Senior Automation QA Engineer

Unissant, Inc. delivers innovative capabilities to the agencies that keep our nation healthy and safe. We apply our domain expertise, data acumen, and technology know-how to achieve breakthrough results for our clients. Working collaboratively, we advance missions and careers through a focus on honesty, integrity, and dependability. We continuously look for talent, excited to join that effort. To learn more about our exciting organization, please visit us at 

We are seeking a motivated, customer-oriented Senior Automation QA Engineer with deep experience in backend/API Automation and Java framework engineering for complex, data-intensive systems that handle sensitive and regulated data (PHI).

This role supports our Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) client in the Baltimore–Washington Metro area and aligns to the type of automation work performed within ESMD - building durable, reusable automation that validates service integrations and data movement end to end. The ideal candidate thrives on agile teams in a large-scale enterprise development environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design and build API-first automation frameworks from the ground up using Java-based technologies
• Implement scalable API automation using Java (Rest Assured, TestNG/JUnit)
• Create reusable Java libraries, utilities, and framework components for API and backend testing
• Validate end-to-end data flow across integrated systems (API → middleware → database)
• Define and execute data-validation strategies for sensitive datasets (including PHI)
• Build utilities for payload validation, data reconciliation, and comparison reporting
• Apply secure testing practices for PHI (masking, anonymization, and auditability)
• Integrate automation suites into CI/CD pipelines and quality gates
• Own the backend test strategy and partner with engineering to improve system testability

Work Experience and Job Skills:

• 6 -10 years of hands-on experience in QA/Automation is required
• Minimum 3+ years building automation frameworks from scratch using Java
• Strong experience in backend/API first testing is required
• Experience with regulated or sensitive data systems preferred
• Experience in regulated domains (healthcare, Federal government is required
• Strong hands-on Java programming experience, with a focus on automation framework development
• Proven experience building automation frameworks from scratch using Java (Rest Assured, TestNG/JUnit)
• Deep expertise in REST API automation, contract testing, and JSON/XML validation
• Strong SQL skills to validate backend data, perform reconciliation, and troubleshoot defects
• Experience working in sensitive data environments (PHI/PII), including secure handling practices
• Working knowledge of CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab, and/or Azure DevOps)
• Demonstrated experience in backend/API-focused automation; this role does not involve UI automation
• Proven ownership of automation framework architecture, design, and implementation
• Strong ability to work within complex, data-intensive backend systems and validate large-scale data flows

Education:

• Bachelor''s degree in a computer or scientific field preferred

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Testing certifications (e.g., CTSE, CSQA, CAST) are a plus

Communication Skills :

• Ability to write clear and concise technical architecture documents
• Ability to interface, inspire, and motivate at various levels of the organization and with client stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively across internal and external organizations
• Ability to work well in a matrixed team environment

Travel:

• This is a remote position

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Mainly sedentary; in an office environment
• May be required to lift to ten (10) pounds
• Flexible in working extended hours as mission or project demands require

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Unissant management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

Please note: Candidate(s) will be required to go through pre-employment screening.

Unissant, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! (EOE; M/F/Disability/Vets)