Specialist, Quality Engineer - Test Automation Developer

Nationwide • Columbus, OH

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

If you’re passionate about being part of a dynamic organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to drive innovation and adopt new technologies that deliver business results, then Nationwide’s Technology team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. The Group Benefits team is looking to add 3 Test Automation Developers. The Test Automation Developer (TAD) is a specialized quality engineering role responsible for designing, building, and maintaining automated tests and frameworks that validate application quality across the SDLC. TADs combine strong QA mindset with software development skills to create repeatable, reliable automated tests that support rapid, high confidence delivery in a DevOps / CI/CD environment. At Nationwide, this role is a key part of a line’s test capability, often paired closely with developers, analysts, and manual testers to ensure automation coverage at the UI, API, integration, and regression levels. Key responsibilities Design and implement automated test suites Analyze functional and non‑functional requirements, story acceptance criteria, and test strategies to identify scenarios suitable for automation. Design and develop automated tests for web UI, APIs, services, and integrations using approved Nationwide toolsets with focus on Playwright. Implement data‑driven and parameterized tests to support broad coverage across data variations and configuration options. Build and maintain test automation frameworks Configure, extend, and support test frameworks and utilities (e.g., page-object patterns, service clients, shared libraries) to promote reuse and maintainability. Treat test automation as a first‑class application: design, architect, refactor, and manage test code with the same engineering rigor as product code. Contribute to and follow Nationwide’s Test Automation Reference Architecture, standards, and quality engineering practices. Enable fast, reliable regression and release validation Develop and maintain regression, smoke, and acceptance test suites that can be executed on demand and/or via CI/CD for each release and deployment pipeline. Optimize suites for speed, stability, and coverage, focusing on automation where it provides the greatest value. Manual and automated testing to support the various stages of testing including Smoke, Functional, Regression, Performance, Stress, Business Continuity, Penetration Testing, etc. Support production/staging verification by running appropriate non‑destructive automated checks to build confidence in releases. Integrate automation into CI/CD and DevOps practices Integrate automated tests into common CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Harness, Jenkins) so tests run as part of pull requests, nightly runs, and release pipelines. Collaborate with DevOps engineers to ensure test suites are reliable in shared environments and provide actionable feedback when failures occur. Contribute to test reporting and quality dashboards (e.g., via Azure DevOps (for Group Health Benefits), Cucumber reports, Splunk) to make test results transparent to the team. Partner across the line and guilds Work closely with developers, manual testers, analysts, and product owners to align on test strategy, acceptance criteria, and automation priorities. Participate in Three Amigos / story elaboration sessions to shape testable requirements and define “done” with automation in mind. Engage with Quality Engineering and Test Automation Guild communities to share patterns, accelerators, and best practices; adopt approved standards and tools from those communities. Quality and test data stewardship Help plan and manage test data and environments required for reliable automation, leveraging approved test data and environment management approaches where applicable. Ensure automated tests contribute meaningfully to coverage and risk reduction, using test optimization and design techniques where appropriate. Required qualifications Experience in software quality assurance with hands‑on test automation development responsibilities (not just framework usage). Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language commonly used at Nationwide for test automation and core to Group Health Benefits (e.g., .Net, C#, Angular, Javascript, Python, Bash or similar). Skilled in SQL, Oracle or other relational database technologies with proficiency to right queries to support testing needs. Practical experience implementing automated tests using modern frameworks, ideally including: Preference for experience with Playwright or other browser‑based UI and end-to-end testing. Demonstrated ability to: Analyze requirements and user stories, identify appropriate automation candidates, and design effective test cases. Write, debug, and maintain test scripts and supporting utilities (e.g., page objects, service clients, data loaders). Work within Agile teams and contribute to sprint planning, estimation, and story definition from a testing perspective. Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and running automated tests as part of a pipeline, preference for skills leveraging Azure DevOps. Strong analytical, debugging, and root‑cause analysis skills, especially when triaging automation failures vs. product defects. Preferred qualifications Experience with: Data‑driven and model‑based automation, including test design techniques to maximize coverage with fewer tests. API and service‑level automation using tools such as Postman, SoapUI, or REST clients. Performance, security, or accessibility testing tooling (e.g., JMeter, Axe, SonarQube, NowSecure) as part of a broader quality strategy. Prior experience working within or contributing to an enterprise Test Automation Guild / QE community of practice. Knowledge of Nationwide test automation standards, including the Test Automation Reference Architecture, approved tools, and quality engineering