Quality Assurance Architect - Hadoop / Big Data / Python

Job ID: R228641Posted: 2026-07-17Location: PA - Pittsburgh (15219); OH - StrongsvilleSalary: $91,000.00 - $169,000.00Type: Full timeCountry: United States of AmericaCompany: PNCPosition OverviewAt PNC, our people are our greatest differentiator and competitive advantage in the markets we serve. We are all united in delivering the best experience for our customers. We work together each day to foster an inclusive workplace culture where all of our employees feel respected, valued and have an opportunity to contribute to the company’s success. As a Quality Assurance Architect within PNC's Data and Automation organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh, PA or Strongsville, OH.We are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Architect to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide quality engineering practices for large-scale Big Data, Hadoop, and Data Warehouse platforms. This role will drive test strategy, automation architecture, and quality governance across complex data ecosystems while collaborating with cross-functional teams in an onsite-offshore delivery model.The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in SDLC and STLC processes, hands-on technical knowledge of Python, Big Data technologies, Spark/PySpark, HQL/SQL, and experience working within AWS/Cloud environments. Key Responsibilities • Define and implement QA architecture, test strategies, and quality frameworks for Big Data, Hadoop, and Data Warehouse applications. • Establish best practices across the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC). • Lead a team of 3–5 QA engineers, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and performance oversight. • Coordinate delivery across onsite and offshore teams, ensuring effective communication, planning, and execution. • Design and implement scalable test automation solutions for data ingestion, transformation, processing, and reporting systems. • Develop and maintain automated validation frameworks using Python and related technologies. • Collaborate with Architects, Product Owners, Developers, Data Engineers, and Business stakeholders to ensure high-quality releases. • Create test strategies covering functional, integration, regression, performance, ETL, data validation, and end-to-end testing. • Validate data pipelines and large datasets across Hadoop, Spark, Data Warehouse, and Cloud platforms. • Perform root cause analysis of defects and drive continuous quality improvements. • Define quality metrics, reporting mechanisms, and release readiness criteria. • Support Agile, Scrum, and DevOps practices with a quality-first mindset.Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline. • Extensive experience in Quality Assurance, Test Architecture, or Quality Engineering roles. • Strong knowledge of SDLC and STLC methodologies across enterprise application environments. • Proven experience leading teams of 3–5 members in onsite-offshore delivery models. • Strong hands-on development and automation experience using Python. • Experience testing and validating solutions built on Big Data/Hadoop ecosystems. • Strong expertise in Data Warehouse and ETL testing. • Experience working with Apache Spark and PySpark environments. • Proficiency in HQL and SQL for complex data validation and analysis. • Experience working with AWS or other cloud platforms. • Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and modern test automation frameworks. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.Preferred Skills • Experience with Hadoop ecosystem tools such as Hive, HDFS, YARN, and related technologies. • Exposure to data quality frameworks and metadata validation tools. • Experience with performance and scalability testing for distributed data platforms. • Knowledge of Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Testing practices. • Familiarity with data governance, data lineage, and compliance controls. • Relevant QA, Cloud, or Big Data certifications are a plus.Technical SkillsCore Technologies • Python • Big Data / Hadoop • Data Warehouse • Spark • PySpark • HQL • SQL • AWS / Cloud PlatformsQuality Engineering • Test Automation • ETL Testing • Data Validation Testing • API Testing • Functional Testing • Integration Testing • Regression Testing • Performance TestingMethodologies • SDLC • STLC • Agile/Scrum • DevOps • CI/CDThis role is ideal for a senior-quality professional who can combine test architecture leadership, deep data-platform expertise, and hands-on Python development skills to drive quality across complex enterprise data ecosystems.PNC is an in-office company that fosters a supportive culture where employees can thrive and achieve balance. We encourage candidates to connect with their recruiter and hiring manager to understand workplace expectations and ensure the role aligns with their goals.PNC will not provide sponsorship for employment visas or participate in STEM OPT for this position.Job DescriptionResponsible for development and support of processes, practices and tools necessary to produce quality products/services and to manage risk.Researches and recommends hardware and software purchases for software quality assurance program. Selects and implements formal QA methodologies.Architects and implements agile testing practices and tools. Evaluates, recommends and implements enterprise-wide defect-tracking software.Assists in planning and estimation of Quality Assurance support for new programs and projects. Conducts audits and reviews.Supports Quality Assurance specialists on programs or projects. Conducts program reviews and complex process audits.PNC Employees take pride in our reputation and to continue building upon that we expect our employees to be:Customer Focused - Knowledgeable of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and able to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.Managing Risk - Assessing and effectively managing all of the risks associated with their business objectives and activities to ensure they adhere to and support PNC's Enterprise Risk Management Framework.QualificationsSuccessful candidates must demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities for a role. Listed below are skills, competencies, work experience, education, and required certifications/licensures needed to be successful in this position.Preferred SkillsAdobe Spark, Apache Hadoop, Big Data, Competitive Advantages, Customer Solutions, Data Warehousing (DW), Design, Enterprise Architecture Framework, Machine Learning (ML), Risk Assessments, Technical KnowledgeCompetenciesAccuracy and Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking, Emerging Technologies, Influencing, IT Architecture, Process Management, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Product Design/Architecture, Software Quality Assurance And TestingWork ExperienceRoles at this level typically require a university / college degree, with 5+ years of industry-relevant experience. Specific certifications are often required. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered.EducationBachelorsCertificationsNo Required Certification(s)LicensesNo Required License(s)Pay TransparencyBase Salary: $91,000.00 – $169,000.00Salaries may vary based on geographic location, market data and on individual skills, experience, and education. This role is incentive eligible with the payment based upon company, business and/or individual performance.Application WindowGenerally, this opening is expected to be posted for two business days from 07/17/2026, although it may be longer with business discretion.BenefitsPNC offers a comprehensive range of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time employees include: medical/prescription drug coverage (with a Health Savings Account feature), dental and vision options; employee and spouse/child life insurance; short and long-term disability protection; 401(k) with PNC match, pension and stock purchase plans; dependent care reimbursement account; back-up child/elder care; adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursement; educational assistance, including select programs fully paid; a robust wellness program with financial incentives.In addition, PNC generally provides the following paid time off, depending on your eligibility: maternity and/or parental leave; up to 11 paid holidays each year; 9 occasional absence days each year, unless otherwise required by law; between 15 to 25 vacation days each year, depending on career level; and years of service.To learn more about these and other programs, including benefits for full time and part-time employees, visit pncthrive.com.Disability Accommodations StatementIf an accommodation is required to participate in the application process, please contact us via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please include “accommodation request” in the subject line title and be sure to include your name, the job ID, and your preferred method of contact in the body of the email. Emails not related to accommodation requests will not receive responses. Applicants may also call View phone number on click.appcast.io and say "Workday" for accommodation assistance. All information provided will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. At PNC we foster an inclusive and accessible workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations to employment applicants and qualified individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to perform the essential functions of their positions.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.This position is subject to the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and, for any registered role, the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) and/or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which prohibit the hiring of individuals with certain criminal history.California Residents Refer to the California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice to gain understanding of how PNC may use or disclose your personal information in our hiring practices.