AUTOMATION TEST ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Automation test engineering means owning the line between a working release and one that fails in production. In software and web development teams operating under continuous delivery models, that line is tested hundreds of times per sprint - and someone has to own the framework that holds it. The Automation Test Engineer designs, builds, and maintains the test infrastructure that keeps deployment pipelines honest, working across API, integration, and GUI layers to validate that each build meets specification before it ships. Agile ceremonies, backlog grooming, and sprint planning are part of the weekly rhythm, not occasional checkpoints.

As the Automation Test Engineer, you are accountable for the integrity of software releases by designing and executing automated test suites that span functional, regression, integration, and performance scenarios across web and API-based applications. You will work within a cross-functional scrum team, collaborating daily with developers, product managers, and QE leads to enforce quality standards throughout the development cycle.

Career Impact: Hands-on ownership of a test automation framework - from architecture through CI/CD integration - is one of the clearest differentiators between mid-level and senior engineering roles in the software industry.

Business Impact: The automated test suites you build directly determine how often defective code reaches end users, with measurable effects on release frequency and post-deployment incident rates.

Growth Opportunity: Engineers who master both API-level and GUI-level automation, and who can work across Agile ceremonies and cross-functional delivery teams, consistently move into QE Lead and Senior Automation Engineer roles with broader framework ownership.

Company Value: Several employers in this group explicitly describe a hands-on, cross-functional team structure where the test engineer shapes QA standards alongside developers rather than auditing after the fact - a working model that accelerates skill depth.

• Design and develop automated test scripts covering API, integration, regression, and load scenarios for web-based applications.
• Build and maintain reusable test automation libraries and framework components to reduce duplication across test suites.
• Execute manual and automated test cases against requirements, analyze results, and document defects with clear reproduction steps.
• Collaborate with developers and product managers within the scrum team to define acceptance criteria and identify testability gaps early.
• Integrate automated test execution into the CI/CD pipeline to support continuous delivery and fast feedback loops.
• Troubleshoot test failures and CI pipeline breakages, isolating root causes and distinguishing test defects from product defects.
• Advocate for QA best practices across delivery teams, including test coverage standards, defect triage processes, and automation adoption.
• Develop and maintain test data, test environments, and supporting documentation to keep suites stable across releases.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of software test automation experience, with demonstrated ability to build and maintain automated test suites from scratch.
• Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language used for test scripting, including object-oriented design principles.
• Experience designing and executing test strategies spanning functional, integration, regression, and performance test types.
• Working knowledge of CI/CD pipeline concepts and experience embedding automated tests into a continuous delivery workflow.
• Solid understanding of API testing principles including RESTful services, request validation, and response schema verification.
• Experience working within Agile or Scrum delivery models, including sprint planning, backlog grooming, and estimation.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills, with the ability to isolate failures across application layers including frontend, backend, and database.

• Experience architecting a test automation framework from the ground up, including folder structure, reporting, and reusable component design.
• Familiarity with cloud-based infrastructure and container orchestration environments relevant to test execution at scale.
• Exposure to performance or load testing disciplines beyond functional automation, including scenario design and results analysis.
• Prior experience working in a video streaming, SaaS platform, or persistent storage product environment.

• Automated test coverage rate, measured as the percentage of user stories with corresponding automated regression cases.
• Defect escape rate, tracking how often post-release bugs could have been caught by existing automated suites.
• CI pipeline pass rate per sprint, reflecting the stability of the automation framework under continuous build conditions.
• Mean time to diagnose a test failure, measuring how quickly root cause is confirmed after a suite run reports errors.
• Test suite execution time per build, ensuring automation does not become a bottleneck in the delivery pipeline.
• Typical tools: test automation frameworks (commonly Selenium, Cypress, or Cucumber); CI/CD platforms (commonly Jenkins or GitHub Actions); issue tracking (commonly JIRA).

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $125,000 per year depending on seniority and location.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 10% of base salary.
• Equity: Stock options or RSUs common at growth-stage and public technology companies.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer typically covers 70% to 90% of premiums.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days per year; many software employers offer unlimited PTO policies.
• Common Perks: Remote or hybrid work flexibility, home office stipend, professional development budget, and conference attendance support.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process are encouraged to make that need known. A background check is required as a condition of employment. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship availability varies by employer.

