Lead QA Automation Architect (embedded)

N-iX is a global software development service company that helps businesses across the globe create next-generation software products. Founded in 2002, we unite 2,400+ tech-savvy professionals across 40+ countries, working on impactful projects for industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies. Our expertise spans cloud, data, AI/ML, embedded software, IoT, and more, driving digital transformation across finance, manufacturing, telecom, healthcare, and other industries. Join N-iX and become part of a team where your ideas make a real impact. We are looking for a Lead QA Automation Architect to join our team and lead the transformation of automated testing for an international leader in Passenger Information Systems for the public transportation industry. The client is a global provider of intelligent passenger information and transit solutions with offices across the US and Europe. Their software powers real-time communication systems for buses, trams, trains, stations, and airports worldwide. Due to years of acquisitions, the platform supports over 20 heterogeneous embedded hardware configurations from multiple manufacturers while maintaining a single hardware-agnostic application layer. As part of this engagement, you will play a strategic role in modernizing the client's QA automation approach. You will begin with an on-site discovery phase in Europe , evaluating the existing testing landscape, aligning stakeholders across multiple engineering teams, and defining the long-term automation strategy. You will then lead the implementation of a scalable automation framework, working closely with embedded, application, and infrastructure teams. This is a unique opportunity to combine software architecture, embedded systems, automation engineering, and technical leadership while shaping the testing strategy for a complex enterprise-scale product deployed globally. Responsibilities: Lead the initial discovery phase by analyzing the current testing ecosystem, identifying bottlenecks, and defining a long-term automation strategy. Design and implement a scalable automated testing framework for embedded Passenger Information Systems operating across multiple hardware platforms. Define a comprehensive testing strategy, including application-level testing, hardware validation, smoke testing, and regression suites. Build automated validation above the MQTT-PIS communication layer using Python, Pytest (or similar frameworks), mocks, simulators, and virtualization techniques. Integrate automated testing into Azure DevOps and Jenkins CI/CD pipelines, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments. Collaborate closely with embedded, OS, hardware, and application engineering teams to establish clear testing boundaries and improve test reliability. Troubleshoot complex embedded environments using debuggers, protocol analyzers, DAQ devices, and hardware validation tools. Mentor and provide technical leadership to a Senior QA Automation Engineer, establishing engineering standards, code quality practices, and automation governance. Present technical recommendations, roadmaps, and progress updates to engineering leadership and client stakeholders. Requirements: 7+ years of experience in QA Automation, Test Architecture, or Principal Quality Engineering roles. Proven experience designing and building automation frameworks from scratch for complex systems. Strong proficiency in Python and Pytest (or equivalent automation frameworks). Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps and Jenkins CI/CD pipelines. Strong understanding of Linux-based embedded environments. Experience working with embedded communication interfaces such as UART, I2C, GPIO, MQTT, and proprietary communication protocols. Practical experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing or other embedded hardware validation environments. Experience using hardware debugging and validation tools such as debuggers, protocol analyzers/sniffers, DAQ devices, or emulator-based testing (e.g. QEMU). Excellent system design, analytical, and troubleshooting skills. Strong communication skills with experience facilitating technical workshops and collaborating with distributed engineering teams. Upper-Intermediate English or higher. We offer*: Flexible working format - remote, office-based or flexible A competitive salary and good compensation package Personalized career growth Professional development tools (mentorship program, tech talks and trainings, centers of excellence, and more) Active tech communities with regular knowledge sharing Education reimbursement Memorable anniversary presents Corporate events and team buildings Other location-specific benefits *not applicable for freelancers