AWS Lambda, Agile Programming Methodologies, Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Application Programming Interface (API), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Automation Engineering, Best Practices, Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Improvement, Continuous Integration, Data Management, DevOps, Distributed Computing, Failure Analysis, Java, Leadership, Mentoring, Microservices, Process Improvement, Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, REST (Representational State Transfer), Reliability Engineering, Root Cause Analysis, Software Design for Test (SDET), Software Engineering, Spring Framework, Systems Reliability, Systems Scalability, Test Automation, Test Case, Test Data, Test Strategy, Test Suite, Test Tools, Testing
Lead Testing & Automation Engineer
Location: Herndon, VA | Onsite (5-Days) | Contract with potential for extension |
We are seeking a Lead Testing & Automation Engineer to drive end-to-end quality engineering across scalable, cloud-native platforms. This role requires strong expertise in Java, Spring, AWS, and API automation using Karate, combined with hands-on leadership in applying AI to transform testing practices.
The ideal candidate will not only lead automation efforts but will define, implement, and scale AI-driven testing capabilities, improving efficiency, coverage, and release confidence across complex systems.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the design and implementation of API automation frameworks using Karate for microservices-based architectures
Build and support backend services using Java and Spring Boot to enable scalable and testable systems
Develop and maintain automated test suites for REST APIs and distributed systems
Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to support continuous delivery
Own the assessment of current QA/testing capabilities, including tools, processes, and automation maturity
Define and implement a target-state testing strategy leveraging AI-driven quality engineering practices
Identify, design, and deploy AI-powered solutions across test generation, test data management, regression optimization, and defect detection
Develop and execute a phased roadmap for AI adoption in testing, from pilot to enterprise rollout
Lead implementation and scaling of AI-enabled testing solutions across teams and environments
Use AI to analyze logs, failures, and test results to accelerate root cause analysis and improve system reliability
Drive continuous improvement in test coverage, execution efficiency, and defect leakage reduction
Collaborate with engineering, product, and DevOps teams in an Agile environment
Mentor team members and establish best practices in automation and AI-driven testing
Required Qualifications
7+ years of experience in QA automation, testing, or SDET roles, with leadership responsibilities
Strong programming experience in Java and frameworks such as Spring Boot
Hands-on expertise with Karate for API automation testing
Deep understanding of REST APIs, microservices, and distributed systems
Experience with AWS services (e.g., Lambda, ECS, S3, CloudWatch)
Proven experience integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines
Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML or GenAI in testing or software engineering workflows
Experience using AI tools to generate test cases, optimize test suites, or automate failure analysis
Ability to define AI-driven testing strategies and lead implementation/rollout across teams