Backend QA Engineer

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics North America

Backend QA Engineer testing APIs, databases, and microservices for Lush, a partly employee-owned cosmetics company. Automating backend quality checks, performance testing, security validation, and CI/CD integration in London’s hybrid digital team.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomJuniorMid-Level💰 £38,000 - £46,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in backend testing, API testing, and data integrity with a strong focus on automated test frameworks using TypeScript or Python. Proficient in performance testing and security assessments, ensuring high-quality software delivery in agile environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Backend Testing ExperienceAPI TestingAutomated Test Frameworks in TypeScript or PythonPerformance Testing with Grafana k6 or JMeterRoot-Cause Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

GraphQLREST APIsSQL QueriesNoSQL QueriesDockerCI/CD PipelinesPostmanREST AssuredJWT AuthenticationOWASP API Top 10

Soft Skills

Technical CommunicationProactive Risk Identification

Tools & Technologies

KafkaRabbitMQPub/SubGitHub ActionsGitLab CI

Industry Keywords

E-CommerceRetailDigital Operations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

DockerDynamoDBGrafanaGraphQLJMeterKafkaMicroservicesMongoDBMySQLNoSQLPostgresPythonRabbitMQSQLTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, execute, and maintain test suites for GraphQL and REST APIs
Verify payload structures, status codes, and response times
Build and maintain automated backend test frameworks in TypeScript or Python
Integrate automated end-to-end tests into CI/CD pipelines
Write complex SQL/NoSQL queries to verify data flow, migration scripts, and backend consistency
Test distributed microservices and asynchronous workflows using systems such as Kafka, RabbitMQ, and Pub/Sub
Conduct performance and load testing with Grafana k6 or JMeter
Assess backend security against OWASP API Top 10 guidelines and verify JWT/OAuth authentication
Use tracing tools and log analysis to isolate complex breakpoints
Collaborate with Developers and DevOps on root-cause fixes
Participate in an autonomous agile team, prepare test scenarios, support continuous testing, and advocate for quality in planning and architecture discussions

Requirements

What you’ll need

2+ years of dedicated software testing experience focused on backend architecture, API testing, and data integrity
Hands-on experience with Postman, REST Assured, or Insomnia
Experience querying PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or DynamoDB
Ability to write and maintain backend test suites in TypeScript or Python
Working knowledge of Docker containerization
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines such as GitHub Actions or GitLab CI
Excellent root-cause analysis skills
Strong technical communication
Proactive approach to identifying risks and edge cases early
Desirable: performance and load testing experience with k6, JMeter, Locust, or Gatling
Desirable: familiarity with Kafka, RabbitMQ, and distributed microservices
Desirable: understanding of OWASP and NIST 2.0 CSF
Desirable: experience in retail, e-commerce, or fast-paced digital operations

Benefits

Comp & perks

25 days holiday plus bank holidays
6 months of full pay for parental leave (primary caregiver must qualify for SMP)
Enhanced paternity leave
Bonus scheme
Day off for weekday birthdays
Holiday purchase scheme
50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments
Cycle to work scheme
Discounted rail and bus season tickets
Employee assistance programme
Flexible working conversations and arrangements
10% employee ownership and share in rewards of success
Wellbeing & mindfulness sessions
Access to employee-led Community Networks, including Disability and Chronic Illness, Family Support, Global Majority (Race and Ethnicity), LGBTQIA+, Menopause and Neurodiversity communities
Tailored gender affirming care