guidelines. Ways of working and behaviors Operates as a “developer‑minded tester”: comfortable working in code, version control, and CI pipelines while maintaining a strong testing and risk‑reduction mindset. Collaborates effectively across roles (developers, analysts, product owners, architects, DevOps) and communicates clearly about test strategy, coverage, risks, and results. Takes ownership of automation health; keeps suites maintainable, reliable, and aligned to changing application architectures and test strategies. Continuously looks for opportunities to shift testing left, expand automation coverage where it is most valuable, and retire low‑value manual regression where safe to do so. Our preference is for this role will be filled in a hybrid capacity, with collaboration taking place in one of our office locations in Columbus, OH, Scottsdale, AZ, or Des Moines, IA two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program. #LI-AZ1 Job Description Summary If you’re enthusiastic about delivering secure technology solutions to support a company providing extraordinary care to its customers, then Nationwide Technology is the place for you. Nationwide's industry-leading technology workforce embraces an agile work environment and a collaborative culture to deliver outstanding solutions and results. If that sounds like something you aspire to, we want to hear from you! As a Quality Engineer you will plan and conduct a wide range of software quality tests and analyzes to ensure all application products and services meet organizational standards aligned to their quality management approach, as well as, end-user requirements. All Quality Engineers perform quality planning, quality design and execution. You will focus on a blend of skills enabling efficient execution of risk-based testing, test automation, performance testing, test data management, test environment management, continuous integration and continuous deployment all improving speed to delivery for our business partners. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Carries out procedures to ensure all information systems products and services meet organization standards and end-user requirements. Analyzes and reviews moderate requirements, user stories and technical work products to create the automation needed. Applies secure software and systems engineering practices throughout the delivery lifecycle to ensure our data and technology solutions are protected from threats and vulnerabilities. Plans for the proper mix of manual, automated, and exploratory testing methods. Uses the appropriate quality engineering tools to define test data management, test automation, security/vulnerability, performance, and regression testing needs. Validates test results, records and researches defects. Coordinates test runs and test environment calendars for all impacted applications. Traces requirements to tests and test results. Prioritizes, defines, and manages defect reporting and resolution. Manages defects including identifying, tracking, and providing critical thinking for resolution. Identifies means to be more effective and efficient in testing, without compromising quality. Plans for continuous integration to enable a continuous deployment pipeline. Executes moderate release testing and has a plan for back-out testing. Validates that release components are installed in the appropriate testing environment. Aligns with the Nationwide automated testing reference architecture. Complies with release management process governance and timelines throughout the release. May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Reporting Relationships: Reports to Technology Manager or Director. Typical Skills and Experiences: Education: Undergraduate studies in computer science, management information systems, or a related field is preferred. License/Certification/Designation: Technology certifications including TOSCA Automated Specialist 1 (AS1), TOSCA Automated Specialist 2 (AS2), or other related designations are preferred. Experience: Four or more years of experience with using test optimization and automation processed and tools. Demonstrated experience in testing for agile teams including planning, test plan creation, maintenance and execution. Good understanding of test automation and optimization throughout a stack and the tools to support. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Strong analytical and communication skills, knowledge of planning. Ability to problem solve and set priorities needed. Insurance/financial services industry knowledge a plus. Other criteria, including leadership or technical skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence. Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and HR Business Partner. Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values . Job Conditions: Overtime Eligibility: Exempt (Not Eligible). Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel maybe required. ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. Benefits We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here. Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law. Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247. NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means. Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule. The national salary range for Specialist, Quality Engineer : $95,500.00-$177,500.00 The expected starting salary range for Specialist, Quality Engineer : $95,500.00 - $143,500.00 At Nationwide, we find purpose in protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care – and we’ve been doing that since 1926. Our financial strength and caring culture extend beyond our associates into the communities we serve. You really can feel the difference at Nationwide, which is why we continue to be named one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For. Check out why others think we're a great place to work, too, and let us know – can you see yourself at Nationwide? Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

