Principal QA Automation Engineer

Sparq

About The Position

Sparq is hiring a Principal QA Automation Engineer to design, enhance, and maintain automated testing solutions across non-production and production pipelines. The role develops and optimizes automated test workflows, integrates testing into CI/CD pipelines, validates APIs and application functionality, and supports complex application workflows through JSON, XML, and database testing. The engineer works with DevTest and development teams to improve automation across interconnected systems, investigate defects, and strengthen test coverage and reliability. The position also provides technical leadership in automation best practices, project oversight, and delivery execution. The successful candidate will collaborate with clients and colleagues, mentor and motivate others, and continually explore AI tools and methodologies to improve daily work and share effective practices. Remote or hybrid work options are available. C2C is not available, and applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Requirements

Consultative approach and problem-solving skills to align digital solutions with clients' long-term business goals.
Hands-on experience using AI tools to enhance daily work, or strong desire and willingness to experiment with, learn, and champion AI adoption.
Commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations.
Ability to perform project oversight and execute deliverables.
Flexibility to adapt within a high-growth organization.
Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate others.
Interest in continuous learning and professional development.
Intellectual curiosity and ability to provide creative solutions.
Full understanding of the software development life cycle.
Ability to positively impact colleagues through leadership, presentations, coaching, or similar activities.
Desire to work in a team environment.
Good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Claude Certified Developer or Architect certification is highly preferred; there may be an opportunity to obtain it as a Sparq colleague.
Experience in AI or a proven track record of rapidly learning and mentoring others on emerging technology.

Responsibilities

Design, enhance, and maintain automated testing solutions for non-production and production pipelines.
Develop and optimize automated test workflows using Jenkins and integrate testing into existing CI/CD pipelines.
Use Postman Enterprise for API testing, ad hoc testing, and collaboration with developers to validate application functionality.
Build, maintain, and troubleshoot automated test scenarios using JSON and XML for complex application workflows and orchestration.
Use SQL for database validation, data-integrity verification, and troubleshooting issues found during automated test execution.
Use AI tools, including Claude, to streamline tasks and improve work quality; share best practices and seek opportunities to integrate AI into daily workflows.
Work with DevTest to maintain and enhance automation processes, including authentication, XML-based orchestration, and database validations across interconnected systems.
Collaborate with development teams working in Java and C to identify testing requirements, investigate defects, and improve automated test coverage.
Provide technical guidance and leadership in automation best practices and identify opportunities to improve test reliability, efficiency, and quality across testing pipelines.
Provide project oversight and execute deliverables.
Lead, mentor, and motivate colleagues; contribute through effective leadership, presentations, and coaching.
Align digital solutions with clients' long-term business goals and work to understand and exceed client expectations.