POSITION SUMMARY:

The Test Architect will provide technical leadership within the Quality Assurance department to ensure our applications are accurate, usable, performant, and maintainable. The Test Architect will help define and validate the automation strategy for the Quality Assurance Team, ensuring that automation tools and frameworks are appropriate for the business and are being used effectively to improve software quality and delivery.

This role is responsible for aligning automation architecture, standards, and best practices across the QA organization, with a primary focus on Playwright and NeoLoad, with additional automation maintained in Tosca and QF-Test. The Test Architect works closely with the QA Manager, QA Leads, Automation Engineers, Development, and Infrastructure teams to ensure the QA toolset supports the department's needs and helps identify issues as early as possible.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Guidance

• Provide technical leadership and support the creation of complex automated tests.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the test automation pyramid and adherence to that principle.
• Provide technical guidance on Playwright and NeoLoad and advise Automation Engineers on effective automation approaches.
• Provide guidance on existing Tosca automation and support the transition of automation, where applicable, to Playwright.
• Train new QA team members and build the advanced automation skills of existing team members.
• Assist in planning new designs, processes, and technical approaches for QA.
• Define automation standards and best practices to be used across the department.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for automation architecture, standards, frameworks, and processes.

Tool Maintainability & Architecture

• Ensure the QA toolset is current, maintainable, and aligned with the needs of the Quality Assurance department.
• Develop and implement scalable test automation frameworks, with primary emphasis on Playwright and NeoLoad, integrated with qTest.
• Develop and recommend new testing methods, tools, and procedures as applicable.
• Define and administer standard testing architecture methodologies, processes, and tools across applications.
• Evaluate automation tools and technologies and recommend when new or existing tools should be adopted, expanded, maintained, or retired.
• Help establish reusable automation assets and patterns that can be leveraged across QA teams and applications.

Technical Leadership

• Develop strategic plans for test automation and performance testing efforts.
• Provide technical leadership for major automation initiatives, including a Playwright POC and rollout
• Assist in the technical oversight of offshore QA automation resources.
• Partner with IS Development and Infrastructure teams to plan automation, performance, and load testing activities.
• Create test estimates and define/build reusable testing assets for large and complex projects.
• Provide metrics and reporting on automation progress, coverage, and effectiveness across QA teams.
• Conduct automation and load testing reviews to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Develop and maintain standards and processes for testing procedures, automation, and technical best practices.  
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts using Playwright and load/performance testing solutions using NeoLoad.
• Develop automated GUI and API/service tests and reusable automation components.

Other

• Suggest and recommend better ways to improve the quality and efficiency of QA work.
• Mentor QA team members and help develop broader automation capabilities across the department.
• Other tasks as assigned by the IS Quality Assurance Manager.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• BS in Computer Science, MIS, or equivalent work experience in software testing or the retail industry.
• Experience defining and implementing test processes and automation approaches across multiple projects.
• Experience identifying appropriate testing techniques, tools, frameworks, and guidelines and providing guidance on resource requirements.
• 7+ years of experience in software testing, including writing, reviewing, and executing test plans and procedures; experience with Tricentis qTest is preferred.
• 7+ years of experience using automated test tools and frameworks, with strong experience in Playwright and NeoLoad required.
• Experience with Tricentis Tosca is highly preferred for supporting existing automation and modernization efforts.
• Experience on large projects with multi-system interdependencies and medium to large cross-functional project teams. Knowledge of project management tools and methodologies is a plus.
• Strong understanding of automation models, frameworks, architecture, and how they can be applied effectively across multiple applications.
• Proven ability to mentor other team members and help develop technical automation skills.
• Strong knowledge of Web Services and APIs and experience converting API/service functionality into automated tests.
• Strong understanding of web technologies, application servers, databases, and enterprise application architecture, including SQL, Oracle, and Progress.
• Strong understanding of scripting, programming, and computer architecture.
• Experience designing and maintaining automated test frameworks and reusable automation components.
• Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD processes and working with tools such as Jenkins and Git.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership for complex test and automation programs while meeting schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Proven experience managing test tools, frameworks, and environments to support enterprise test programs.
• Experience across the full software project lifecycle, including Agile, DevOps, and traditional development methodologies.
• Excellent analytical skills for problem determination and resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively within team environments.
• Must work within designated normal office hours assigned or required by work.
• Must be able to work overtime, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, presently and in the future, without sponsorship.