The Automation Test Engineer delivers automated test coverage across web and mobile applications, developing scripts in Python or Java and integrating data sources to validate functionality within an agile development team. Working alongside project stakeholders to assess testability and provide estimation input, this engineer enables reliable software releases by combining manual testing judgment with systematic automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop automated test scripts in Python, Java, or other languages to test web and mobile applications.
• Implement functional tests using tools like Selenium.
• Participate in review of project requirements to understand testing objectives and provide input on testability and estimation.
• Integrate different data sources and validate the data.
• Do manual testing when needed.

Required Qualifications

• 1 year of experience using Selenium WebDriver for web application automation testing and Appium for mobile automation testing.
• Experience in developing automation testing frameworks and applying different testing techniques for manual and automated tests.
• Good knowledge of object-oriented programming languages and Python development.
• Good knowledge of software testing methodologies, automated testing tools, and processes.
• Experience working with agile/scrum methodology.
• Good sense of teamwork, high responsibility, and good English communication skills.

Embedded within a Python-focused engineering team, the Automation Test Engineer produces integration automation test scripts and maintains the Automation Test Framework to support continuous delivery pipelines. Working closely with the Test Manager and development teams, this engineer advances software quality by embedding automated testing processes within CI/CD environments and RESTful API frameworks.

Core Functions

• Produce test approaches modelled around test automation as the base.
• Produce integration automation test scripts, data, and scenarios in accordance with the documented approach.
• Embed, run, and maintain automated tests within the Automation Test Framework.
• Analyse and document defects discovered during test runs.
• Report progress to the Test Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• History of working within a Python development environment.
• Experience with Python-based API test automation frameworks, primarily RESTful APIs (Flask/Django).
• Experience working within a CI/CD test automation environment and implementing automated testing processes.
• Knowledge of Agile practices and a desire to learn new techniques and processes.
• Understanding and some experience working within AWS, particularly EC2 and Lambda services.
• Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and commit to being part of a successful team.

Reporting to engineering leadership within the ISB Division, the Automation Test Engineer shapes the full software and hardware infrastructure used to fabricate, align, and test high-precision optics and opto-mechanical assemblies in a production environment. Partnering with manufacturing, mechanical, systems, and optical engineers, this role enables production readiness by owning test system design from concept through documentation and lessons-learned capture.

Primary Duties

• Automate assembly, alignment, data collection, and testing of complex, high-precision optics and opto-mechanical systems incorporating precision mechanisms, motorized actuation, and optical components for production use.
• Develop and document software that interfaces instruments to an operator via GUI and automates events for instruments including lasers, motorized stages, power meters, sensors, and actuators.
• Conceptualize, design, plan, and document software process flows, inputs/outputs, error codes, and system hardware details including block diagrams and schematics.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and record failure modes of software to streamline transition from first version to production-ready, including error management and lessons learned.
• Record data using Microsoft Excel and SQL databases and visualize and analyze data using programs such as Tableau, Matlab, or Minitab, and prepare reports.
• Apply risk management tools including DfX, FMEAs, GR&R, Tolerancing, and Product Lifecycle Process.
• Provide input on Design for Test to D&E groups and support Reliability and Quality Assurance groups.
• Participate in early product development phases to define test, data collection, control plans, and test equipment.
• Make independent technical decisions and take responsibility for module, subsystem, or full system design.
• Work independently and collaboratively with manufacturing, mechanical, systems, and optical engineers to develop production systems.

Education & Experience

• BS degree in Engineering (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Optical, Biomedical, or Physics); MS preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience programming to automate test systems and data collection using tools such as LabView, Python, Matlab, C++, or similar.
• 2 years of experience designing electrical circuits or mechanical fixtures using SolidWorks.
• Ability to design simple mechanical test fixtures.
• Experience with automation and/or mechatronics; knowledge of motors, motion controllers, and control systems (PID, feedback).
• Knowledge of industrial interfaces and standards (GPIB, RS-232/485, USB, EtherCAT, ModBUS).
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (soldering, oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, generators) and laser systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with version control, issue tracking software, and safety requirements (electrical, laser safety, interlocks).
• Experience with thermal stress analysis using SolidWorks Simulation; familiarity with CE certifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Visio, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication, technical writing, project management, and analytical skills; ability to provide customer support and produce clear documentation.

Sitting at the intersection of software quality assurance and government health IT, the Automation Test Engineer leads the design and execution of automated and manual testing programs for multi-tiered applications serving medical, health, and scientific communities. Operating across functional, regression, UAT, load/stress, and 508-compliancy testing cycles, this engineer partners with the software development team and technical lead to ensure systems meet Public Trust standards and organizational requirements.

