QA Automation Lead​/Architect

Position: QA Automation Lead / Architect
We are seeking a highly accomplished QA Automation Lead / Architect for an enterprise-level contract opportunity based in Mississauga. In this role, you will take on a premier quality engineering and architecture leadership capacity, specializing in evaluating, modernizing, and scaling the QA automation practice for a complex desktop application environment.

As a principal QA automation lead, you will bridge the gap between quality engineering teams, software developers, and business stakeholders. Operating within a hybrid work model, you will evaluate existing testing methodologies, identify automation gaps, construct a practical improvement roadmap, and build scalable automation frameworks from scratch. This position demands a proactive, hands-on technical leader who can mentor team members, introduce best practices using tools like Test Complete and qTest, write robust scripts in Python and C#, and drive continuous, measurable quality improvements across the organization.

Location:

Mississauga, ON

Assignment Type:
Hybrid (2 days per week onsite)

Contract Duration: 12-month contract

Advantages
Strategic Modernization Scope:
Lead the architectural transformation and modernization of a complex desktop application QA automation practice.

Framework Architecture:
Build robust, scalable automation frameworks from scratch using Python, C#, SQL, Test Complete, and qTest.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:
Establish automation best practices, mentor QA team members, and demonstrate solutions through working examples.

Proactive & Collaborative Culture:
Work within an environment that values high self-initiative, active engagement, and clear technical communication.

Balanced Hybrid Structure:
Enjoy a flexible working model combining collaborative onsite teamwork in Mississauga with remote work.

Responsibilities
Perform end-to-end assessments of the existing test automation architecture, identify technical gaps, and establish a practical modernization roadmap.

Design, architect, and build scalable, maintainable test automation frameworks from scratch for desktop applications.

Write, optimize, and execute automated test scripts using Python, C#, SQL, and specialized tools such as Test Complete.

Manage, organize, and trace test assets, execution cycles, and defect reporting utilizing qTest and enterprise test management tools.

Drive hands-on implementation by creating working proof-of-concept (PoC) scripts and demonstrating technical solutions to engineering teams.

Mentor and train QA team members on modern automation standards, coding practices, and efficient troubleshooting techniques.

Perform deep analytical problem-solving and root-cause analysis to resolve technical issues and automation bottlenecks.

Collaborate proactively across multi-disciplinary squads, explaining complex automation concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Monitor performance metrics and evaluate framework effectiveness to deliver continuous, measurable improvements in testing speed and coverage.

Qualifications
Core Requirements & Automation Architecture
Desktop Application Automation:
Minimum 2 years of dedicated hands-on experience designing and executing test automation specifically for complex desktop applications.

Framework Design:
Proven track record of designing, building, and scaling automated testing frameworks from scratch.

Programming & Database Proficiency:
Strong hands-on coding skills in Python, C#, and SQL for scripting, test data generation, and backend validation.

QA & Test Management Tools:
Demonstrated expertise using Test Complete for desktop automation and qTest (or equivalent) for test lifecycle management.

Process Improvement:
Proven ability to review current QA practices, identify automation coverage…