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Lead Software Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

We are currently seeking a Lead Software Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of software, automation, and infrastructure tooling for advanced military electronics and ...

Senior Software Automation Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to join our team of qualified ... Lead and oversee testing activities with initiative and accountability, applying deep expertise ...

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to join our team of qualified ... Lead and oversee testing activities with initiative and accountability, applying deep expertise ...

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to join our team of qualified ... Lead and oversee testing activities with initiative and accountability, applying deep expertise ...

... Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other related science or engineering discipline is required. * 3-5 years working experience in automation equipment software design. Prior experience ...

WI · On-site

Als Automation Engineer maak je deel uit van ons Software Automation Team en werk je mee aan automatiseringsprojecten binnen de Oil & Gas-sector. Je bent betrokken bij het volledige traject: van ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Software Automation Engineer information

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$83K

$145.9K

$198K

How much do lead software automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software automation engineer in the United States is $145,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $168,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead software automation engineer do?

A Lead Software Automation Engineer oversees the design, development, and implementation of automated systems to improve software testing and deployment processes. They lead a team of engineers to create automation frameworks, write scripts, and ensure that software products are delivered efficiently and with high quality. Their responsibilities also include mentoring junior engineers, coordinating with other teams, and maintaining documentation for automated systems. By streamlining repetitive tasks, they help reduce errors and accelerate the software development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead software automation engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Software Automation Engineer, you need advanced programming skills (such as in Python, Java, or C#), expertise in test automation frameworks, and experience with software development lifecycles, often supported by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, CI/CD pipelines, and certifications such as ISTQB are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for mentoring teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of reliable, high-quality software products through efficient and scalable automation processes.

How does a lead software automation engineer typically collaborate with development and QA teams?

A Lead Software Automation Engineer works closely with both development and QA teams to define testing strategies and integrate automated testing into the software development lifecycle. They often facilitate communication between teams by translating technical requirements into effective automation solutions, and by mentoring team members on best practices. Regular collaboration is essential for identifying potential areas for test automation, ensuring test coverage, and resolving issues quickly to maintain high-quality software releases.

What is the difference between Lead Software Automation Engineer vs Software Automation Engineer?

AspectLead Software Automation EngineerSoftware Automation Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees automation projects, leads teams, designs automation frameworksDevelops and maintains automation scripts, executes test cases
Required SkillsAdvanced scripting, leadership, automation architectureProgramming, testing, scripting skills
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, leadership experience2-4 years in automation testing
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, project managementTesting teams, development environment

The Lead Software Automation Engineer typically has more leadership responsibilities, oversees automation strategies, and guides teams, whereas the Software Automation Engineer focuses on developing and executing automation scripts. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the lead position involves more strategic planning and team coordination.

What cities are hiring for Lead Software Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Software Automation Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Lead Software Automation Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Software Automation Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Software Automation Engineer jobs?

For Lead Software Automation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Test Software & Automation Engineer

Acton, MA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$50.75 - $67/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve as technical lead for payload test software, test automation, and software-based EGSE

  • Architect reusable test software frameworks supporting payload integration, functional test, characterization, qualification, acceptance, and production

  • Develop operator-facing applications for configuration, commanding, telemetry visualization, test execution, and data review


General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
At GA-EMS - Optical Sensor Systems, we design, build, and test advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) space payload that power next-generation remote-sensing systems. You'll join a multidisciplinary team tackling technically challenging problems in a collaborative, hands-on environment. We value innovation, rigor, and accountability-offering opportunities for growth and leadership based on technical excellence.
We are seeking a highly motivated Test Software & Automation Engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration & Test (I&T) team. This role focuses on electro-optical payload test software, test automation, and software-based payload subsystems. You will work closely with systems, software, and electrical engineers to plan and execute integration activities, automate test workflows, and ensure performance and reliability requirements are met. Candidates should be comfortable working in laboratory and cleanroom environments with test hardware, software interfaces, and data analysis tools. This is a full-time position located in Acton, MA.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as technical lead for payload test software, test automation, and software-based EGSE
  • Architect reusable test software frameworks supporting payload integration, functional test, characterization, qualification, acceptance, and production
  • Lead development of hardware abstraction layers and interfaces to laboratory equipment, payload electronics, sensors, motion system, optical equipment, and other GSE
  • Develop operator-facing applications for configuration, commanding, telemetry visualization, test execution, and data review
  • Define software architectures supporting repeatable, automated, configuration-controlled test execution
  • Develop and maintain data acquisition, data processing, image-analysis, visualization, and database infrastructure
  • Establish software development practices appropriate for test systems, including source control, code review, automated testing, CI/CD, release management, and deployment
  • Support automated verification and regression testing of flight and test software
  • Lead troubleshooting of software/hardware integration issues in laboratory environments
  • Reduce operator-dependent activities through automation, validation, interlocks, and appropriate user-interface design
  • Mentor junior software personnel and provide technical direction, design reviews, and code reviews
  • Collaborate with system and test engineers to translate test requirements into maintainable software capabilities
  • Develop common software capabilities reusable across multiple programs and test stations
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Strong Python software-development experience in production or engineering environments
  • Demonstrated experience architecting and maintaining a nontrivial software system, rather than individual scripts and utilities
  • Demonstrated experience interfacing software with physical hardware, embedded systems, laboratory equipment, or other external devices
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, modular design, interface definition, configuration management, and automated testing
  • Strong debugging skills across software, communications, operating-system, and hardware interfaces
  • Ability to mentor less experienced software developers and review their technical work
  • Comfortable working directly in laboratories with engineers and hardware
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with CI/CD, automated deployment, containers, or infrastructure automation
  • Experience with databases and high-volume engineering/test data
  • Linux development and deployment experience
  • Experiencing developing test software or EGSE for aerospace, defense, semiconductor, robotics, scientific instrumentation, or similarly hardware-intensive environments
  • Experience with GUIs and real-time engineering visualization
  • Experience with Python scientific/data tools such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas/Polars, OpenCV, or similar
  • Experience with network protocols, serial communications, CAN, Ethernet, TCP/UDP, REST, ZeroMQ, or similar machine interfaces
  • Familiarity with FPGA/embedded-system integration
  • Image processing or EO/IR data experience
  • Experience designing software for multiple test stations or production environments where repeatability and operator-error reduction matter

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955