Senior Automation Engineer

Senior QA Lead Location: Houston, TX (Remote, US; Houston-based candidates preferred) | Reports To: Director of Product | Contract-to-Hire Overview Our client is seeking a Senior QA Lead to build the quality function for its pharmacy management software: an end-to-end platform for compounding pharmacies covering e-prescribing, production and batching, labeling, inventory and billing, now being rebuilt on a modern, API-ready SaaS foundation and moving to the cloud. This is a build-and-lead role: you'll set the QA strategy, build test automation, mentor a junior QA, and have the runway to grow into leading the QA function. This role starts as a contract-to-hire engagement with the intent to convert to full-time. Responsibilities Own the QA strategy: how quality is planned, tested, automated and measured, tied to the modernization roadmap Define a phased approach: stabilize, automate the highest-risk workflows first, then expand coverage as the platform moves to the cloud Select, build and maintain automated UI, API and regression suites that run in the delivery pipeline Own release quality: the evidence, sign-off discipline and go/no-go rigor behind every release Plan and execute testing across core workflows: e-prescribing, prescription processing, production and batching, labeling, inventory, billing and accounts receivable, and integrations (POS, IVR, QuickBooks, payments) Test a .NET / WinForms application using DevExpress UI components and data-heavy grids, backed by PostgreSQL, including performance, logging and traceability Partner with the external development team: review sprint deliverables, agree on test evidence and documentation, and raise quality concerns early and with evidence Test two systems through the transition: keep the current product stable while the new version is built, including data migration, parallel workflows and peripherals such as scales and balances Protect patient data: HIPAA-aware testing, compliant test data, and no protected health information in defects, logs, screenshots or test artifacts Test in the regulatory context compounding pharmacies operate in, including USP 795/797 workflows, audit logs and reporting, and prescription types (controlled, office use, OTC) Turn support-ticket and escaped-defect patterns into regression coverage Define and track quality KPIs: escaped defects, automation coverage, regression cycle time and release predictability Work in two-week sprints with daily stand-ups and run QA visibly in Azure DevOps, with traceability from acceptance criteria to release evidence Mentor the junior QA and partner with the Business Analyst so acceptance criteria are testable before development starts Required Qualifications 5-7 years in software quality assurance, including senior or lead-level ownership of QA for a product or platform Demonstrated experience building test automation in a SaaS environment, including framework selection, build-out and maintenance Hands-on experience with modern automation frameworks (Playwright, Selenium, Cypress or similar) and API testing Experience testing workflow-heavy, transactional systems where accuracy and auditability matter Strong Agile experience (Scrum, SAFe or similar), including test planning within sprints and release cycles Experience mentoring or leading other QA team members Preferred Qualifications Experience in healthcare, pharmacy or another regulated industry Background with pharmacy management systems (PMS), EMR, ERP or similar workflow-heavy platforms Experience testing a platform through modernization or a move to the cloud Performance, reliability or integration testing across third-party systems (payments, POS, e-prescribing) Testing .NET desktop (WinForms) applications, DevExpress or similar component-heavy UIs, or PostgreSQL-backed systems Test management and defect tracking in Azure DevOps or a similar tool Working with external development vendors, including reviewing deliverables and documentation Working knowledge of HIPAA as it applies to testing, test data, logging and defect reporting Familiarity with pharmacy claims/billing standards (e.g., NCPDP) or healthcare interoperability standards Use of AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude) for test design, data and documentation Pay rate: $62/hr. This is a 6-month contract-to-hire position, remote in the US (Houston, TX preferred). Candidates must be US citizens. About Us Peterson Technology Partners (PTP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a transparent, inclusive, and human-centered hiring experience. For more than 28 years, PTP has operated as one of the top IT staffing and recruiting firms in the USA - built on trust, long-term partnerships, and technical excellence. Based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, IL, our team of more than 500 employees and consultants is dedicated to: Helping every client make the best hiring decisions possible Matching professionals with the right IT jobs and career opportunities As part of that commitment, we believe in providing clear information about how our hiring technologies work and how your data is used. The following section outlines our AI-assisted interview process and your rights as a candidate. AI-Assisted Interview Experience (Pete & Gabi - Rebecca) To provide a consistent, fair, and flexible experience for all candidates, we use AI-assisted tools to support parts of the interview process. This includes our proprietary AI platform Pete & Gabi, which includes AI recruiter Rebecca. These AI hiring tools help us: Conduct recorded video interviews Transcribe interviews Summarize candidate responses Generate job-related insights Streamline communication and scheduling Please note that: The AI does NOT make hiring decisions; all decisions are made by our human recruiters, hiring managers, or client partners. The AI does not evaluate facial expressions, emotions, or physical traits; it is used only to support fairness, consistency, and efficiency. If you prefer a non-AI interview format, we will gladly provide an alternative. Technical or Case Interviews (Role-Dependent): A technical interview A coding challenge A case study A client-specific assessment Human Review & Selection: Every candidate’s profile—including interviews, conversations, and assessments is reviewed by experienced recruiters and hiring leaders. AI insights may assist with organization and evaluation, but final decisions are always human-driven. Your Rights as a Candidate: Request a non-AI interview path Ask how your data is being used Request access to transcripts or interview recordings Request deletion of your AI-recorded interview Receive clear, timely communication Our Commitment: For more than 28 years, PTP has focused on putting people first - candidates, consultants, employees, and clients. We’re committed to a hiring process that is: Transparent Compliant Equitable Powered by innovative technology that enhances - not replaces - human judgment Welcome to the future of hiring at Peterson Technology Partners. We’re excited to learn more about you. Equal Employment Opportunity: Peterson Technology Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr