> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2261054-automation-test-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2261054-automation-test-architect). 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 Test Architect - **Company:** Cognizant - **Location:** Greater London, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** .NET Framework, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Windows, Automation of Tests, C Sharp (Programming Language), Spreadsheets, Databases, Continuous Integration, Data Integrity, DevOps, Language Integrated Query, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics, Nunit, OAuth, Object-Oriented Software Development, Azure Active Directory, Azure DevOps Pipelines, Selenium, SQL Databases, Test Data, Test Execution Engine, Data Logging, Delivery Pipeline, Git, Specflow, Gherkin, Playwright, Data Management, Iframes, Selenium Webdriver - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2815186642-automation-test-architect ## About the Role Test Automation * C# (.NET 8) - Solid hands-on C# experience - OOP, generics, async/await, LINQ * Playwright- Hands-on experience with `Microsoft.Playwright` - locators, auto-wait, trace viewer, assertions (`Expect`), async/await patterns * Reqnroll or SpecFlow - Experience writing and maintaining BDD feature files, step definitions and hooks in a .NET context * Gherkin / BDD- Ability to write clear, readable Gherkin scenarios - correct use of `Given/When/Then`, `Background:`, `Scenario Outline` * NUnit or xUnit-Test framework experience in a .NET context * Page Object Model-Strong POM implementation - separation of locators and functions, reusable components CI/CD and DevOps * Git- Branch strategy, PR workflow, commit hygiene Supporting Skills * Excel test data management- EPPlus or similar - reading parameterised test data from Excel sheets * SQL / database- Ability to write and validate SQL queries for test data retrieval and assertion ## Description We are looking for an experienced Automated Test Architect to join the QA team. The successful candidate will maintain and extend an enterprise-grade .NET test automation framework built on Reqnroll (BDD) and Microsoft Playwright on .NET 8. The role sits within a cross-functional delivery team working on the Microsoft Dynamics 365-based application for council tax property assessment. The candidate will work closely with Functional Testers, developers, BAs and DevOps engineers to embed automated testing into the CI/CD pipeline and shift testing left across the delivery lifecycle. Key Responsibilities * Maintain and extend the Reqnroll (SpecFlow) BDD automation framework written in C# / .NET 8 using Microsoft Playwright * Write and review Gherkin feature files, step definitions and page objects to support new and changed functionality * Ensure automated tests are submitted alongside pull requests for new features - contributing to a shift-left testing model * Investigate and resolve test flakiness - replacing hard sleeps with condition-based waits, standardising step definitions, eliminating duplicate bindings * Maintain and improve the Azure DevOps CI/CD pipeline - test result publishing, environment switching, and PR gate configuration * Triage pipeline failures and distinguish test failures from environment or infrastructure issues * Work with the DevOps team to configure and maintain the agent pool * Manage test data in Excel and database - ensuring data integrity and environment isolation between SIT, UAT and FAT * Participate in sprint ceremonies - providing test estimates, flagging automation risk, and contributing to Definition of Done * Mentor junior QA team members on framework usage, Gherkin best practices and Playwright * Contribute to the Ways of Working improvement programme - defining PR gate criteria and embedding tests into the delivery pipeline Technical Skills - Essential Test Automation * C# (.NET 8) - Solid hands-on C# experience - OOP, generics, async/await, LINQ * Playwright- Hands-on experience with `Microsoft.Playwright` - locators, auto-wait, trace viewer, assertions (`Expect`), async/await patterns * Reqnroll or SpecFlow - Experience writing and maintaining BDD feature files, step definitions and hooks in a .NET context * Gherkin / BDD- Ability to write clear, readable Gherkin scenarios - correct use of `Given/When/Then`, `Background:`, `Scenario Outline` * NUnit or xUnit-Test framework experience in a .NET context * Page Object Model-Strong POM implementation - separation of locators and functions, reusable components CI/CD and DevOps * Git- Branch strategy, PR workflow, commit hygiene Supporting Skills * Excel test data management- EPPlus or similar - reading parameterised test data from Excel sheets * SQL / database- Ability to write and validate SQL queries for test data retrieval and assertion * Serilog or similar logging Structured logging in a test context * Microsoft Dynamics 365 Experience automating D365 CRM - iframe handling, BPF stages, lookup fields, command bar interactions * Selenium WebDriver Prior Selenium experience - useful for understanding existing test patterns and diagnosing legacy issues * Azure AD / OAuth Understanding of session tokens, re-authentication popups, service account configuration for pipelines * Accessibility testing Axe integration or similar - `a11y` test execution * PDF evidence generation PDF-based screenshot capture and evidence trail (PdfSharp or similar) * AutoIt Windows automation for file upload dialogs ## Related Videos - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Keeping applications secure by evolving OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100152-keeping-applications-secure-by-evolving-oauth-2-0-and-openid-connect) - [Testing .NET applications a Tool box for every developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/704-testing-net-applications-a-tool-box-for-every-developer) - [Advanced Cypress: custom assertions and tasks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/790-advanced-cypress-custom-assertions-and-tasks) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [Continuous testing - run automated tests for every change!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/190-continuous-testing-run-automated-tests-for-every-change) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [13 AI Tools for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/302-13-ai-tools-for-developers) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)