Lead Automation Engineer (UI & API
Listed on 2026-08-03
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IT/Tech
IT QA Tester / Automation, Systems Analyst
About the role
As a Lead Automation Engineer (UI & API), you will make an impact by driving quality engineering excellence through scalable test automation, strong coding practices, and effective stakeholder collaboration. You will be a valued member of the Quality Engineering & Assurance team and work closely with product owners, developers, and global delivery teams to deliver high-quality, reliable applications.
In this role, you will:
- Lead and participate in agile ceremonies, ensuring quality is embedded across the development lifecycle
- Collaborate with onsite and offshore teams, driving alignment and delivery efficiency
- Partner with business stakeholders and product owners to gather, clarify, and refine requirements
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable automation frameworks for UI and API testing
- Create test strategies, test plans, and detailed test cases aligned to user stories
- Develop and execute automation scripts using Java-based frameworks and tools
- Prepare and manage test data to support comprehensive test coverage
- Ensure effective execution, reporting, and continuous improvement of automation suites
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring presence in a client or Cognizant office in San Francisco, CA, based on client needs. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. We remain committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.
What you need to have to be considered- 8+ years of experience in Quality Engineering and Assurance
- 6+ years of hands-on experience in automation testing for UI (Selenium with Java) and API (REST Assured)
- Strong programming expertise in Core Java with experience in frameworks such as TestNG and Cucumber
- Experience working with CI/CD pipelines and Dev Ops practices
- Proficiency with test management and defect tracking tools such as JIRA, ALM, or Quality Center
- Strong understanding of Agile methodologies and experience working in Agile teams
- Proven ability to lead and coordinate onsite/offshore teams, along with direct client interactions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across stakeholders
- Experience with KARATE framework or other modern API automation tools
- Exposure to BDD frameworks and practices
- Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on automation scalability and efficiency
- Experience handling end-to-end test automation strategy in complex enterprise environments
- Ability to drive quality engineering transformation initiatives
The annual salary for this position is between $71,000 to $112,500, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
- Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
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