> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4626157-lead-qa-automation-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4626157-lead-qa-automation-engineer). 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).

---

# Lead QA Automation Engineer

- **Company:** Donato Technologies, Inc
- **Location:** Albany, NY, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Testing (Software), Application Integration Architecture, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Databases, Continuous Integration, Data Validation, Relational Databases, Database Queries, HP Loadrunner, Interoperability, Apache JMeter, Load Testing, E2e Testing, Selenium, Smoke Testing, SoapUI, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Software Testing Automation Framework, Freeform SQL, Enterprise Software Applications, Postman, Cypress (Programming Language), ReadyAPI, SOAPAPI, Backend, Database Migration, Integration Tests, Playwright, Restful APIs, Jenkins
- **Published:** November 7, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/jobad/usf3f11be6cf67373faa89c1af4c145964

## About the Role

Mandatory Requirements * More than seven (7) years of experience, with at least two (2) years in a leadership role.

 * Four (4) years of experience designing, writing, and executing automated test scripts using Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright.
 * Three (3) years of experience writing SQL queries for backend data validation and integration testing.

Desirable Qualifications * ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer certification.

 * 5 years of experience with API testing tools such as Postman, SoapUI, or RestAssured.
 * 5 years of experience with performance and load testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner).
 * 5 years of experience integrating automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Azure DevOps).

## Description

The Lead QA Automation Engineer (Tester III) is a senior technical leader responsible for defining enterprise-wide software testing strategies, architecting automated testing frameworks, and governing software quality standards. Serving as a hands-on technical lead, you will oversee the end-to-end quality assurance lifecycle, bridging the gap between software development, database management, and operations. This role requires deep expertise in modern test automation tools (Selenium, Cypress, Playwright), robust backend SQL validation capabilities, and the leadership experience necessary to integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines, manage defect triaging, and mentor junior QA team members.

 * QA Strategy & Test Planning: Define, implement, and govern comprehensive software testing strategies, master test plans, and quality gates for complex, multi-tier enterprise applications.
 * Automation Framework Architecture: Design, build, and maintain scalable, reusable automated test suites using industry-standard tools (e.g., Selenium, Cypress, Playwright) for functional, regression, and integration testing.
 * Backend & Database Validation: Write complex SQL queries to perform deep backend data validation, verify database migrations, and conduct end-to-end integration testing across relational databases.
 * API & Integration Testing: Architect and execute automated testing protocols for RESTful and SOAP APIs using tools such as Postman, SoapUI, or RestAssured to ensure seamless system interoperability.
 * Performance & Load Engineering: Design, configure, and execute performance, stress, and load testing scenarios using tools like JMeter or LoadRunner to identify system bottlenecks and ensure application scalability.
 * CI/CD Pipeline Integration: Integrate automated test suites directly into continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, Azure DevOps) to enable automated smoke testing and continuous quality feedback.
 * Defect Governance & Triage: Lead cross-functional defect triage meetings, systematically track software defects, perform root-cause analysis, and collaborate closely with developers to verify resolutions.
 * Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical direction, establish QA coding standards for automation scripts, conduct peer reviews of test cases, and mentor junior QA engineers on modern testing methodologies.