Test Automation Engineer

Test Automation EngineerSpatial Front, Inc. (SFI) is a fast-growing small business providing IT solutions and services to Federal Government customers. We are proud recipients of the 2025 USA Today National Top Places to Work and 2025 Washington Post Top Workplaces awards. At SFI, we are committed to delivering mission-critical solutions while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and people-first culture.Position OverviewSFI is seeking a hands-on Test Automation Engineer to support a complex PeopleSoft HCM environment within a secure federal program. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented automation professional who thrives in highly technical environments and is passionate about improving software quality through robust test automation. The selected candidate will design, build, maintain, and execute automated test solutions, with a strong emphasis on OpenText UFT (Unified Functional Testing) as the primary toolset. You will play a key role in advancing automation maturity, improving efficiency, and reducing manual testing effort across the program.Work Location: Arlington, VA - Onsite/HybridPrimary ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, maintain, and execute automated test scripts supporting PeopleSoft HCM enhancements, defect fixes, releases, patching, and production support activitiesBuild scalable, reusable, and maintainable UFT-based automation assets, including shared functions, libraries, object repositories, parameterized components, and data-driven scriptsDevelop supporting scripts to enhance automation execution, including test data management, environment setup, validation, and result verificationAutomate functional, regression, integration, interface, and end-to-end testing across PeopleSoft HCM modules, batch processes, reports, security roles, and system integrationsImplement robust test logic for synchronization, exception handling, checkpoints, validations, and recovery scenarios to improve execution reliability and reduce false failuresAnalyze automated test execution results, logs, and backend data to identify defects and distinguish between script and application issuesPerform root cause analysis, documenting findings, reproduction steps, and recommended solutions for development and stakeholder teamsCollaborate with developers, QA testers, business analysts, and support teams to identify automation opportunities and align test coverage with release prioritiesMaintain and continuously improve automated regression suites, ensuring adherence to best practices for modularity, naming conventions, and data strategiesSupport test environment readiness, including validation of system access, configurations, test data, and dependencies required for successful executionContribute to ongoing improvements in automation frameworks, execution standards, and quality engineering practicesDevelop or support automation using PeopleSoft Test Framework (PTF) as program needs evolve; assist in evaluating emerging tools such as TricentisMaintain accurate automation documentation, execution reports, test evidence, and traceability artifacts to support auditability and release readinessPerform other duties as assignedRequirementsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)3+ years of software QA and test automation experience supporting enterprise applications, with a strong track record of developing and maintaining automated test suitesHands-on expertise with OpenText UFT (Unified Functional Testing), including scripting, reusable components, object repository management, checkpoints, parameterization, and troubleshootingExperience automating testing for PeopleSoft HCM or similar enterprise systems, including online transactions, interfaces, batch processing, reporting, and end-to-end workflowsAbility to develop and maintain supporting scripts that enhance automation execution, including data handling, validation, reporting, and framework efficiencyExperience in analyzing test failures, reviewing logs, validating expected results, and supporting structured defect identification and retestingWorking knowledge of SQL or query-based validation for backend data verificationU.S. Citizenship is requiredAbility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearanceDesired SkillsExperience building scalable automation frameworks and reusable assets to support enterprise-level regression testingStrong understanding of UFT automation best practices, including modular design, descriptive programming, synchronization strategies, recovery scenarios, and maintainable scripting standardsExperience with PeopleSoft Test Framework (PTF) for automating business processesFamiliarity with PeopleTools components, including Process Scheduler, Integration Broker, queries, reporting, and security testingExposure to Tricentis tools (e.g., Tosca, qTest) for future-state automation or test management capabilitiesExperience supporting automation across releases, patches, PUM updates, and tax/regulatory updates, including regression impact analysisExperience with defect tracking, test evidence management, and automated execution reporting in Agile or similar environmentsPrior experience supporting federal or DoD programs or working in secured environmentsRelevant certifications such as ISTQB, UFT certification, or equivalent QA/automation credentialsOther InformationClearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain one.Work Environment: Onsite/Hybrid as required by the contract.Benefits: SFI offers a comprehensive benefits package. Details available at SFI Careers.This is a full-time, W2 position.No agencies, third parties, or Corp-to-Corp submissions.Spatial Front Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer — all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status.SFI participates in E-Verify.