Analysis Skills, Application Programming Interface (API), Automation, Automation Engineering, Best Practices, Code Reviews, Coding Standards, Communication Skills, Computer Programming, Cross-Functional, Home Automation, Identify Issues, Java, Leadership, Mentoring, People Management, Python Programming/Scripting Language, REST (Representational State Transfer), Scalable System Development, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Software Testing, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Test Automation, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX)
Role:Lead API Test Automation Engineer
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 2 Days Onsite per Week)
Experience: 10+ Years
Employment Type: Contract (C2C)
Note:
- Local candidates only.
- Only genuine consultants with an updated LinkedIn profile matching the resume will be considered.
- Onsite interview is mandatory.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Lead API Test Automation Engineer with over 10 years of experience in test automation and at least 5 years in a technical leadership role. This position requires a 50% hands-on technical contribution and 50% technical leadership, with a primary focus on Backend API Test Automation (70%) and UI Test Automation (30%) using Playwright.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Java, Python, API Automation using Karate or Rest Assured, and experience designing and building scalable automation frameworks from scratch.
Required Skills
- 10+ years of experience in Software Test Automation.
- 5+ years of experience leading technical QA/Test Automation teams (minimum 5 team members).
- Strong programming skills in Java and Python.
- Extensive hands-on experience with API Test Automation using Karate or Rest Assured (Must Have).
- Experience with Playwright for UI automation.
- Proven experience designing, enhancing, and maintaining automation frameworks.
- Strong understanding of API testing, REST services, and backend validation.
- Experience with automation framework architecture and best practices.
- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and mentor a team of 5+ QA Automation Engineers.
- Design, develop, and maintain robust API automation frameworks using Java, Python, and Karate/Rest Assured.
- Enhance existing automation frameworks and build new frameworks from the ground up.
- Drive backend API automation efforts, which comprise approximately 70% of the workload.
- Develop and maintain UI automation scripts using Playwright (30% of the workload).
- Review automation code, enforce coding standards, and ensure best practices.
- Collaborate with developers, product owners, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software.
- Participate in architecture discussions and provide automation strategy recommendations.
- Perform hands-on coding while guiding the team through technical challenges.
Leadership Expectations
- Lead by example through hands-on technical contributions.
- Provide technical guidance, code reviews, and mentoring.
- Drive automation strategy and framework improvements.
- This is a technical leadership role and does not involve people management or HR responsibilities.
Interview Process
- Round 1: Technical Interview
- Round 2: Technical Interview
- Round 3: Panel Interview
Note: Candidates must be available for an onsite interview in Chicago.
Must-Have Skills
- Java
- Python
- API Test Automation
- Karate Framework or Rest Assured
- Playwright
- Automation Framework Development
- Technical Leadership (Leading 5+ team members)
- REST APIs
- Test Automation Architecture