Role Overview:
As a Test Automation Architect, you will play a pivotal role in assessing our current test automation landscape (As-Is) and designing a future-proof and scalable test automation strategy (To-Be). You will leverage your background as a developer and solution architect to guide the team through the assessment, architecture, and implementation phases of the test automation framework. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Test Automation Engineers, Development, and Solution Architects, to ensure the proper toolset, frameworks, and methodologies are selected and implemented.
Key Responsibilities:
Assessment of Current Landscape:
Evaluate the current test automation practices, tools, and frameworks across our diverse technology stack (JAVA, Full-Stack JAVA, Mainframe COBOL, REST APIs) to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and areas of improvement.
Design & Strategy Development:
Develop a comprehensive Test Automation strategy and architecture for any transformation program, including the selection of tools and frameworks best suited for our environment. Design test automation solutions that are scalable, flexible, and aligned with the business objectives.
Tool Selection & Integration:
Lead the evaluation, selection, and integration of test automation tools, considering the current tech stack. Ensure compatibility and interoperability with our existing systems and future-proof the toolset for upcoming technologies.
Collaboration & Mentorship:
Collaborate with test automation engineers, development teams, and solution architects to ensure alignment on test automation goals. Provide leadership and mentorship to the test automation engineers in the implementation of test automation frameworks.
Best Practices & Standards:
Establish and promote best practices for test automation in the organization. Develop and enforce standards for writing reusable, maintainable, and efficient test scripts across multiple technologies.
Metrics & Reporting:
Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for test automation, including test coverage, execution time, and defect detection rate. Provide regular reporting on the effectiveness and efficiency of the test automation efforts.
Continuous Improvement:
Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Test Automation CoE, identifying new opportunities to enhance test automation capabilities and reducing manual testing efforts.
Stakeholder Communication:
Engage with senior leadership and stakeholders to communicate progress, challenges, and the business value of test automation initiatives.
Qualifications:
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
Experience:
8+ years of experience in software development, solution architecture, and test automation.
Strong background in developing and architecting automation solutions in a heterogeneous tech environment, including JAVA, Full-Stack JAVA, Mainframe COBOL, REST APIs, and others.
Proven experience in assessing, designing, and implementing end-to-end test automation strategies for large-scale transformation programs.
Hands-on experience with modern test automation frameworks and tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, Appium, RestAssured, etc.).
Experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and integrating automation into DevOps workflows.
Technical Skills:
Expertise in automation scripting, programming languages (Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.), and test automation frameworks.
Experience with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their impact on automation.
Strong experience of test management tools (e.g., Jira, ALM, etc.) and test execution platforms.
Familiarity with Mainframe testing tools and practices (e.g., IBM Rational, Micro Focus, etc.) and how they integrate into modern CI/CD pipelines.
Leadership Skills:
Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, ensuring collaboration between development, testing, and solution architecture teams.
Strong communication skills to effectively report to senior stakeholders and mentor junior team members.
Strategic thinker with a focus on long-term sustainability and scalability of the test automation frameworks.
Soft Skills:
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Agile mindset with a focus on adaptability and continuous learning.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certifications:
ISTQB Advanced Test Automation Engineer certification (or equivalent).
Certifications in relevant test automation tools and frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Appium).
Experience with Banking/Financial Services:
Familiarity with the banking sector, including industry-specific regulations, standards, and compliance requirements.