**Role & seniority: ** Lead QA Engineer (Hands-on Automation); senior (12+ yrs), with ~2+ yrs leading QA initiatives/teams while coding

**Location & work type: ** Hybrid — 3 days onsite/week in Irvine, CA

**Stack/tools: **

Scripting: Java, Python
UI automation: Selenium, Playwright
API automation: REST Assured, Postman, API testing
Framework/BDD: BDD/TDD, Cucumber (also mentions TestNG), Appium
CI/CD & build tools: Jenkins, Git, Maven, Gradle; integrate automation into pipelines
Cloud/containers: AWS or Azure; Docker, Kubernetes
QA/defect tools: Jira, HP ALM
Testing scope: UI, API, integration, end-to-end, backend

**Top 3 responsibilities: **

Design, develop, and maintain scalable automation frameworks for UI/API and end-to-end testing
Build/extend hands-on automation (Java/Python) using Selenium/Playwright and REST/API test tooling
Integrate and maintain automated tests in CI/CD pipelines; drive QA practices and quality via reviews/mentoring

**Must-have skills: **

12+ yrs QA/Test Automation/Quality Engineering
2+ yrs QA leadership while remaining actively hands-on
Strong Java/Python automation and Selenium + Playwright expertise
Strong API automation (REST Assured/Postman)
Scalable framework development/maintenance + debugging/root-cause analysis
CI/CD integration (Jenkins/Git/Maven/Gradle)
Exp

Full Description

One of my direct clients, an American distributor of information technology products and services, is looking for a Lead QA Engineer (Hands-on Automation).

Hybrid mode - 3 days onsite a week - Irvine, CA.

Skills - Hands-on scripting (Java/Python), Selenium/Playwright & API Automation, Automation Framework Development & Maintenance, CI/CD, DevOps & Agile QA Practices Rate - DOE Duration - 12+ months, long-term, C2C/FTE Client details will be shared post technical call

Experience

12+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance and Test Automation. 2+ years of experience leading QA teams or driving QA initiatives. Proven experience working as a hands-on automation engineer while leading technical efforts.

Required Skills

12+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance, Test Automation, and Quality Engineering. 2+ years of experience leading QA teams while remaining actively involved in automation development. Strong hands-on experience with automation testing using Java and/or Python. Expertise in Selenium, Playwright, REST Assured, Postman, and API automation testing. Proven experience designing, developing, and maintaining scalable test automation frameworks. Strong understanding of UI, API, Integration, End-to-End, and Backend testing. Experience with BDD/TDD frameworks, Agile/Scrum methodologies, and shift-left testing practices. Hands-on experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Git, Maven, Gradle, or similar tools. Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure and container technologies including Docker and Kubernetes. Proficiency with QA and defect management tools such as Jira, TestNG, Cucumber, Appium, and HP ALM. Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills. Ability to perform automation code reviews and drive quality engineering best practices. Experience collaborating with Development, Product, and Operations teams to ensure high-quality software delivery. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and mentoring skills. Demonstrated ability to balance technical leadership and hands-on contribution, with active involvement in automation design, development, and execution. Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Hybrid mode - Lead QA Engineer (scripting (Java/Python), Selenium/Playwright & API Automation) - Direct Client - Immediate Interviews

Full Description