Duties

• Implement test plans by analyzing project requirements documentation within organization and team guidelines.
• Work with applications on LINUX/UNIX/Windows platforms and verify test results via application and backend database queries.
• Report defects in the issue tracking tool and communicate issues with the team and management effectively.
• Lead the design and build of a robust automated testing program aligned with ongoing system development activities.
• Design, develop, test, maintain, and execute reusable test automation scripts across environments including validation reports.
• Develop test cases and scripts for a multi-tiered application covering functional, integration, regression, UAT, load/stress, and 508-compliancy testing.
• Coordinate testing in a dual environment (20–50% manual, 50–80% automation) and work closely with management and technical lead.
• Manage and maintain requirements, use cases, test cases, traceability matrix, user manual, and support documents using tools including JIRA.
• Work closely with the software development team to reproduce and debug issues.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on industry experience as a test engineer for automation testing.
• Hands-on experience with Selenium, Cucumber, and FitNesse (a plus); programming fluency in Java preferred, with .NET and Java concepts.
• Experience creating test scripts using element locators and XPath; proficiency writing and understanding SQL scripts.
• Ability to use build tools (Maven, Gradle) and CI/CD and DevOps practices; experience with IBM BPM, Oracle database, and JIRA preferred.
• Experience with requirements management, regression test tools, and testing business process management/workflow systems.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, debugging, and problem-solving skills; understanding of SDLC and agile environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work collaboratively, and independently with minimal supervision.
• Applicants must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents and pass a Public Trust background security investigation.

A key member of the Methods Analytics Delivery team, the Automation Test Engineer owns the full range of test strategy, planning, and execution activities across a blend of client assignments and internal web-based products. Collaborating across development teams and external stakeholders, this engineer ensures that acceptance criteria, risk assessments, and exploratory testing practices are consistently applied to deliver high-quality solutions against project specifications.

Functions

• Develop and author effective strategies and test plans; review and analyse system specifications.
• Work collaboratively within an agile team to deliver and maintain a suite of web-based products.
• Use appropriate test methods and tools to ensure robust, high-quality solutions are delivered.
• Drive test automation, exploratory testing, and best practice adoption within the team.
• Work with the team to create acceptance criteria by analysing features and requirements.
• Analyse quality and continually assess risk; execute test cases (manual or automated) and analyse results.
• Report bugs and errors to development teams and help troubleshoot issues.
• Educate and support delivery teams and stakeholders on testing and quality standards.
• Contribute to team culture and continuous learning and development.

Skills & Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of test automation frameworks and tools such as Selenium and RSpec.
• Proficiency in testing web-based software with strong attention to detail and cross-browser consistency.
• Experience creating and executing test plans effectively with reasonable accuracy in time and effort estimation.
• Ability to create clear, concise, and readable automated and manual test scripts.
• Experience with web-based testing challenges, JIRA, and programming.
• Good working knowledge of test processes, best practices, web standards, and protocols.

Reliable container storage solutions depend on the Automation Test Engineer, who builds and maintains automated test cases in Python, develops framework enhancements, and identifies CI failures to keep cloud-based product pipelines stable. Based within a high-performance engineering team tackling persistent storage challenges, this engineer collaborates with senior engineers across functions to advance test coverage for scalable, cloud-native software services.

Accountabilities

• Participate in technical discussions within the Engineering team and across functions.
• Design and develop test cases for new features and write automated tests in Python.
• Develop tools and libraries to help automate test cases and write new features and enhancements for the Automation Framework.
• Troubleshoot CI failures and identify root causes for test failures.
• Identify and automate manual test processes to improve team efficiency.

Professional Experience

• 5+ years of experience programming in Python or other high-level languages.
• 2+ years of experience programming in Go or other system-level languages.
• Experience with test automation frameworks, TDD, GitHub, Jenkins, Ansible, and CI build systems.
• Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-like operating systems with ability to troubleshoot basic network issues.
• Experience with Kubernetes and cloud services (AWS/Azure/GCP); knowledge of Agile software development practices.
• Experience developing cloud software services with understanding of design for scalability, performance, and reliability.
• Ability to work effectively with senior engineers and communicate well with both technical and non-technical peers.

