Automation Lead Engineer (3rd Party Contractor)

Job Title: Automation Lead Engineer Reports to: MD DVT UK Role overview The Automation Lead Engineer is a senior-level SDET responsible for driving high-quality engineering practices through strong testing expertise and a rigorous shift-left mindset. The role focuses on designing, reviewing, and improving Unit, Component, and Contract tests—coaching development teams on how and why to apply each test type based on risk, code complexity, stability, and historical defects. This engineer must be proficient across mobile (Android/iOS) and service-level automation, using tools like Espresso, XCUI, Pact, and OpenAPI. They will champion robust test frameworks, enforce best practices in environments where testing maturity varies, and elevate overall automation coverage using a risk‑based, data‑driven approach. The position requires strong technical experience in Java/Spring Boot, GitLab, Jenkins, YAML, and cloud‑native ecosystems, plus familiarity with accessibility, RESTful API testing, and modern test management tools. While mobile, backend, and CI/CD automation expertise is essential, experience with AWS cloud services, Playwright, and React testing is beneficial. In essence, this role blends deep technical capability with coaching, influence, and tenacity to uplift engineering standards and ensure high-quality, stable software delivery. Duties and Responsibilities Design, create, review, and maintain Unit, Component, and Contract tests across services and mobile applications. Coach and mentor developers on testing best practices, including when and why to use each test type based on risk, complexity, code stability, and historical defects. Champion shift‑left testing practices and ensure developers understand and apply the test pyramid effectively. Drive the adoption of high‑quality automation frameworks for Android and iOS using Espresso and XCUI. Lead service‑level test automation and ensure consistency in test structure, coverage, and quality. Influence and track improvements in automation maturity using a risk-based approach. Build and enhance automation frameworks and CI pipelines to support scalable, maintainable test automation. Guide teams in environments where strong testing practices are still being established, ensuring best‑practice adoption. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support complex data scenarios and ensure high-quality releases. Support onboarding, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement initiatives. Required experience and skills Must Have Strong experience implementing the test pyramid and shift‑left strategies. Proven ability to create Contract tests using Pact/PactFlow or OpenAPI Spec for Android and iOS. Hands-on experience configuring and optimising SonarCloud for effective test scanning. Proficiency in creating, updating, and reviewing Unit and Component tests in Java (JUnit/NUnit experience). Strong Git and GitLab pipeline experience. Skilled in writing YAML scripts. Solid Java and Spring Boot development background. Deep understanding of QA principles and the ability to clearly articulate the differences between Unit, Component, and Contract tests. Experience building and maintaining Jenkins pipelines (Jenkinsfile experience). Familiarity with test management tools such as Qmetry, Xray, and JIRA. UI automation framework development experience for Android and iOS. Knowledge of accessibility testing and the use of accessibility plugins for both mobile platforms. Experience with REST API automation using Rest Assured, Postman, or similar tools. Ability to work effectively in complex data environments. Nice to Have Airline domain experience. Experience testing React applications (unit and contract tests using React Testing Library RE3/RE4). Experience creating and maintaining Playwright test suites. AWS cloud services exposure. Technical Competencies Programming & Frameworks: Java, Spring Boot Mobile Automation: Espresso, XCUI Contract Testing: Pact, PactFlow, OpenAPI Spec CI/CD & Version Control: GitLab, Jenkins, Git Scripting & Config: YAML Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS EKS, Kubernetes (k9s), Docker, Grafana API Testing: Rest Assured, Postman Testing Tools: SonarCloud, Qmetry, Xray, JIRA Accessibility Testing: Android/iOS accessibility tools and plugins