Test Automation Engineer

Test Automation Engineer - PPOD (Location is Remote):
JOB SUMMARY
The Test Automation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated testing solutions to ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of complex applications and services. This role partners closely with software engineering, product, and other engineering groups to define test strategies, create and analyze advanced test cases, and drive continuous improvements across the testing lifecycle. The position participates in system integration and validation efforts to identify functional issues early, ensures testing aligns with applicable standards, and provides feedback and recommendations that improve product design and delivery. Success in this role requires strong technical depth, the ability to work autonomously on advanced initiatives, and the leadership to influence quality practices across teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Define automation test strategy and plans for products, systems, components, and major modifications, aligned with enterprise goals and delivery timelines.
• Design, implement, and maintain robust UI, API, and integration test automation frameworks and suites.
• Create, document, execute, and analyze complex test scenarios, including edge cases and failure-mode coverage, and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Participate in final system integration and validation activities to identify functional, performance, and reliability issues.
• Establish and maintain internal quality control standards, including reliability and regression programs, test data management, and traceability where needed.
• Ensure testing procedures comply with required industry or organizational standards (security, accessibility, performance, SDLC controls, etc., as applicable).
• Identify chronic or systemic issues in test coverage, tooling, environments, or process; propose and implement measurable improvements.
• Provide actionable feedback and recommendations for product and design changes based on test outcomes and defect trends.
• Collaborate across engineering teams to improve testability, observability, and defect prevention (shift-left quality).
• Coordinate as needed with vendors or suppliers to support component-level test approaches, tooling, or test data requirements.
• Work independently on advanced, complex technical projects, where goals are defined at the solution or program level.
• Provide technical leadership within the quality/testing domain through mentoring, best practices, and contributions to shared frameworks and standards.

REQUIRED SKILLS
Strong experience building automated tests using TypeScript/JavaScript (and/or Java or C#) for modern application stacks.
Hands-on expertise with front-end frameworks such as React, Next.js, or Angular, including component and UI testing.
Proficiency with modern testing tools and patterns (for example, Testing Library, UI automation approaches, API testing, contract testing, and reliable test design).
Experience testing backend services and microservices, including Spring Boot, and managing dependencies and builds using tools such as Maven.
Experience with container-based integration testing (for example, Test containers) and designing repeatable test environments.
Ability to design maintainable automation frameworks with sound engineering practices (clean code, modularity, version control, CI/CD integration).
Strong troubleshooting and defect isolation skills, with the ability to interpret test results and identify root causes across multiple layers (UI, API, data, environment).
Demonstrated ability to improve quality processes, define standards, and drive adoption across teams.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, including translating findings into clear recommendations for engineering and product partners.
Familiarity with AI-assisted development and testing workflows using tools such as OpenCode, Claude Code, and Gemini Vertex AI to accelerate test creation, analysis, and triage while maintaining code quality and security expectations.

Additional Required Skills/Experience
• A minimum of eight (8) years experience in software development, software quality assurance/control, and/or related field;
• A degree from an accredited College/University in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline is preferred;
• Able to perform all functional duties independently on high-visibility programs, or mission critical aspects of a given program;
• Able to oversee the efforts of direct reporting resources and/or be responsible for the efforts of all staff assigned to a specific job;
• Experience training/mentoring less experienced personnel;
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with formal software testing for complex software applications;
• Extensive experience testing software applications, identifying/documenting defects, and working with developers and end users to resolve defects;
• Extensive experience with multiple defect tracking tools (e.g. Rational, Mercury);
• Extensive experience authoring software-quality-related documentation such as requirements specifications, test plans, test cases, test scripts and test reports;
• Able to obtain Postal clearance;
• Excellent communication skills.

Additional Provisions:
• Pass both a client mandated clearance process to include drug screening, criminal history check and credit check.
• Once candidate's resume is approved and interview passed, the agency is responsible for providing drug screening. Failure to submit the drug screening results will delay the security clearance process.
• If a candidate is given an interim clearance, continuation of employment is then based on the candidate receiving a sensitive clearance.
• All candidates must be a US Citizen, or have permanent residence status (Green Card).
• Candidate must have lived in the US for the past 5 years.
• Cannot have more than 6 months travel outside the United States within the last five years. Military Service excluded. (Exception does not include military family members.)
• All overtime must be pre-approved in writing by the client manager or his/her designated representative.
• Agency will not be reimbursed for overtime charges without previous written authorization. Authorized overtime will be reimbursed at straight time.
• The enforced dress code is business casual, i.e. collared shirt with slacks for men, no skirts above the knee for women. Place and Period of Performance
• Hours of support:
o The standard work week for contract staff will be 5 days a week and 8 hours per day preferable Monday through Friday.
o Contract staff may be required to travel to support business efforts.