We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Test Automation Engineer to drive our automation strategy and lead a small but impactful engineering team. In this role, you will take ownership of designing and enhancing automation frameworks, overseeing testing processes, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality backend services. You will act as a technical authority, mentor team members, and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across onsite and remote locations.Key Responsibilities:As the Lead Test Automation Engineer, you will define and evolve QA automation frameworks, establish both long-term and short-term automation roadmaps, and ensure testing best practices are adhered to across the project. You will champion quality standards, drive continuous improvements, and enable efficient delivery. In addition, you will provide technical leadership to a team of 2–3 automation engineers, offer guidance on complex issues, perform in-depth code reviews, and support the overall engineering excellence of the team.Required Technical Skills: 5+ years of experience in software testing or software development Proven ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate a small technical team Strong hands-on experience with RestAssured, Cucumber, JUnit, TestNG Advanced proficiency in Java Solid background in backend and REST API testing Strong foundation in functional testing methodologies Practical experience with CI/CD and automation pipelines using Jenkins and GitHub Actions Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent education/experience Proficiency with relational databases (DB2, PostgreSQL) Familiarity with debugging tools and troubleshooting techniques Excellent organizational and leadership skills Experience with Docker and Kubernetes environments Relevant certifications (ISTQB or similar) Strong experience with Git or other version control systems Ability to pass a security clearance investigation Nice to have: prior work with performance testing tools (JMeter, Gatling)