Lead QA Automation Engineer

Lead QA Automation Engineer
Location: Chicago, IL 
Employment Type: Contract

Experience: 8+ years in the required skill set

Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Lead QA Automation Engineer to join our Quality Assurance team. The successful candidate will work with a talented, cross-functional engineering team building a new platform using modern and cutting-edge technologies.
The Lead QA Automation Engineer will be responsible for developing and executing QA strategies, leading test automation and defect management activities, and ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of large-scale digital platform programs.
Key Responsibilities
Lead QA strategy, test planning, and test automation execution across multiple projects and releases.
Independently lead complex testing, quality assurance, and project assignments with minimal supervision.
Identify, analyze, and resolve complex application and technical problems.
Develop and execute regression, integration, performance, system, and user acceptance testing strategies.
Identify gaps in test coverage and recommend appropriate testing approaches.
Perform validation activities for new and existing software defects.
Own quality assurance and defect management activities throughout the software development lifecycle.
Reproduce software defects and collect the necessary logs, artifacts, and evidence for analysis and resolution.
Participate in field testing of new features that require detailed planning and execution.
Work closely with end users and internal customers to support application development, debugging, and testing.
Validate application software for accuracy, integrity, interoperability, and completeness.
Coordinate with Product Owners and other stakeholders to resolve open issues, enhancements, and upgrades.
Develop a strong understanding of application functionality and business requirements.
Identify high-impact issues and drive them through resolution.
Perform root cause analysis and provide data-driven recommendations to leadership.
Use quantitative analysis and relevant data to support quality and business decisions.
Mentor QA team members and provide technical guidance on testing standards, best practices, tools, and processes.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, product, and business teams in a fast-paced Agile environment.
Contribute to continuous improvement of QA processes, automation frameworks, and testing practices.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or an equivalent technical field.
7+ years of experience in software testing and/or software development.
8+ years of relevant experience in the highlighted technical skill set preferred.
Strong experience with software quality assurance and quality control methodologies.
Strong understanding of SDLC and Agile methodologies.
Experience leading QA initiatives or projects in a cross-functional environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-mining skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently on complex testing and quality assurance assignments.
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, business stakeholders, product owners, and leadership.
Required Technical Skills
QA Automation
Software Testing
Test Strategy and Planning
Regression Testing
Integration Testing
Performance Testing
System Testing
User Acceptance Testing
Defect Management
Root Cause Analysis
SDLC
Agile
AWS
SQL
Azure DevOps (ADO)
Power BI
Microsoft Excel
Data Analysis and Data Mining
Key Competencies
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate available information, and make informed, productive decisions.
Effective Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical information, requirements, issues, and recommendations to different levels of an organization.
Software Product Testing: Ability to design, plan, and execute comprehensive testing strategies to ensure software quality and compliance with requirements.
Software Development Life Cycle: Strong understanding of structured methodologies for developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software products.
Leadership: Ability to lead QA initiatives, mentor team members, coordinate cross-functional activities, and drive quality objectives.
Problem Solving: Ability to identify high-impact issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive defects through resolution.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a senior-level QA professional with strong automation, testing, leadership, and defect management experience. The candidate should be comfortable working independently on complex applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams, analyzing data to make informed decisions, and mentoring other QA professionals.

Candidate Preference
Local candidates in the Chicago or Peoria, IL area are preferred.
Relocation candidates may be considered.
Consultants should have a professional LinkedIn profile that is consistent with their resume and professional experience.