Senior Test Automation Engineer

Hart InterCivic is seeking a quality-driven and highly skilled Senior Test Automation Engineer with proven expertise in developing robust automation frameworks and test scripts to ensure the delivery of secure, reliable, and compliant election technology products. This role requires a strong balance of hands-on quality assurance experience, encompassing both manual and automated testing, along with deep knowledge of automation testing frameworks and methodologies.

As a senior member of the Quality team, this individual will lead the planning, design, development, implementation, and execution of both automated and manual testing strategies across Hart’s diverse product suite. These include multi-tier client-server applications, embedded systems, smart devices, XML validation, relational databases, software utilities, and customer-specific applications. Responsibilities include leading automation projects, developing and documenting automated test frameworks, processes, plans and test cases as well as preparing test configurations, executing tests and publishing detailed test results. This person will collaborate with QA members, leadership, product owners and engineers to align testing strategies with product functionality and project goals.

This role requires a senior-level proficiency in QA practices, Agile testing methodologies, and a strong track record of successful automation development. The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to delivering high-quality products that comply with rigorous federal and state election certification standards.

The ideal candidate is a passionate quality advocate, with exceptional attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and the drive to go the extra mile. This person is a creative problem solver, an effective mentor, and a collaborative team player with a positive attitude and strong team spirit. Please note: This is not a web testing role. The focus is on automation for client-server, desktop, and workstation applications, not browser-based web applications.

1.    Automation Test Strategy & Planning

• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of automated and manual test strategies across client‑server, desktop, and workstation-based applications, with selective coordination and integration with device-level components where applicable.
• Develop detailed test plans, test cases, test data, and test configurations
• Support QA project schedules and plans with a focus on automation deliverables and milestones
• Ensure all testing aligns with federal and state election certification requirements

2.    Automation Framework Development & Scripting

• Architect, develop, and maintain scalable automation test frameworks using UFT/QTP, Python, and similar tools
• Create and enhance data‑driven frameworks using CSV/Excel, SQL Server, and XML
• Implement keyword and behavior driven layers to enable easier test creation by QA members
• Develop internal utilities, plugins, or scripts to integrate QA framework with Hart’s applications
• Design comprehensive automated and manual test cases covering functional, load, performance, and security scenarios
• Integrate test executions into Jenkins pipelines for automated build-triggered testing

3.    Test Execution & Reporting

• Manage end‑to‑end execution of automated and manual test cases, log defects, requirements, and results in HP Quality Center
• Integrate results into real‑time dashboards and implement test coverage metrics
• Execute functional, load, performance, scalability and security tests for Hart’s product suite.
• Provide and manage virtualized test environments (VMware) to validate multiple configurations
• Analyze execution trends (defect density, flakiness, execution times) to optimize test suites
• Generate formal test reports and provide actionable recommendations for process and product improvements

4.    Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and guide junior QA engineers; cultivate a positive, growth‑oriented team culture
• Collaborate effectively with leadership and cross functional teams to align testing with product/business goals
• Participate in requirement and documentation reviews, offering feedback for improved testability

5.    Continuous Improvement

• Continuously evaluate and optimize test processes, tools, and frameworks
• Stay current on emerging technologies, tools, and industry trends in automation
• Research and prototype new approaches to improve testing efficiency and coverage

·        Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline

·        Minimum of 10 years of hands-on Quality Assurance and software testing experience, including:

o   At least 6 years focused on test automation

o   Minimum of 3 years in a senior or lead QA/automation role

·        Proven experience in new product development, for commercial or enterprise software

·        Strong background in automation for complex systems, such as client-server applications, embedded systems, or regulated industries

·        Demonstrated ability to function as a senior QA engineer in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment

·        Strong knowledge of standard QA and Agile development methodologies, with the ability to creatively and efficiently plan, organize, and execute independent verification and validation of product functionality, including load, performance, and security testing, and report results

·        Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical software requirements, specifications

·        Senior-level proficiency in both manual and automated testing, including test strategy, planning, execution, defect tracking, and reporting

·        Proficiency with test management/ALM tools such as Quality Center, JIRA, or equivalent

·        Experience in automation for non-web-based systems, including desktop and N-tier client-server applications. Candidates with experience limited to web testing may not be a good fit for this role.

·        Expertise in automation test frameworks, scripting (e.g., Python, VBScript, C#), and tools including:

o   Micro Focus UFT/QTP, Selenium, Jenkins, or equivalent

o   Building data-driven, keyword-driven, or behavior-driven frameworks

o   Virtualized test environments (e.g., VMware)

o   Test automation integration into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins) & C /C# codebases

o   Strong hands-on experience in SQL, relational databases, and XML

·        Test automation scripting experience should include automation test design, framework design, heavy scripting experience and not just record and play

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills

o   Able to clearly communicate project status, issues, and risks via verbal and written means

·        Strong analytical and documentation skills

o   Demonstrated ability to create high-quality test plans, test cases, and customer-facing documentation