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Automation Test Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Lead - Python

Alameda, CA · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

The Test Lead - Python is responsible for leading test strategies, developing automation frameworks, and mentoring QA engineers to uphold quality standards. Responsibilities : • Participate In ...

Technical Test Lead- Python/ Pyspark

Irvine, CA · On-site

$51 - $69.50/hr

Technical Test Lead- Python/ Pyspark Location: Irvine, CA 100%-Onsite Duration: 6+ months ... Proven expertise in designing enterprise-scale automation frameworks using Python, Pytest, Pandas

ETL Test Lead

Santa Clara, CA

$55.75 - $76/hr

ETL Test Lead Santa Clara, CA Work with development and support teams to identify gaps in ... Create test Automation Framework, and share the same with SVB for signoff. Preparation of End to ...

SDET Lead

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Additionally, exposure to test automation, including Tosca, is preferred. Roles & Responsibilities ... Stakeholder & Team Management: • Lead and mentor a testing team, ensuring effective collaboration ...

ETL Test Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$55.75 - $76/hr

Company Description ETL Test Lead Santa Clara, CA Work with development and support teams to ... Create test Automation Framework, and share the same with SVB for signoff. Preparation of End to ...

Showing results 21-40

Automation Test Lead information

See California salary details

$10

$49

$69

How much do automation test lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for automation test lead in California is $49.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.13 and $56.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation test lead?

Automation Test Leads are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the automation testing process within a software development team. They design, implement, and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts to ensure software quality and efficiency. Their role includes leading a team of testers, coordinating testing activities, identifying automation opportunities, and collaborating with developers to resolve issues. Additionally, they often evaluate new tools and technologies to improve the testing process and ensure that automated tests align with project requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation test lead?

To thrive as an Automation Test Lead, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, strong programming skills (often in languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript), and a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automation frameworks (such as Selenium, Appium, or TestNG), CI/CD tools, and test management systems is essential, and certifications like ISTQB can be advantageous. Outstanding leadership, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help you effectively coordinate teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring high-quality software delivery, streamlined testing processes, and successful project outcomes.

What are the typical challenges faced by an automation test lead when managing a distributed testing team?

As an Automation Test Lead overseeing a distributed team, you may encounter challenges such as coordinating communication across different time zones, ensuring consistent implementation of automation frameworks, and maintaining high-quality standards. It's important to establish clear documentation, regular sync meetings, and effective collaboration tools to keep everyone aligned. Additionally, you'll often need to mentor team members remotely and adapt your leadership approach to foster a cohesive and productive virtual team environment.

What is the difference between Automation Test Lead vs QA Analyst?

AspectAutomation Test LeadQA Analyst
Required CredentialsAutomation testing certifications, programming skillsTesting certifications, understanding of QA processes
Work EnvironmentLeads automation testing teams, collaborates with developersPerforms manual and automated testing, reports bugs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in software development, IT companiesUsed across various industries including software, manufacturing
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding automation testing roles, career pathManual testing roles, QA career progression

The Automation Test Lead focuses on leading automation testing efforts, developing scripts, and managing testing teams, often requiring programming skills and automation certifications. In contrast, a QA Analyst primarily performs manual testing, identifies bugs, and ensures quality. Both roles are essential in software quality assurance but differ in scope, responsibilities, and skill requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Test Lead jobs in CA?

For Automation Test Lead jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automation Test Lead job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,750 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

SAP Test Automation Lead

Vkore Solutions

Santa Clarita, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

For this role, we are looking for an enthusiastic automation architect who is passionate about quality and automation. The Architect is expected to be responsible for delivering the complete automation test

infrastructure/tools while adhering to the best automation practices/principles. He/She is expected to coach quality engineers to be the best in class automation engineers and continuously looking for

improvements to ensure high standards for automation. The Architect is expected to provide overall leadership on test strategy, script design, script execution, automation framework, all combined to reduce

the costs of testing, increase test coverage and effectiveness, and shorten testing cycles.

Responsibilities:

  • Define, develop, and deliver a test automation strategy, roadmap, and working framework/infrastructure.
  • Communicate, coordinate, and align automation strategy with the engineering team members, make
  • recommendations to improve reliability, performance, best practices, and processes.
  • Streamline automation suites both UI and API, in a continuous integration pipeline.
  • Provide technical leadership and coaching for a team of SDET, QA Automation Engineers.
  • Conduct automated functional, regression, smoke tests, and analyze the results to create a report.
  • Work with cross-functional teams in test automation activities across the organization.
  • Design the solution for test data and test artifacts management.

Must Have Experience:

  • 10+ years of experience in software testing, development, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in architecting test automation frameworks.
  • Experience in building and driving solutions for Test Automation.
  • Experience in building test automation framework from scratch, strong knowledge of automation
  • framework concepts, and best practices.
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing and documenting automation tests for
  • UI using Selenium, TestNG, Cucumber, Serenity, etc.
  • REST API and WebServices using Rest Assured and Karate
  • Mobile applications using Appium and XCUItest
  • Advanced programming skills in Java or Python.
  • Experience in OOP and Test Automation Design Patterns implementation i.e., PageObject,
  • PageFactory, ScreenPlay
  • Code and branch management using Git.
  • Experience in building CI/CD pipelines for automated tests in Jenkins.
  • Experience in building Selenium Grid infrastructure.
  • Experience in Test Automation using Cloud infrastructure.
  • Excellent knowledge of software development and test methodologies
  • Excellent knowledge of TDD/BDD approaches and relevant tools
  • Experience in test management tools such as JIRA
  • Knowledge of Database Management Systems (Oracle, SAP HANA)
  • A passion for quality and automation
  • Creativity and a willingness to explore new technologies
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills