Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer

Unissant, Inc. delivers innovative capabilities to the agencies that keep our nation healthy and safe. They are seeking a motivated, customer-oriented Senior Automation QA Engineer with deep experience in backend/API Automation and Java framework engineering for complex, data-intensive systems. The role involves designing and building API-first automation frameworks, implementing scalable API automation, and validating end-to-end data flow across integrated systems.

Responsibilities:

• Design and build API-first automation frameworks from the ground up using Java-based technologies
• Implement scalable API automation using Java (Rest Assured, TestNG/JUnit)
• Create reusable Java libraries, utilities, and framework components for API and backend testing
• Validate end-to-end data flow across integrated systems (API → middleware → database)
• Define and execute data-validation strategies for sensitive datasets (including PHI)
• Build utilities for payload validation, data reconciliation, and comparison reporting
• Apply secure testing practices for PHI (masking, anonymization, and auditability)
• Integrate automation suites into CI/CD pipelines and quality gates
• Own the backend test strategy and partner with engineering to improve system testability

Requirements:

• 6 -10 years of hands-on experience in QA/Automation is required
• Minimum 3+ years building automation frameworks from scratch using Java
• Strong experience in backend/API first testing is required
• Experience in regulated domains (healthcare, Federal government is required
• Strong hands-on Java programming experience, with a focus on automation framework development
• Proven experience building automation frameworks from scratch using Java (Rest Assured, TestNG/JUnit)
• Deep expertise in REST API automation, contract testing, and JSON/XML validation
• Strong SQL skills to validate backend data, perform reconciliation, and troubleshoot defects
• Experience working in sensitive data environments (PHI/PII), including secure handling practices
• Working knowledge of CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab, and/or Azure DevOps)
• Demonstrated experience in backend/API-focused automation; this role does not involve UI automation
• Proven ownership of automation framework architecture, design, and implementation
• Strong ability to work within complex, data-intensive backend systems and validate large-scale data flows
• Ability to write clear and concise technical architecture documents
• Ability to interface, inspire, and motivate at various levels of the organization and with client stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively across internal and external organizations
• Ability to work well in a matrixed team environment
• Experience with regulated or sensitive data systems preferred
• Bachelor's degree in a computer or scientific field preferred
• Testing certifications (e.g., CTSE, CSQA, CAST) are a plus