Automation Lead Engineer

Title: Automation Lead Engineer

Location: Palo Alto, CA – 4 days onsite, 1 day remote (Local only)

Duration: 12+ Months

Rate: $65/hr on W2 (Flex depend on experience)

TN

Video Interview 

Role Overview 

We need folks who are strong in Python/Pytest (they will do a coding assessment with them during the interview) We will also do one with Glider.

Opportunity Overview: 

Client is seeking a highly experienced Lead Test Infrastructure & Automation Engineer to accelerate the development of test automation frameworks and infrastructure for next-generation vehicle programs. This role is critical to improving test coverage and automation efficiency as the team works toward a major vehicle launch in 2027. 

Requirements: 

• Leadership & Adaptability: A strong strategic vision for test infrastructure with the ability to lead a team in building it out. They must also be a quick learner to bridge any technical gaps. 
• Tools & Libraries: Strong Python development skills with a deep understanding of common automotive communication protocols. 
• Pytest: Advanced experience with Pytest; specifically, familiarity with custom hooks, stages, and advanced configuration. 
• Candidates who have built things recently which overlap with our qualifications. We will ask: what did you build, how does it work, what are the design tradeoffs, etc. 

Desires: 

• Experience with Jenkins (ideally) or other CI tools. 
• Familiar with virtualization: ESXi/Proxmox, VM management, etc. 
• Experience with Bazel 
• Experience with Jama 
• Experience with TestRail 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design, build, and expand test infrastructure to support automated testing across multiple systems. 
• Develop and maintain Python-based test frameworks for executing jobs, collecting results, and generating reports. 
• Integrate and manage tools such as Jenkins (for job execution) and TestRail (for reporting). 
• Lead and mentor junior engineers while contributing as an individual contributor. 
• Drive automation initiatives by converting manual test assets into automated workflows. 
• Manage concurrent workstreams in test automation and reporting, ensuring timely delivery and quality. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to make design decisions, not just execute tasks. 
• Conduct code reviews, enforce best practices, and ensure high-quality deliverables. 
• Work closely with leadership to accelerate infrastructure development and resolve issues. 

Required Qualifications: 

• 5–10 years of experience in test infrastructure and automation. 
• Strong Python programming skills (mandatory; will be assessed during screening). 
• Hands-on experience with Jenkins, TestRail, and related automation tools. 
• Proven ability to design and implement automation frameworks from scratch. 
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and managing technical workstreams. 
• Ability to work onsite in Palo Alto (4 days/week). 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in automotive or similar domains (not mandatory). 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to explain real-world automation challenges and solutions. 
• Demonstrated ability to contribute beyond execution—strategic design and decision-making.