API Automation Lead (API Testing, Java/Python Scripting, CI/CD, Test Frameworks & Team Management)

Software Requirements

Required Skills:

• Expertise in API automation tools and frameworks, such as RestAssured, Postman/Newman, SoapUI, or custom scripting in Java or Python
• Proficiency in programming languages: Java and/or Python (preferred) with experience developing automation scripts
• Familiarity with version control systems, especially Git
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI
• Knowledge of test management and reporting tools (e.g., ALM, Jira, TestRail)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with automation testing tools like Selenium, Appium (for integration testing)
• Exposure to microservices architectures and containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Working knowledge of cloud services (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their integration with testing pipelines

Overall Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the API automation testing team to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of automation solutions
• Architect, develop, and maintain scalable API automation frameworks to validate functional and non-functional requirements
• Collaborate with developers, QA teams, DevOps, and business stakeholders to identify testing needs and automation opportunities
• Define, implement, and enforce best practices and standards for API testing and automation processes
• Integrate automation scripts with CI/CD pipelines to enable continuous testing and deployment
• Review test results, analyze failures, and coordinate defect tracking and resolution
• Mentor and develop team members’ technical skills and knowledge in API automation testing and related domains
• Stay current with emerging tools, techniques, and industry best practices, and incorporate improvements into automation strategies

Technical Skills (By Category)

Programming Languages:

• Required: Java and/or Python (developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting automation scripts)
• Preferred: Additional scripting languages or proficiency in scripting for hybrid automation solutions

Databases/Data Management:

• Basic understanding of data validation and extraction from relational databases such as MySQL, SQL Server, or Oracle

Cloud Technologies:

• Preferred: Experience integrating API tests with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-based CI/CD pipelines

Frameworks and Libraries:

• RestAssured, Postman/Newman, SoapUI, or similar API testing frameworks
• Selenium, Appium (for cross-layer testing, optional)
• TestNG, JUnit, or pytest for test execution and management

Development Tools and Methodologies:

• Git for version control
• CI/CD tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI
• Agile methodology, SCRUM or Kanban experience preferred

Security Protocols:

• Awareness of API security standards (OAuth, JWT, SSL/TLS) and testing such mechanisms

Experience Requirements

• 7 to 10 years of professional experience in software quality assurance/testing with a focus on API automation
• Proven leadership experience in managing automation teams or large automation projects
• Deep expertise in API testing frameworks, scripting, and automation best practices
• Experience delivering automation in fast-paced, Agile environments
• Familiarity with microservices, cloud integrations, and containerized testing environments is advantageous

Day-to-Day Activities

• Oversee the development and enhancement of automated API tests covering functional, security, and performance aspects
• Conduct reviews of test plans, test cases, and scripts to ensure alignment with project quality standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on test strategy, planning, and execution of automation initiatives
• Manage defect tracking, root cause analysis, and ensure timely resolution of automation failures
• Drive process improvements for automation coverage, test efficiency, and tool adoption
• Mentor team members in best practices for API testing, scripting, and automation frameworks
• Ensure continuous integration and delivery pipelines are optimized for automated testing
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of automation frameworks, coding standards, and best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or an equivalent field
• Relevant certifications in automation testing or API testing (e.g., ISTQB, Certified Selenium, etc.) are a plus
• Demonstrable experience leading API automation efforts, with proven project success
• Knowledge of industry standards for API security and compliance

Professional Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills with an ability to motivate and develop talent
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts clearly
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting expertise in diagnosing automation failures
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects
• Adaptability to rapidly changing technologies and project priorities
• Innovation-driven approach to continually enhance automation frameworks and processes