QA Automation Engineer I

This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining automated test solutions that support Hy-Vee's retail technology operations, working within established frameworks under the guidance of senior engineers, with independence increasing as skills grow. If you enjoy solving problems methodically and want to build a strong foundation in test automation while learning from experienced engineers, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

• Design and maintain manual/automated test suites for primary and integrated Retail, Finance, HR and Supply Chain systems under senior guidance.

• Execute and monitor CI/CD-integrated test pipelines in Concourse/GitHub Actions, reporting results and ensuring quality gates are enforced on every code push.

• Write and run API, UI, and basic performance tests against assigned applications, custom services, and REST/OData endpoints.

• Learn and apply ML-based element locator strategies to reduce test brittleness and support self-healing test maintenance practices.

• Work alongside SAP, Retail, Finance, HR, Supply Chain and Hy-Vee engineering squads to understand business processes and translate them into meaningful test scenarios.

• Monitor test health dashboards, flag flaky tests, and contribute to ongoing improvements in suite reliability and coverage.

• Maintain clear and accurate documentation for test cases, test data, and defect reports.

• Participate in small to large project implementations.

• May provide second level troubleshooting support and assistance to other admins and engineers.

• Attends and is prepared to participate in department and company meetings.

• Performs other job-related duties and special projects as required.

At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking professionals who bring proven skills, a desire to grow, and a commitment to work together in building a company that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier., + Solid Python/JavaScript fundamentals including data structures, functions, object-oriented concepts, and ability to read and contribute to an existing codebase.

• Demonstrated AI-first mindset: actively uses AI tools (Claude, GitHub Copilot) in daily workflow and can articulate how they improve quality outcomes.

• Foundational knowledge of software testing concepts including test design, defect lifecycle, and the importance of test coverage.

• Familiarity with version control using Git and collaborative development workflows (branching, pull requests, code review).

• Familiarity with API testing tools (Postman, RestAssured, or similar) and basic CI/CD pipeline concepts (GitHub or Concourse).

• Debugging and troubleshooting skills with the ability to isolate failures and communicate findings clearly.

• Awareness of test suite health concepts; able to identify and report flaky tests and basic coverage gaps with guidance.

• Organization skills with the ability to effectively meet deadlines.

• Familiarity with SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform) and OData/SOAP service testing concepts.

• Retail, grocery, or supply-chain domain knowledge is a bonus.

• Commitment to the Hy-Vee Mission and a willingness to promote the values of the company

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate to and interact with other people in a friendly, professional manner

• Self-starter; willingness to dive in without being instructed

• Growth mindset: actively seeks feedback, asks good questions, and demonstrates consistent improvement over time

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: IT Manager / Director

Direct Reports: None

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

• 1-3 years in information technology or related experience; or demonstrated equivalent competency through portfolio work.

• 1-3 years of software development or test automation experience using Python.

• Exposure to at least one modern test automation framework: Playwright, Selenium, Cypress, or Robot Framework.

• Exposure to SAP applications (Fiori, S/4HANA modules (FI, MM, SD, WM)), Workday and Manhattan WMS/TMS or strong motivation to develop this expertise rapidly.

• Experience with LLM prompt engineering for test generation or defect analysis.

• Exposure to performance testing tools such as JMeter, Gatling, or k6.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally

• Ability to operate standard office technology, including computers and telephones

• Ability to review and analyze documents and data on screen

• Ability to occasionally transport materials weighing up to 10 pounds (such as files or office supplies)

Working Environment

This position works in a general office setting with possible flexible work arrangements outside of the office. You'll use standard office equipment including PC (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook), telephone, calculator, and other typical office technology.

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.