Associate Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Cognizant's Quality Engineering & Assurance Team
Our Quality Engineering & Assurance team is the innovative engine at our company. We are a dedicated group of builders and problem-solvers responsible for the most critical, customer-facing platforms. Within this team, the Quality practice is not a downstream function but a fully integrated partner in development. Our mission is to embed quality into every stage of the lifecycle, and as a Quality Engineer, you will be on the front lines of this effort.
Position Overview
Are you a driven Quality Engineer passionate about building the future of testing? We are seeking a creative and hands-on QE to be a key contributor to our quality practice. This is an exciting opportunity to move beyond traditional QA and dive into the world of AI-driven testing, helping us build and maintain robust quality standards for our mission-critical intelligent applications that are redefining customer interaction.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain test automation frameworks using Java and Python. Write clean, efficient, and scalable automation scripts for new features to ensure robust test coverage across all deliverables.

• Perform API testing: Understand API concepts, develop and execute functional tests, interpret Swagger YAML files, and validate endpoints using Postman or Rest Assured automation frameworks.

• Conduct database testing: Write and execute SQL queries to retrieve, update, and delete data, ensuring database integrity and reliability.

• Own quality for assigned features and components: Collaborate with product managers and developers on requirements analysis, create detailed test cases, execute comprehensive test suites (functional, integration, regression), and provide final quality sign-off.

• Track and report testing progress: Use tools such as JIRA, ADO, or ALM for defect logging and reporting, ensuring transparency of feature quality to the team and stakeholders. Also understanding of CI/CD concepts.

• Implement and execute test plans for AI/ML applications: Support QA activities and certify the quality of AI-powered systems, including hands-on testing of chatbots for intent recognition, conversational flow, response accuracy, and edge case handling.

• Leverage modern AI tools to enhance workflow: Utilize AI code assistants like GitHub Copilot to accelerate test script development and explore generative AI for tasks such as test data creation and bug report summarization.

• Ensure AI reliability and fairness: Execute test cases to identify issues related to bias, fairness, and model robustness, contributing to the overall trustworthiness of AI systems.

• Develop and maintain test automation scripts and frameworks using Java and Python.

• Have proficiency with test and defect management tools, particularly JIRA or any similar tools.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 0 - 1 years of professional experience in a Quality Assurance or Quality Engineering role.

• Some hands-on experience developing and maintaining test automation scripts and frameworks using Java and Python.

• Basic understanding of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) and practical experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment.

• A keen interest in or prior experience testing AI-powered applications, such as chatbots or other AI/ML-based systems.

• Hands-on experience with the Hybrid Automation frameworks.

• Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions).

• Exposure to performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, Gatling).

• Basic knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization (Docker)

• A passion for learning and staying up to date with the latest trends in AI and software testing.

Location
New hires will be hired to the Cognizant office in Plano, TX, where you will work alongside other experienced Cognizant associates delivering technology solutions. Applicants must be willing to relocate to this major geographic area. While we attempt to honor candidate location preferences, business needs and position availability will determine final location assignment.
Start Date
New hires will start in January 2026. While we will attempt to honor candidate start date preferences, business need and position availability will determine final start date assignment. Exact start date will be communicated with enough time for you to plan effectively.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual salary for this position is $65,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Why Choose Us?
Cognizant delivers solutions that draw upon the full power and scale of our associates. You will be supported by high-caliber experts and employ some of the most advanced and patented capabilities. Our associate's diverse backgrounds offer multifaceted perspectives and fuel new ways of thinking. We encourage lively discussions which inspire better results for our clients.
Benefits
Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer
The hourly rate, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Work Authorization
Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant cannot provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization (including participation in a CPT/OPT program) for this role.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.