Requirements

• Experience in software quality assurance with hands‑on test automation development responsibilities (not just framework usage).
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language commonly used at Nationwide for test automation and core to Group Health Benefits (e.g., .Net, C#, Angular, Javascript, Python, Bash or similar).
• Skilled in SQL, Oracle or other relational database technologies with proficiency to right queries to support testing needs.
• Practical experience implementing automated tests using modern frameworks, ideally including: Preference for experience with Playwright or other browser‑based UI and end-to-end testing.
• Demonstrated ability to: Analyze requirements and user stories, identify appropriate automation candidates, and design effective test cases.
• Write, debug, and maintain test scripts and supporting utilities (e.g., page objects, service clients, data loaders).
• Work within Agile teams and contribute to sprint planning, estimation, and story definition from a testing perspective.
• Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and running automated tests as part of a pipeline, preference for skills leveraging Azure DevOps.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and root‑cause analysis skills, especially when triaging automation failures vs. product defects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with: Data‑driven and model‑based automation, including test design techniques to maximize coverage with fewer tests.
• API and service‑level automation using tools such as Postman, SoapUI, or REST clients.
• Performance, security, or accessibility testing tooling (e.g., JMeter, Axe, SonarQube, NowSecure) as part of a broader quality strategy.
• Prior experience working within or contributing to an enterprise Test Automation Guild / QE community of practice.
• Knowledge of Nationwide test automation standards, including the Test Automation Reference Architecture, approved tools, and quality engineering guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated test suites Analyze functional and non‑functional requirements, story acceptance criteria, and test strategies to identify scenarios suitable for automation.
• Design and develop automated tests for web UI, APIs, services, and integrations using approved Nationwide toolsets with focus on Playwright.
• Implement data‑driven and parameterized tests to support broad coverage across data variations and configuration options.
• Build and maintain test automation frameworks Configure, extend, and support test frameworks and utilities (e.g., page-object patterns, service clients, shared libraries) to promote reuse and maintainability.
• Treat test automation as a first‑class application: design, architect, refactor, and manage test code with the same engineering rigor as product code.
• Contribute to and follow Nationwide’s Test Automation Reference Architecture, standards, and quality engineering practices.
• Enable fast, reliable regression and release validation Develop and maintain regression, smoke, and acceptance test suites that can be executed on demand and/or via CI/CD for each release and deployment pipeline.
• Optimize suites for speed, stability, and coverage, focusing on automation where it provides the greatest value.
• Manual and automated testing to support the various stages of testing including Smoke, Functional, Regression, Performance, Stress, Business Continuity, Penetration Testing, etc.
• Support production/staging verification by running appropriate non‑destructive automated checks to build confidence in releases.
• Integrate automation into CI/CD and DevOps practices Integrate automated tests into common CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Harness, Jenkins) so tests run as part of pull requests, nightly runs, and release pipelines.
• Collaborate with DevOps engineers to ensure test suites are reliable in shared environments and provide actionable feedback when failures occur.
• Contribute to test reporting and quality dashboards (e.g., via Azure DevOps (for Group Health Benefits), Cucumber reports, Splunk) to make test results transparent to the team.
• Partner across the line and guilds Work closely with developers, manual testers, analysts, and product owners to align on test strategy, acceptance criteria, and automation priorities.
• Participate in Three Amigos / story elaboration sessions to shape testable requirements and define “done” with automation in mind.
• Engage with Quality Engineering and Test Automation Guild communities to share patterns, accelerators, and best practices; adopt approved standards and tools from those communities.
• Quality and test data stewardship Help plan and manage test data and environments required for reliable automation, leveraging approved test data and environment management approaches where applicable.
• Ensure automated tests contribute meaningfully to coverage and risk reduction, using test optimization and design techniques where appropriate.

Benefits

• medical/dental/vision
• life insurance
• short and long term disability coverage
• paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
• nine paid holidays
• 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
• 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• company-paid pension plan
• business casual attire

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level