - reflecting on feedback, outcomes, and defects to improve how we test and work

Who You Are Essentials:

• Exposure to a programming or scripting language (e.g. Java, JavaScript)
• An interest in quality engineering and building reliable, well tested digital products.
• Some exposure to software testing concepts (through education, personal projects, placements, internships, or early career roles).
• A curious, analytical mindset - you like asking questions and exploring how systems behave.
• Great communication skills and a willingness to speak up when something doesn't feel right.
• An eagerness to learn how software is built and delivered (agile, SDLC basics, teamwork).
• Openness to learning test automation and modern QA practices over time
• Comfortable using AI tools to support learning, test ideas, automation support, and clearer bug reports, with an understanding of the importance of human judgement.
• Organised, adaptable, and happy to ask for guidance when things aren't clear.
• Alignment with Cube's values: empathy, curiosity, and accountability.

Nice to Have (but not required):

• Familiarity with documentation tools or spreadsheets
• Experience working in a digital delivery environment (agency, consultancy, placement, team projects)
• Early exposure to test automation concepts or frameworks

What We Offer

• Flexibility at its Best - Hybrid or remote working, flexible hours, bank holidays, and a £250 remote working budget
• Time to Recharge - 23 days holiday (plus 1 extra day each year up to 28), with the option to buy more
• Company Pension Scheme - Salary sacrifice up to 10%, with Cube contributing up to 8%
• Work Abroad - After probation, request up to 2 months working from abroad per year
• Enhanced Parental Leave - Up to 20 weeks full pay for maternity leave and up to 8 weeks for secondary caregivers
• Wellbeing Support - Unlimited access to OpenUp, Cycle to Work scheme, free eye tests, and Company Friday lunches
• Giving Back - 3 paid volunteering days per year and a birthday charity donation
• Invest in Your Growth - Up to £1000 per year for training, books, or conferences
• Vibrant Workspace - Relaxed, pet friendly office, great coffee, free parking, and regular events
• Socials & Celebrations - Team activities, beach cleans, BBQs, and our annual Awards Ceremony

DEI at Cube

3 Sided Cube is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

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