Job Description
The Lead QA Automation Engineer will be responsible for leading the Quality Assurance team in developing and executing comprehensive suites of automation test plans and test cases, maintaining and adding to the existing automation framework, continued evaluation of test cases for inclusion in regression, automation for newly integrated features, and development of toolsets to augment QA and Development testing. The role will also involve close collaboration with the development and operations teams to ensure high-quality and effective testing of the software developed by the team.
Responsibilities of Lead QA Automation Engineer
- Lead and mentor the QA team in defining and implementing effective automation strategies.
- Design, develop, and execute automation scripts using open source tools.
- Identify, record, document thoroughly, and track bugs.
- Perform thorough regression testing when bugs are resolved.
- Develop and apply testing processes for new and existing products to meet client needs.
- Liaise with internal teams (e.g., developers and product managers) to identify system requirements.
- Monitor debugging process results.
- Investigate the causes of non-conforming software and train users to implement solutions.
- Track quality assurance metrics, like defect densities and open defect counts.
- Stay up-to-date with new testing tools and test strategies.
- Oversee all aspects of quality assurance including establishing metrics, applying industry best practices, and developing new tools and processes to ensure quality goals are met.
- Act as key point of contact for all QA aspects of releases, providing QA services and coordinating QA resources internally and externally.
- Lead and mentor QA team members, as well as manage outside contract testers.
- Develop and execute test cases, scripts, plans and procedures (manual and automated).
- Manage and respond to software quality assurance issues with related groups such as development, database, integration, and customer support.
- Anticipate program release problems and take corrective action, escalating as needed, to resolve and achieve commitments.
Functional Competencies
- Automation Tools: The candidate should have a strong expertise in using various automation tools to streamline and enhance the testing process. This includes the ability to design, build, test, and deploy effective test automation solutions.
- Programming Knowledge: The candidate should have a solid understanding of programming languages and concepts, which are crucial for creating effective automation scripts and understanding the software being tested.
- CI/CD Integration: The candidate should have experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment and the ability to integrate testing into these processes to ensure the quality of software releases.
- Test Management: The candidate should have experience in managing the testing process, including planning, scheduling, and controlling of the test activities.
- Cloud Testing: The candidate should have experience in testing cloud based applications and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the cloud environment.
- Agile & DevOps: The candidate should be familiar with Agile and DevOps methodologies and be able to work effectively in these environments.
- API Testing: The candidate should have experience in testing APIs to ensure their functionality, reliability, performance, and security.
- Mobile Testing: The candidate should have experience in testing mobile applications across a variety of devices and operating systems.
- Performance & Load Testing: The candidate should have experience in testing the performance and load capacity of software systems to ensure they can handle the expected demand.
Behavioral Competencies
- Attention to Detail
- Demonstrates precision in testing processes, identifying even subtle inconsistencies or bugs.
- Ensures high quality by thoroughly reviewing test cases, test plans, and product requirements.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Analyzes complex issues methodically, identifying root causes and proposing effective solutions.
- Approaches problem-solving with creativity and innovation to improve quality assurance processes.
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Inspires and guides QA team members, providing constructive feedback and support for professional growth.
- Leads by example, demonstrating a commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Collaboration & Communication
- Works effectively with cross-functional teams, such as development, product management, and operations, to align on quality goals.
- Communicates test results, risks, and quality insights clearly and diplomatically to all stakeholders.
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Adapts to changing requirements, priorities, and deadlines with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.
- Maintains focus and productivity under pressure, addressing challenges proactively.
- Customer-Centric Mindset
- Understands and anticipates customer needs, aiming to deliver a flawless end-user experience.
- Advocates for quality standards that reflect the organization's commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Analytical & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Utilizes data from testing, analytics, and metrics to inform QA strategies and priorities.
- Tracks and analyzes defect trends to identify areas for improvement and prevent recurrence.
- Accountability & Ownership
- Takes ownership of QA outcomes, ensuring thorough testing and follow-through on identified issues.
- Holds themselves and the team accountable for maintaining high-quality standards throughout the development cycle.
- Continuous Learning & Improvement
- Stays updated on the latest QA methodologies, tools, and industry best practices.
- Seeks feedback and opportunities for growth, implementing lessons learned to improve processes.
- Strategic Planning & Prioritization
- Effectively prioritizes testing efforts based on risk assessment and project timelines.
- Balances short-term project demands with long-term quality improvement objectives.
Good to have skills
- Performance & Load Testing: This is a key area of focus for this role. The candidate should have a deep understanding of performance and load testing techniques and tools. They should be able to design and execute tests to evaluate the performance and load capacity of software systems, identify bottlenecks, and make recommendations for improvement.
certifications required (Any one)
- ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)
- Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
- Certified Agile Tester (CAT)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Automation Testing Certifications
- CISQA (Certified Information Systems Quality Assurance)
Note : this role is Individual contributor role.
