Key skills
SeleniumCypressREST AssuredCore JavaTestNGCucumberGradleKARATE frameworkCI/CD toolsDevOps pipelinesJIRAALMQuality CenterAgile methodologiesStakeholder managementClient-facing communicationJavaScriptJavaPlaywrightJiraAgileCI/CDStakeholder ManagementCommunicationCollaboration
About this role
Cognizant is seeking a Lead SDET / QA Automation Engineer to design scalable automation frameworks and ensure high-quality delivery across UI and API applications. The role involves leading the automation setup, collaborating with various teams, and driving quality across agile releases.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and execute automation framework setup and enhancement for UI and API testing
- Design and develop automation scripts using modern tools such as Selenium, Playwright, and REST Assured
- Create and maintain test plans, test cases, and test data aligned to user stories and business requirements
- Collaborate with product owners, business stakeholders, and development teams to clarify requirements and ensure quality
- Participate in Agile ceremonies and drive quality discussions across sprint cycles
- Coordinate effectively with onsite/offshore teams to ensure smooth delivery and execution
- Execute automation suites, track defects, and provide status reporting and metrics visibility
Requirements:
- 8+ years of experience in Quality Engineering and QA automation
- 6+ years of hands-on experience in UI automation (Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress)
- Strong experience in API automation using REST Assured or similar tools
- Proficiency in Core Java and automation frameworks (TestNG, Cucumber, Gradle, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with modern tools such as Playwright, KARATE framework
- Experience working with CI/CD tools and DevOps pipelines
- Expertise in using test management and tracking tools (JIRA, ALM, Quality Center)
- Strong experience in Agile methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration
- Proven ability to lead teams and coordinate onsite/offshore delivery
- Experience designing scalable automation frameworks from scratch
- Exposure to modern JavaScript-based automation (Playwright/Cypress ecosystems)
- Strong stakeholder management and client-facing communication skills
- Experience improving automation coverage, speed, and release quality
- Ability to manage and mentor distributed QA teams