SDET

Job Title: QA Automation Engineer

Job Description

This long-term consulting opportunity offers the chance to work on a large-scale, complex platform as a QA Automation Engineer. You will design, implement, and maintain automated integration and functional tests, translate user stories into test scenarios, and ensure high-quality software delivery in an Agile environment. The role involves close collaboration with developers, product owners, DevOps, and other business groups to drive quality across back-end services, APIs, and end-to-end system integrations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with developers to create, maintain, and execute automated integration and functional tests for a large-scale platform.

• Translate user stories into clear, testable scenarios and test cases, and provide feedback to ensure the testability of all stories.

• Design, write, execute, and maintain end-to-end system integration scenarios and user acceptance test scenarios.

• Create and execute story validation tests within an Agile environment, ensuring alignment with acceptance criteria.

• Work closely with product owners and users to design, execute, and refine user tests.

• Collaborate with other business groups and external teams to support and validate end-to-end integration across systems.

• Partner with DevOps teams to integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and maintain reliable test execution in the build process.

• Ensure application functionality remains consistent and correct across multiple spoken languages.

• Modify existing code and test scripts to support evolving project requirements and improve test coverage.

• Participate in code reviews with more experienced developers to receive feedback and continuously improve code quality.

• Create and update technical documentation, including code comments, user guides, and documentation for APIs or libraries.

• Assist in estimating the scope and time required for testing tasks, contributing to project planning and coordination in Agile ceremonies.

• Lead and participate in QA conversations, including test planning, test strategy discussions, and defect triage.

• Document comprehensive test plans, test cases, and testing activities to ensure traceability between requirements, code, and tests.

• Perform manual testing where appropriate while identifying and implementing opportunities to automate tests efficiently.

• Apply current best practices and principles in software development and test automation to improve quality and maintainability.

• Troubleshoot issues, analyze root causes, and contribute to solutions that enhance system reliability and performance.

• Manage time effectively across multiple products and workstreams, collaborating with multiple engineers and developers.

• Maintain organized, detailed records of testing activities and results, ensuring clarity and accuracy for the broader team.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of software engineering experience focused on creating and executing automated tests.

• Strong QA mindset with an inclination to learn the intricacies of a complex product.

• Hands-on experience with Linux/Unix-based systems.

• Experience testing back-end services and APIs.

• Proficiency with at least one scripting language such as Python, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, Bash, or PowerShell.

• Experience with test automation and at least one automation framework (for example, TestNG).

• Experience working with CI/CD systems, including updating build pipelines and pipeline tasks.

• Work experience in Agile methodologies and Agile team environments.

• Experience in estimation, prioritization, and planning or coordination of testing activities in an Agile setting.

• Familiarity with tools such as Jira or similar systems for tracking work and ensuring traceability among test cases, code, and requirements.

• Comfort performing manual tests while maintaining a strong drive to automate tests wherever practical.

• Demonstrated ability to apply current best practices and principles in software development.

• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.

• Solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to keep an open mind and find agreeable solutions.

• Organized and detail-oriented working style.

• Ability to develop healthy working relationships and collaborate effectively with peers and leaders.

• High standards of integrity and work quality.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Good communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional teams.

• Team-first mindset and ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Ability and attitude to learn and adopt new tools and technologies.

• Respect for and appreciation of diversity and differences among individuals in daily interactions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Java and Java-based back-end services.

• Experience working with AWS or other cloud environments.

• Experience in both manual and automated testing tools.

• Exposure to load testing tools and performance testing concepts.

• Experience with scripting in Linux/Unix environments.

• Familiarity with DevOps practices and integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines.

• Ability to lead QA-focused conversations and clearly document test plans and strategies.

• Ability to quickly learn multiple products and work effectively with multiple engineers and developers.

• Strong time management skills to balance priorities across tasks and projects.

• Experience working with or around backend systems, APIs, and integration testing.

• Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation such as user guides and API or library documentation.

• Interest in continuous learning and staying current with emerging tools and best practices in QA and automation.

Work Environment

The role operates within a collaborative Agile environment that emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with developers, product owners, DevOps, and other business teams, using modern tooling for automation, CI/CD, and issue tracking. The culture supports learning and knowledge sharing, including code reviews and cross-functional collaboration.

The workplace offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a casual dress code where T-shirts and jeans are welcome. Team members enjoy free customized lunch every day along with complimentary snacks and drinks, including beer and wine. The environment also features social and community-building activities such as a whiskey club and news-and-brews gatherings, fostering strong connections and a supportive culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Plano, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $79.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Plano,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.