Software Automation Engineer

Software Automation EngineerThe Software Automation Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated test solutions across Ontada's product ecosystem, with a strong focus on AI-enabled and GenAI-powered systems. Reporting to the QA Lead, this role drives high-quality automation for UI, API, backend, and data layers, while ensuring AI/ML features meet expectations for correctness, reliability, safety, and compliance.This role partners closely with Product, Engineering, and MLOps teams to validate both traditional software workflows and AI-driven behaviors, including prompt-based systems, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and model-integrated services.Key ResponsibilitiesQuality Engineering Ownership & ExecutionOwn and execute test strategy, planning, and execution for assigned features, services, or product areas under the guidance of the QA Lead.Identify functional, integration, and non-functional quality risks early, communicate risks, impacts, and recommendations clearly.Author comprehensive test strategies, test plans, and test cases aligned with product requirements and acceptance criteria.Perform exploratory testing to uncover complex, edge-case, and systemic defects.Coordinate end-to-end validation across multiple environments to ensure release readiness.Test Automation & Framework DevelopmentDesign, develop, and maintain automated test suites across UI, API, service, and data layers.Contribute to the enhancement and maintainability of automation frameworks using tools such as Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, TOSCA, or similar.Develop robust API automation using RestAssured, Postman, or equivalent frameworks.Implement effective test data strategies, including synthetic data generation and environment setup.Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines to support fast and reliable feedback cycles.Leverage AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, or similar) to accelerate test automation development, refactoring, and debugging while maintaining code quality and security standards.Use AI tooling to assist with test case generation, edge-case identification, and data-driven scenario expansion, validating all outputs through engineering judgment and established QA practices.AI / GenAI Quality EngineeringDesign and execute test strategies for AI/ML and GenAI-powered features, including LLM-based workflows.Validate prompt behavior, prompt templates, and prompt chaining across different scenarios and data contexts.Perform negative testing for AI systems, including prompt injection, jailbreak attempts, hallucination risks, and unsafe outputs.Test Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, including:Embedding quality validationRetrieval accuracy, recall, and relevanceChunking and indexing strategiesValidate AI outputs for accuracy, consistency, explainability, and compliance in regulated environments.Collaborate with Engineering and MLOps teams to test model integrations, configuration changes, and inference pipelines.Utilize AI-powered tools to support prompt analysis, test scenario exploration, and hypothesis generation when validating LLM-based features and AI workflows.Critically evaluate AI-generated suggestions and outputs to ensure accuracy, safety, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance.Backend & Data TestingPerform advanced backend testing across SQL and NoSQL data systems.Validate data ingestion, transformations, persistence, and integrity across services and environments.Coordinate testing of asynchronous workflows and integrations (e.g., message queues, APIs, batch processes).Agile CollaborationWork closely with Product Owners and Business Analysts to refine user stories, define acceptance criteria, and ensure testability.Partner with developers during design and implementation to support shift-left testing.Participate actively in sprint planning, grooming, retrospectives, and release readiness reviews.Collaborate with onshore and offshore QA team members to ensure consistent execution and quality standards.Quality Governance, Compliance & Continuous ImprovementEnsure testing activities align with HIPAA and other regulatory, security, and data-privacy requirements.Contribute audit-ready documentation, including test plans, execution evidence, and reports.Participate in root-cause analysis for quality or performance issues and support corrective actions.Identify opportunities for improving QA processes, tools, and documentation; contribute suggestions through established continuous improvement channels.Research and evaluate new QA, automation, or performance testing, AI-assisted tools and techniques as appropriate.Minimum RequirementDegree or equivalent and typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience.EducationBachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent practical experience.Critical Skills2+ years of progressive Software Quality Assurance experience, preferably in healthcare or regulated industries.2+ years of hands-on test automation development experience.2+ years of API testing and automation experience.2+ years of backend testing experience using SQL and/or NoSQL databases.2+ years of software performance testing experience, including test planning, execution, and analysis.1+ years of experience testing AI/ML or GenAI systems or demonstrated delivery of AI-adjacent quality frameworks (e.g., prompt testing, RAG evaluation, guardrails).Experience owning QA execution for complex product areas with limited day-to-day oversight.Experience mentoring or supporting junior QA engineers.Additional SkillsStrong experience working in Agile SDLC environments with CI/CD pipelines.Proficiency in Java, JavaScript, or Python for test automation and scripting.Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI and build tools like Maven or Gradle.Solid understanding of QA methodologies, test design techniques, and quality metrics.Hands-on experience with performance testing tools (JMeter, NeoLoad, or similar).Experience using profiling and monitoring tools (Dynatrace, New Relic, AppDynamics, Splunk, JProfiler).Ability to analyze performance issues related to CPU, memory/heap, garbage collection, threads, databases, messaging systems, and network latency.Experience creating reusable, maintainable, and portable automation and performance test scripts.RAG testing experience, including embedding quality, retrieval evaluation, and chunk strategy validation.Familiarity with vector databases and semantic search concepts.Hands-on experience using AI-assisted coding and analysis tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, or similar.Ability to apply AI tools effectively for:Test automation development and refactoringDebugging and root-cause investigationExploratory test design and edge-case discoveryStrong understanding of limitations and risks of AI-generated outputs, with the ability to validate, correct, and harden results for production-quality use.Experience with source control tools such as GitHub, Bitbucket, Git Bash.Experience with test management tools (qTest, TestRail, ALM, TestLink, or similar).Familiarity with microservices and distributed system architectures.Experience benchmarking, capacity planning, and release readiness reporting.Knowledge of healthcare software, data privacy, and regulatory compliance is a plus.Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.Working ConditionsFully remote role within the Eastern or Central United States.Collaboration with distributed, cross-functional teams.This position offers the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement based on recent updates to our in-office/work-from-home model. If located in DFW area, the selected candidate may be expected to work on-site at our Las Colinas office a minimum of two (2) days per week, with the remaining days worked remotely. Specific in-office days may be designated according to team needs and business priorities.We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package