QA Lead

QA Lead - Java / Selenium + Playwright

Focus: 60% Automation / 40% Manual

Role Overview: We are seeking a highly proactive, hands-on QA Lead to take ownership of end-to-end deliverables for a Capital Markets Client Portal application. This is a dynamic environment that requires a self-starter who can understand the end goal, operate with minimal direction, and coordinate effectively with an offshore team. While this role includes leadership responsibilities, the candidate must remain deeply hands-on (60% Automation / 40% Manual) and be capable of stepping in to complete testing and QA sign-offs whenever necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

• Offshore Leadership & Coordination: Manage and direct a team of 2 offshore QA resources, ensuring releases go to plan, escalating blockers, and coming prepared to meetings with progress updates.
• Hands-on Testing & Delivery: Take full ownership of project delivery, balancing framework development and manual testing. Must be willing to roll up sleeves and execute tests if offshore resources need help or are unavailable.
• Framework Development: Build and maintain Java/Selenium automation frameworks from scratch.
• Playwright Implementation: Support the team's transition to Playwright for future automation initiatives (Playwright experience is mandatory).
• Test Management: Create, execute, curate, and maintain test plans, test cases, and test scripts within qTest.
• Release Support: Participate in mandatory Production Release Validations during off-hours (Friday nights / Saturday mornings).

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: 7 10 years of QA experience (Automation and Manual) in an Agile environment.
• Core Automation: Deep expertise in Java, Selenium, and BDD methodologies (Must be able to build frameworks from scratch).
• Playwright: Demonstrated, hands-on experience using Playwright for automation.
• Backend & API: Strong experience in API Testing (Postman) and database querying using SQL/MySQL.
• Tools: Proficiency with Agile tracking and documentation tools (Jira, WebTesting, WebUI, qTest).

Preferred Skills (Nice-to-Haves):

• Domain Knowledge: Exposure to Capital Markets, Investment Banking, or Financial domains.
• AI Exposure: Experience testing applications that utilize AI, or experience using AI-assisted development tools (like GitHub Copilot).
• Additional Tools: Experience with ALM Octane and Mobile Testing.