Automation Lead Engineer

Title: Automation Lead Engineer

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

Duration: 12+ Months Contract

TN, EAD

Video Interview

Job Description 

New emphasis on experience doing both software and hardware testing. Please let me know if you have anyone

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.