Test Automation Architect

Job Role: Test Automation Architect
Location: Mclean, VA
Hire Type : Fulltime Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Test Automation Architect to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of scalable test automation solutions across web UI, API/backend, and performance testing domains. The ideal candidate will drive test automation strategy, build robust frameworks, integrate automation into CI/CD pipelines, and provide actionable insights to improve overall testing effectiveness and efficiency. This role requires strong technical hands-on capability, leadership, and excellent stakeholder communication.
Key responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end test automation strategy, aligned with product and delivery goals.
• Architect and evolve a scalable, maintainable automation framework supporting UI, API, and performance testing.
• Develop and maintain high-quality automated test suites that cover functional and non-functional requirements.
• Integrate automation into CI/CD pipelines to ensure reliable, repeatable execution and coverage of key functionality and performance.
• Design and implement test data engineering and management strategies across environments.
• Implement and maintain service mocking and virtualization to enable isolated and reliable test environments.
• Drive parallel, cross-browser, and cross-platform testing initiatives.
• Lead performance testing efforts using LoadRunner/JMeter when required.
• Define, track, and report test automation metrics to measure effectiveness, coverage, and ROI; provide actionable insights and recommendations.

Conduct regular code reviews, mentor the team, and foster a culture of collaboration and conti\
Required skills:

• Programming Languages: Strong in Java, JavaScript, Python for developing automated test scripts/framework.
• Strong expertise in UI automation using Cypress/Playwright.
• Strong knowledge of API/backend testing using Java (RestAssured/Karate)
• Experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins) and integrating automation scripts into the pipeline
• Proven experience with test data engineering {2014}designing and implementing strategies to manage complex test data sets.
• Experience in service mocking(Mockito) and virtualization(PACT)
• Experience in parallel and cross browser testing using SauceLabs
• Experience in Performance testing using LoadRunner/JMeter
• Strong Communication, analytical abilities, thorough understanding of test metrics, ability to gain comprehensive knowledge of the technology stack and the overall landscape

Preferred qualifications:

• Proven experience (typically 8+ years) in test automation and architectural leadership in enterprise environments.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform) and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) is advantageous.
• Familiarity with security and accessibility testing practices.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and collaborating closely with product and engineering teams.
• Strong mentorship skills and experience building high-performing test automation teams.
• Relevant certifications in test automation, performance testing, or cloud technologies are a plus.