> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1360246-sdet-qa-automation-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1360246-sdet-qa-automation-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # SDET/QA Automation Lead - **Company:** Madrid Community Of Madrid - **Location:** Madrid, Spain (Remote available) - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Amazon S3, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Cloud Computing, Code Coverage, Continuous Integration, Linux, Python (Programming Language), Systems Integration, Ceph (Software), Pytest, Gitlab-ci, Playwright, Data Analytics, Bots, Build Process, Vertica, SDET, Jenkins - **Published:** July 20, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.es/contact-us.html ## About the Role + 5+ years in test automation, 2+ years leading a QA team (5+ engineers) + Deep experience with Linux-based product testing (RPM, systemd, multi-distro matrix) + Proven track record of dramatically improving test reliability metrics + Experience building or integrating AI/ML into QA workflows (not theoretical - show us what you shipped) + Strong Python skills (the entire test framework and tooling is Python) + CI/CD pipeline architecture experience (Jenkins Pipelines > GitLab CI is upcoming) Must demonstrate: + Strategic thinking + Delegation instinct: you'd build processes that distribute and track ownership + Data-driven execution: You measure, set targets, and hold teams accountable to metrics + Strategic initiative: You proactively propose and drive improvements, not wait for problems to be assigned to you + Automation bias: If a human does it daily (like the nightly report), it should be automated - period Nice to have: + VM orchestration/cloud infrastructure testing experience + Security product testing background (WAF, antivirus) ## Description We're looking for an SDET Automation Lead who can transform a technically capable but operationally strained QA team into a strategic, AI-powered quality engineering function. This is the opportunity to fundamentally rethink how we assure quality at scale. What You'll Own 1. Strategy & Architecture: + Define key product quality metrics and build a strategic multi-quarter QA roadmap + Execute the defined QA roadmap + Expand test coverage systematically: prioritize by risk, by impact + Own the test system infrastructure and the resource strategy 2. People & Execution: + Build a team culture focused on heavy AI & automation usage + Restructure on-duty rotation so it's equitable and sustainable + Mentor 6 SDETs from "test writers" to "product quality engineers" who own subsystems end-to-end + Create career growth paths Tech Stack: + Test Framework - pytest, Python, Playwright (emerging) + CI/CD - Jenkins (Multibranch Pipelines, 100+ jobs), GitLab CI (migration target) + Infrastructure - OpenNebula (VM orchestration), S3/Ceph + Reporting - Allure Framework (POC), Redash/ClickHouse (current) + Communication - Slack (daily reports, bots), Jira (DEF project, 1200+ issues) ## Related Videos - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [How I Built QA from Scratch in a Scaling Startup - no fluff real life story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2041-how-i-built-qa-from-scratch-in-a-scaling-startup-no-fluff-real-life-story) - [Command the Bots: Mastering robots.txt for Generative AI and Search Marketing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1165-command-the-bots-mastering-robots-txt-for-generative-ai-and-search-marketing) - [Self-service Quality: QA Without QA](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100184-self-service-quality-qa-without-qa) - [Design as an algorithm, not as a feature](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/471-design-as-an-algorithm-not-as-a-feature) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence)