Senior Automation Lead Engineer

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for leading the charge in developing and implementing advanced automation strategies within the Quality Assurance department. This role is pivotal in transforming testing processes to achieve higher efficiency, accuracy, and speed in software releases. The Senior Automation Lead will design automation frameworks, mentor team members in automation skills, and ensure the integration of automation best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Craft and execute a forward-thinking automation strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and technological advancements. Ensure the automation framework is scalable, maintainable, and integrates seamlessly with existing tools and processes.
Architect and develop robust automation frameworks that support continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices. Choose appropriate automation tools and technologies that fit the company's needs and software stack.
the automation team by setting clear goals, providing ongoing mentorship, and facilitating professional development opportunities. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the team.
Champion the adoption of automation best practices, including code standards, peer reviews, and documentation. Ensure the team produces high-quality, reusable, and reliable automated test scripts.
Work closely with QA analysts, developers, and other stakeholders to integrate automated testing into the SDLC. Advocate for automation in all phases of testing, from unit to system level, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.
Continuously evaluate and improve the automation strategy, tools, and processes. Stay abreast of the latest trends in test automation and integrate innovative approaches to enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
Implement Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) automation practices, utilizing frameworks like Cucumber to ensure tests are accessible and aligned with business requirements and user stories.
Oversee the development and execution of automated performance tests to ensure software performance meets requirements. Address scalability testing to ensure the software can handle projected user loads.
Develop comprehensive reporting mechanisms to track the effectiveness of automated tests. Analyze test results, identify trends, and report key metrics to stakeholders to inform decision-making.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience preferred.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in software testing with a focus on test automation.
At least 4 years of experience in a leadership role within an automation or QA function.
Expertise in designing and implementing test automation frameworks and strategies.
Proficiency with a wide range of automation tools and technologies (e.g., Selenium, Appium, TestNG, Jenkins, Maven, Rest Assured, Gitlab).
Strong Java programming skills to build complex E2E test automation scenarios.
In-depth understanding of BDD and TDD practices and experience with related tools (e.g., Cucumber JVM).
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN).
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Utilize SQL to query databases for test validation, verify data integrity, and ensure accurate data transactions within the application.
Knowledge of Salesforce and AWS is a plus.

COMPETENCIES:

Customer Service: Exceptional attitude and a passion for providing outstanding service to internal customers.
Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.
Analytical Skills: Collects and researches data; Designs workflows and procedures; Identifies data relationships and dependencies.
Communications: Exhibits good listening and comprehension. Expresses ideas and thoughts in verbal and written form. Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
Problem Solving: Ability to solve issues efficiently and quickly.
Teamwork: Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach and sit for a minimum of 8 hours with or without reasonable accommodation. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects and/or tools. The employee is required to talk or hear with or without reasonable accommodation and must sometimes lift and move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the logistics duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moderate noises such as computers, printers, and other light traffic noise in an office setting.

This role is in-office. Remote work may be performed from a pre-approved location, as arranged, and scheduled by team management and approved by department leadership.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be supplemented at any time with or without notice.