> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1751934-automation-engineer-principal](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1751934-automation-engineer-principal). 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). --- # Automation Engineer Principal - **Company:** Science Applications International Corporation - **Location:** Ashburn, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $80,001.0 - $120,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Application Testing, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Unix, Data Validation, Relational Databases, Eclipse (Software), Middleware, IntelliJ IDEA, JSON, PostgreSQL, Microsoft UI Automation, Oracle (Applications), Software Tools, Selenium, SoapUI, Software Engineering, PL-SQL, SQL Databases, System Testing, Test Data, Test Management, Strategies of Testing, Testng, Web Services, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Performance Testing, Spring-boot, Test Scripts, Backend, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Playwright, Cucumber (Software), Docker, Jenkins - **Published:** July 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerarc.com/job-listing/saic-jobs-automation-engineer-principal-52831967 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field with 9+ years of technical experience * Experience with: + Java + Spring Boot + Selenium + Playwright (critical) + Cucumber + Rest Assured library for webservices + JavaScript for Playwright + Familiarity with UI automation tools + AWS (plus) + Oracle/Postgres DB, PL/SQL * Experience with one of the following Test Management Software Tools: TestNG, Selenium and Jira * Write SQL queries with clear understanding of relational databases. * Ability to understand data models and write test scripts based on the data model * Ability to generate test data and perform validation * Proven ability to develop, execute and maintain automated test suites across multiple environments: backend applications, middleware, desktop, and web service testing using Soap UI with basic XML knowledge. * Evaluate test results, report and manage defects * Strong written/oral communication skills and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate information to a variety of groups at different technical skill levels * Experience in all stages of application testing, especially backend testing, functional, usability, regression, load/stress and performance testing Desired Skills and Experience * Prior software development experience is a plus. * Experience working in an agile development environment * Docker * Jenkins * Konvoy * Kubernetes * Master's degree in computer science or related field is a plus Customer Requirements * Clearance - Ability to obtain and hold a public trust position and favorable suitability based on a CBP Background Investigation * Citizenship - Must be a US Citizen * Location - Hybrid with on-site (Ashburn, VA) visits 2 days per week and if a mission need. All candidates must be within the GWA/commutable area. ## Description Description SAIC is currently seeking a motivated and energetic Senior-level Automation Engineer to join our team to begin an exciting and challenging career in Ashburn, VA. The Automation Engineer will participate in software testing, creation and implementation of Test Strategies, Plans, and Automated Test Scripts as well as other aspects of the software development lifecycle. The candidate will be responsible for developing and testing Java code as dictated by project requirement. This position is hybrid-remote and requires on-site work in Ashburn, VA 2 days per week. Job Responsibilities * Developing automation test scripts * Generating test data and performing Data Validation * Data interface message testing with JSON and XML message sets * Developing SQL or Unix scripts for test data generation or test harness automation * Execute regression, functional, and system testing * Verifying results and producing test summaries and defect reports * Identifying defects and requirement discrepancies, and generating defect change requests and reporting discrepancies * Use modern software engineering IDEs including Eclipse, IntelliJ, etc. for design, development, and testing the software * Work with users in an Agile development approach to understand and document requirements in JIRA Qualifications Required Skills and Experience * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field with 9+ years of technical experience * Experience with: + Java + Spring Boot + Selenium + Playwright (critical) + Cucumber + Rest Assured library for webservices + JavaScript for Playwright + Familiarity with UI automation tools + AWS (plus) + Oracle/Postgres DB, PL/SQL * Experience with one of the following Test Management Software Tools: TestNG, Selenium and Jira * Write SQL queries with clear understanding of relational databases. * Ability to understand data models and write test scripts based on the data model * Ability to generate test data and perform validation * Proven ability to develop, execute and maintain automated test suites across multiple environments: backend applications, middleware, desktop, and web service testing using Soap UI with basic XML knowledge. * Evaluate test results, report and manage defects * Strong written/oral communication skills and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate information to a variety of groups at different technical skill levels * Experience in all stages of application testing, especially backend testing, functional, usability, regression, load/stress and performance testing Desired Skills and Experience * Prior software development experience is a plus. * Experience working in an agile development environment * Docker * Jenkins * Konvoy * Kubernetes * Master's degree in computer science or related field is a plus Customer Requirements * Clearance - Ability to obtain and hold a public trust position and favorable suitability based on a CBP Background Investigation * Citizenship - Must be a US Citizen * Location - Hybrid with on-site (Ashburn, VA) visits 2 days per week and if a mission need. All candidates must be within the GWA/commutable area. Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. ## Related Videos - [Continuous testing - run automated tests for every change!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/190-continuous-testing-run-automated-tests-for-every-change) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) - [Tips and Tricks for Working with JSON](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1229-tips-and-tricks-for-working-with-json) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Node and Package Security](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2138-wearedevelopers-live-node-and-package-security) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Integrate your Cognitive Assistant with 3rd-party DBs and software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/249-integrate-your-cognitive-assistant-with-3rd-party-dbs-and-software) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)