Automation Tester

About the role

The will own the full lifecycle of automated testing for complex backend and distributed systems. In this position, you will design, implement, and maintain automation frameworks that validate REST, SOAP, and microservices-based APIs against evolving user requirements. You will act as a technical quality advisor, shaping testing strategy and ensuring that automated suites provide reliable, fast, and meaningful feedback to development teams. A core part of the role involves converting manual test scenarios into robust, scalable automated scripts while applying strong analytical skills to define validation points and success metrics. You will collaborate closely with developers, business analysts, and operations to align testing efforts with delivery goals and system behavior. The role requires you to write clear test analysis documents that highlight findings, root causes, and actionable recommendations for improvement. You will also perform code reviews of automation assets to ensure maintainability, reusability, and adherence to standards. Based on your findings, you may recommend optimizations to system design, test processes, or infrastructure to reduce operating time and improve efficiency.

Key facts

What you'll do

Determine appropriate technical testing strategy for moderately complex to extremely complex software systems across backend and API domains.

Convert manual test cases into automated scripts, ensuring coverage of business workflows, edge cases, and integration points.

Analyze test case scenarios to identify validation points, expected behaviors, and metrics required for quality assessment.

Identify the most suitable protocols and tools for building scripts and connecting to diverse test environment interfaces.

Conduct various types of tests including API validation, database verification, and performance testing while collecting necessary metrics.

Write test analysis documents that summarize key findings, root cause insights, and recommendations for stakeholders.

Perform code reviews of automation frameworks and test scripts to enforce coding standards, readability, and maintainability.

Leverage experience with JMeter to design and execute performance test scenarios that simulate realistic load conditions.

Develop and maintain Curl or Shell scripts to support environment checks, API calls, and integration verification tasks.

Advise on system improvements, optimization opportunities, and maintenance activities that enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure test activities remain aligned with sprint goals, release schedules, and quality standards.

Support Agile and DevOps practices by integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and providing rapid feedback on build quality.

Identify and document risks, dependencies, and constraints that could affect test execution or system reliability.

Promote continuous improvement by refining test data, test environments, and automation tooling based on feedback and evolving requirements.

Requirements

Candidates must possess hands-on experience in backend or API test automation with a strong focus on service-level validation.

You should have solid knowledge of Agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices that drive modern software delivery.

Demonstrated experience with performance testing and systems engineering principles is essential to evaluate system behavior under load.

You must have practical experience using JMeter and be able to develop Curl or Shell scripts for automation and environment interaction.

Strong communication skills are required to translate technical findings into clear information for both technical and non-technical audiences.

You need the ability to work independently, taking ownership of testing activities, while also collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

The role requires the capability to analyze complex scenarios, define validation criteria, and ensure that automated tests provide actionable insights.

You must be comfortable working in dynamic environments where requirements evolve and testing strategies must adapt quickly.

Nice to have

Preferred experience with distributed microservices architectures and containerized deployment environments.

Familiarity with test management tools, version control systems, and infrastructure as code concepts.

Knowledge of database querying and validation techniques to support end-to-end test coverage.

Experience with monitoring and logging tools that can provide additional context for test execution and failure analysis.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Springfield, Virginia.

The role may require travel to client sites or project locations as needed.

Employment eligibility to work in the United States is required.

Candidates must meet all specified requirements as hard bars for consideration.

The position is subject to standard hiring timelines and internal approval processes.