Lead QA Automation Engineer​/Lead SDET​/Test Automation Lead; API Automation

Lead Testing & Automation Engineer

Location:
Herndon, VA | Onsite (5-Days) | Contract with potential for extension | Payrate: $60

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.

• 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 Dev Ops teams in an Agile environment
• Mentor team members and establish best practices in automation and AI-driven testing

• 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, Cloud Watch)
• 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