As the Automation Test Engineer, this role owns the architecture, build, and organization-wide adoption of the test automation framework across quality, video, and player engineering teams in a high-volume video platform environment. The QE organization relies on this work to standardize Functional Automation, Performance Testing, and Security and Penetration Testing frameworks that underpin product roadmap delivery at scale.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Own and build the test automation solution and framework from scratch in partnership with leadership and senior engineers.
• Support automation script development and optimization; recommend new tools, techniques, and methodologies to enhance productivity and quality.
• Collaborate with product teams to strategize and align long-term test automation solutions including roadmap, tools, framework, and approach.
• Evaluate, select, and formulate best usage of test automation tools for different products and applications through feasibility studies.
• Create a standard framework for Functional Automation, Performance Testing, and Security and Penetration Testing.
• Produce and present technical documentation including flowcharts, layouts, diagrams, charts, and clear code comments.
• Work with the Quality Engineering team for resolution of technical product issues and prepare and install solutions by determining system specifications and standards.
• Drive technical initiatives with senior engineers, define test plans and entry/exit criteria, and deliver on product roadmaps with high quality.
• Determine and meet time estimates, define quality testing standards and procedures, and adhere to strategic direction set by senior management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Technology, Engineering, or related field plus 3 years of experience in software engineering; or 5 years of experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in test planning, designing and executing requirements across multi-vendor environments, and systems testing cycles including integration, functional, UAT, and regression.
• Minimum 2 years of experience identifying, prioritizing, and tracking defects and utilizing Selenium, Cucumber, Robot Framework, Appium, and Cypress for automation.
• Expert in automation frameworks such as JUnit, TestNG, Selenium, and Cypress; proficient in Java, .NET, C#, JavaScript, and Python.
• UI and API level test automation expertise; experience with web services (XML, REST, SOA) and CI/CD pipeline implementation.
• Experience in high-volume video platform/SDK environments and implementing QA frameworks in Video Playback Applications using Agile.
• Expertise with web performance infrastructure (CDNs, caching, reverse-proxies) and cloud resources (AWS, Azure); competent in TDD, BDD, and ATDD.
• Strong knowledge of Charles/Fiddler or other debugging proxy tools; excellent troubleshooting skills with ability to analyze logs.
• Demonstrated skill in coding standards, active participation in code reviews, and thorough hands-on experience developing and enhancing automation frameworks.

Automation Test Engineer oversees manual and automated quality assurance for clean energy incentive platforms including the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, covering front-end CMS, back-end Salesforce integrations, and document storage systems. Success in the position means requirements traceability matrices are maintained, regression scripts are current, and defects are documented with enough precision to guide root cause resolution before release.

Key Deliverables

• Review and analyze system requirements and specifications; develop and document effective test strategies and plans.
• Create requirements traceability matrices and assign test plans to ensure complete test coverage across cross-functional teams.
• Execute test cases (manual or automated), analyze results, triage issues, and document defects clearly and concisely.
• Test front-end websites, UX, backend APIs, integrations, databases, and mobile applications.
• Assist developers in identifying root cause and defining corrective actions; assist in creating acceptance criteria for user stories.
• Participate in Backlog Grooming and Sprint planning sessions and provide input for testing estimates.
• Develop and maintain automated regression testing scripts and suggest and implement process improvements for QA.
• Collaborate with Platform Project Management to set milestones and tasks for all required QA phases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with coursework related to the area of assignment; 3–5 years of experience.
• Must have Salesforce experience; familiarity with Drupal (or other front-end technologies), PHP, SQL, and Web Services.
• Knowledge of various testing methods including unit, integration, system, acceptance, regression, and black/white box testing.
• Knowledge of scripting and automated testing frameworks; familiar with SDLC and QA methodologies.
• Experience with Agile development methodology; working knowledge of JIRA as a test management tool.
• Experience with Confluence and Podio a plus; proven experience in web application testing including cross-browser and UI testing.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail; customer-focused, results-driven, and able to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Self-starter with ability to set priorities, work independently, and perform effectively under varying development methodologies.

The Automation Test Engineer builds and maintains Behavior Driven test suites in AWS environments, designs test strategies from requirements and specifications, and oversees regression and performance testing cycles for federal government programs. Reporting into a program staff structure where all requirements must be met before release, this engineer shapes automation architecture, manages Jenkins-based regression setups, and delivers remedial action plans when recurring discrepancies are identified.

