Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer

Senior Automation QA Engineer This role supports our Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) client in the Baltimore–Washington Metro area and aligns to the type of automation work performed within ESMD – building durable, reusable automation that validates service integrations and data movement end to end. The ideal candidate thrives on agile teams in a large‑scale enterprise development environment. Responsibilities Design and build API‑first automation frameworks from the ground up using Java‑based technologies Create reusable Java libraries, utilities, and framework components for API and backend testing Define and execute data‑validation strategies for sensitive datasets (including PHI) Build utilities for payload validation, data reconciliation, and comparison reporting Apply secure testing practices for PHI (masking, anonymization, and auditability) Integrate automation suites into CI/CD pipelines and quality gates Own the backend test strategy and partner with engineering to improve system testability Work Experience and Job Skills 6–10 years of hands‑on experience in QA/Automation required Minimum 3+ years building automation frameworks from scratch using Java Strong experience in backend/API‑first testing required Experience with regulated or sensitive data systems preferred Experience in regulated domains (healthcare, federal government) required Strong hands‑on Java programming experience, focused on automation framework development Proven experience building automation frameworks from scratch using Java (Rest Assured, TestNG/JUnit) Deep expertise in REST API automation, contract testing, and JSON/XML validation Strong SQL skills to validate backend data, perform reconciliation, and troubleshoot defects Experience working in sensitive data environments (PHI/PII), including secure handling practices Working knowledge of CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab, and/or Azure DevOps) Demonstrated experience in backend/API‑focused automation; this role does not involve UI automation Proven ownership of automation framework architecture, design, and implementation Strong ability to work within complex, data‑intensive backend systems and validate large‑scale data flows Education Bachelor's degree in a computer or scientific field preferred Certificates, Licenses and Registrations Testing certifications (e.g., CTSE, CSQA, CAST) are a plus Communication Skills Ability to write clear and concise technical architecture documents Ability to interface, inspire, and motivate at various levels of the organization and with client stakeholders Strong written and verbal communication skills Demonstrated experience communicating effectively across internal and external organizations Ability to work well in a matrixed team environment Travel This is a remote position Environmental Requirements Mainly sedentary; in an office environment May be required to lift to ten (10) pounds Flexible in working extended hours as mission or project demands require Unissant, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! (EOE; M/F/Disability/Vets) #J-18808-Ljbffr Unissant