Automation Test Lead - Contract

• Define and implement the overall test automation strategy across multiple workstreams.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of SDETs and Automation Test Engineers.
• Establish automation frameworks, best practices, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with Product Owners, Business Analysts, Developers, Architects, and Delivery Managers.
• Oversee test planning, execution, reporting, and defect management activities.
• Drive API, integration, UI, regression, and end-to-end automation testing.
• Ensure quality controls are Embedded throughout the SDLC and CI/CD pipeline.
• Support release management and production readiness activities.
• Monitor testing metrics and provide regular progress updates to stakeholders.
• Identify testing risks and implement mitigation strategies.

This role requires strong leadership capabilities, hands-on automation expertise, and proven experience within payments environments., * Active SC Clearance.

• Extensive experience leading test automation teams in Agile environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• Java or C#
• Selenium WebDriver
• REST Assured
• API Automation Testing
• Jenkins, Azure DevOps, or GitLab CI/CD
• TestNG, JUnit, or equivalent frameworks
• Strong understanding of QA governance and test strategy development.
• Experience with microservices-based architectures.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.

Domain Experience

• Proven experience within Payments environments.
• Knowledge of payment processing systems and transaction workflows.
• Experience working with:
• Faster Payments
• CHAPS
• BACS
• Open Banking
• ISO 20022 (desirable)

Desirable

• ISTQB Advanced Certification.
• Experience working within government, banking, or regulated environments.
• Performance testing exposure using JMeter, Gatling, or LoadRunner.