Areas of Ownership

• Perform comprehensive testing in AWS environments and conduct UI automation tests.
• Develop Behavior Driven tests with JavaScript and Java; maintain and improve automation architecture design and implementation.
• Design test strategies, test plans, and test cases from requirements, design documents, and specifications.
• Record automation test results and prepare comprehensive reports on testing progress, issues, and remedial actions.
• Define, develop, and implement automation best practices, standards, and procedures.
• Execute test scripts during internal system testing; document test issues and work with the development team to validate and recreate.
• Perform retesting and regression testing; investigate problems and develop corrective actions for recurring discrepancies.
• Oversee tests to ensure performance and quality conform to established policy and standards; interface with all program staff to ensure requirements are met.
• Maintain automated regression testing and Jenkins setup; identify automation framework inefficiencies and make recommendations.

Background & Experience

• BS degree with 8–10 years, MS with 6–8 years, or PhD with 3–5 years of experience in software test engineering or related field.
• Possess certifications in test automation.
• 5+ years of experience using automation frameworks (JUnit, TestNG, Cucumber) and automation tools (Selenium, Cypress, Taiko).
• 5 years of automation testing experience with one or more frameworks including Cucumber, Gauge, Cypress, Protractor, or TestNG; 5+ years in manual testing.
• 3+ years of experience with Jasmine or similar JavaScript-based testing framework; 3 years creating automation for Angular applications.
• Experience working on federal government contracts, including with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• Knowledge of SQL and relational database design; working knowledge of Maven, NPM, Jenkins, and source control tools such as Git.
• Experience with Postman, SoapUI, and similar tools; experience with collaboration and tracking tools such as Microsoft Visio, JIRA, and Confluence.
• Excellent knowledge in designing and implementing customized test automation frameworks; strong written and verbal communication skills.

Embedded within a cross-functional Engineering organization, the Automation Test Engineer develops and maintains automated API, Integration, Regression, and Load/Performance test programs that underpin product releases for software customers. Working closely with scrum teams, developers, product managers, and a QE Lead, this engineer advances test framework reusability and CI/CD pipeline automation to support continuous, high-quality product delivery.

Role Responsibilities

• Consult with developers and product managers within the scrum team on software and system design to facilitate manual test cases and test automation.
• Write and execute consumable manual test cases, report defects, and maintain and expand test automation libraries and frameworks.
• Solve complex automation challenges and maintain a testing framework of reusable test code modules with minimal supervision.
• Design and develop automated API, Integration, Regression, and Load/Performance test programs or scripts.
• Advocate for and work with scrum teams and QE Lead to establish and promote QA best practices, standards, and processes.
• Help build and maintain test data and environments; work with development teams on automation needs within the CI/CD pipeline.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of software automation or software development experience with recent, demonstrable experience building and maintaining automated test suites.
• Understanding of agile QA concepts, practices, processes, and tools; experience in CI/CD environments a plus.
• Preferred experience with JIRA, Confluence, and Cypress.
• Excellent communication, time management, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Must be a self-starter, outstanding team player, and results-oriented with strong desire to learn and grow.
• Skilled navigating conflict and differing opinions.
• Completion of a small coding challenge required.

Reporting to automotive systems engineering leadership, the Automation Test Engineer shapes integration-level test coverage for Infotainment and Connectivity features including Rear Seat Infotainment, Rear Vision Systems, and OnStar, working directly with suppliers to validate interfaces across CAN, LIN, and LVDS protocols. Partnering with manufacturing and vehicle systems teams, this engineer delivers validated hardware and software combinations that meet product integrity and safety requirements in automotive production environments.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Run automated tests at integration level for Infotainment and Connectivity features including Rear Seat Infotainment, Rear Vision Systems, Audio, OnStar, and others.
• Use Android SDK tools and platform tools such as UiAutomator, adb, and fastboot.
• Use open-source automation tools including Appium and Robot Framework with external Python libraries.
• Understand integration interfacing protocols (Automotive Ethernet, CAN, LIN, LVDS) and acquire and analyze data logs for root cause identification.
• Develop custom SW/HW tools to improve work efficiency and results; work directly with suppliers to develop, test, and integrate interfaces and features.
• Understand system configurations and develop optimal combinations for development and test.
• Stay current on industry best practices for scripting and automation development.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 2+ years of automotive engineering experience.
• Previous professional experience with infotainment, telematics, or vehicle controls systems.
• Automation experience writing scripts using Python Robot Framework.
• Demonstrated hands-on validation experience with automotive electrical interfaces (CAN, LIN, EAVB, A2B, USB, LVDS).
• Ability to perform hands-on work such as soldering, ECU flashing, vehicle updates, and component removal/installation.
• Understanding of systems engineering methods with emphasis on product integrity and safety.