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The Senior Automation QA Engineer is a highly technical quality engineering role focused on designing scalable automation solutions, improving test architecture, and driving efficiency across the testing lifecycle. This position emphasizes hands-on automation, framework evolution, CI/CD integration, and non-functional testing. It is still expected that this position interacts with contractors, successfully delegate work, set goals and effectively controls the outcome.

You will act as a technical quality partner to product, development, and architecture teams-bringing a strong automation-first mindset, identifying better ways to test, and preventing defects early through shift-left practices. This role reports to a Tech Lead and serves as a technical authority and problem solver within the QA discipline.

Essential Position Functions

Design, build, and evolve robust, scalable automation frameworks aligned with product architecture and business goals.

Lead automation strategy at the solution and system level, ensuring appropriate test coverage across UI, API, integration, and non-functional layers.

Actively contribute hands-on automation within sprint cycles, prioritizing maintainability, reliability, execution speed and cost reduction.

Continuously evaluate and improve automation architecture, tools, processed and patterns (e.g., test pyramid adherence, framework modularity, execution optimization).

Identify and leverage every opportunity to reduce manual effort by introducing automation, improving test data strategies, and eliminating redundant tests.

Implement and maintain CI/CD integrated automation, ensuring fast, reliable feedback in pipelines.

Troubleshoot complex automation failures, identify root causes, and implement long-term fixes.

Design, automate and execute non-functional testing (performance, load, stress, endurance, accessibility, basic security validation).

Ensure automation and test code follow clean code principles and industry best practices.

Provide QA perspective throughout the entire product development lifecycle, with strong emphasis on early defect prevention.

Partner with Product and Engineering to ensure requirements are clear, testable, and automation-friendly.

Collaborate with Tech Leads and developers on testability, system design, solution architecture and validation strategies.

Implement for automation-first and in-sprint automation approaches.

Identify cross-product and system dependencies early and work proactively to mitigate quality risks.

Serve as a technical subject-matter expert in automation and quality engineering.

Share knowledge, patterns, and lessons learned with QA CoE, Automation QA engineers and development teams.

Contribute to Quality Engineering standards, guidelines, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Support contractors or offshore teams through technical guidance and clear quality expectations, not formal performance management.

Proactively identify gaps in tooling, frameworks, or processes and propose actionable improvements.

Independently estimate complex automation and testing efforts and deliver high-quality solutions on schedule.

Execute testing and automation aligned with sprint commitments and release goals.

Communicate and resolve risks, technical debt, and quality concerns early - before escalation is required.

Create and maintain technical test documentation where it adds value (e.g., framework design, test automation strategy, test summary reports)

Utilize AI to augment your deliverables.

Note: The statements contained herein describe the essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Education and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience

5+ years of experience in QA Automation or Software Engineering

Preferred: ISTQB/ASTQB CTFL certification or more advanced

Required Technical Skills

Senior-level knowledge of ISTQB fundamental testing processes, principles, and techniques

Knowledge of non-functional testing theory and best practices (e.g., volume, load, stress, endurance testing, basic OWASP security testing)

Proficiency in QA automation and scripting languages (Python, pytest, Locust and Playwright experience preferred for T2) OR (TS, K6 and Playwright experience preferred for CS, GS)

Excellent knowledge of automation best practices (e.g., clean coding, Page Object Model, Test Automation Pyramid)

Knowledge of software testing tools and best practices (e.g., SQL, REST & SOAP APIs, mobile testing, Browser Dev tools, CI/CD tools)

Solid understanding of design and coding patterns.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong communication skills and work ethic

Skill in problem-solving, risk identification, analysis, and mitigation

Familiarity with Agile practices and processes

Skill in AI assisted and agenting coding with Github Copilot, Claude