Automation Lead Engineer

Job Title : Automation Lead Engineer

Location: Palo Alto, CA - 4 days onsite, 1 day remote

Duration: 12+ Months

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, howdoes 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.