Lead QA Automation Engineer (Playwright)

Role Overview
We are looking for a Lead QA Automation Engineer (Playwright) to lead QA strategy, automation framework development, and testing for enterprise Web, Mobile, API, Retail, and POS applications. The role requires strong hands-on expertise in Playwright, Appium, API testing, programming, CI/CD, and database validation, along with experience in QA leadership and team mentoring. The candidate will also drive the practical use of Generative AI tools, especially Claude, to improve test automation, coverage, debugging, and maintenance.
ShyftLabs is a growing data product company founded in early 2020 and works primarily with Fortune 500 companies. We deliver digital solutions built to help accelerate the growth of businesses in various industries, by focusing on creating value through innovation.
Job Responsibilities
Responsible for leading the quality strategy and execution of software solutions. This includes defining test strategies, governing automation frameworks, mentoring other team members, from initial planning through to final production deployment
Lead the automation strategy and development of automated test scripts for PetConnect (Inventory and Store order process) and POS B&M applications
Architect, build, and scale robust end-to-end (E2E) automation frameworks using Playwright
Drive the adoption and hands-on application of various generative AI tools—with a primary focus on Claude—to accelerate test case creation, map test coverage, and automated test scripts from scratch
Leverage AI assistants and Claude to streamline framework refactoring, optimize test code, and drastically reduce the overhead of ongoing test script maintenance and debugging
Partner with cross-functional teams to define scope, objectives, and deliverables for all levels of automated and manual testing
Establish and champion quality assurance best practices, procedures, and rigorous QA assessments
Spearhead Playwright best practices, including parallel test execution, multi-browser strategies (Chromium, Firefox, WebKit), and resilient element locators
Provide technical oversight and mentorship for existing automation frameworks
Track and report on metric-driven indicators of test efficiency, effectiveness, and release readiness (e.g., defect counts, code coverage, automation velocity)
Oversee bug triage workflows, root cause analysis, and automated test code reviews prior to code commitment
Demonstrate exceptional communication, technical leadership, and problem-solving skills to bridge communication between business stakeholders and engineering teams
Drive engineering excellence across large-scale, enterprise-wide initiatives and release cycles
Requirements
Playwright
Appium
API Testing
TypeScript/JavaScript/Python/Java
CI/CD (Jenkins)
SQL/Oracle
Git/GitHub/GitLab
Claude / Generative AI tools for QA
Preferred Skills
Selenium
Cypress
RestAssured
PyTest
Robot Framework
BDD/TDD
Postman
SoapUI
JIRA
Agile/Scrum
TestRail
Zephyr
HP ALM
Retail/POS/B&M domain experience
QA Leadership & Mentoring
Debugging & Troubleshooting
Qualifications
Bachelor Degree in Computer Science or equivalent
Experience in Quality leadership experience managing complex projects related to retail, B&M, Mobile POS applications
7+ years of experience working with Web, Mobile and API Service based applications
Deep proficiency in validating front-end web applications, back-end web services, and microservices using tools such as Postman and SoapUI
7+ years of expertise working with leading automation tools and frameworks, with advanced proficiency in Playwright alongside Selenium, Cypress, RestAssured, PyTest, Robot, and BDD/TDD paradigms
Extensive, hands-on experience leveraging various AI tools and Claude specifically within day-to-day QA workflows—proven ability to utilize AI for intelligent test generation, script acceleration, framework construction, and automated maintenance
5+ years of experience working with Appium and such related tools for Mobile automation
Strong fluency in modern programming languages, with 5+ years working in TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, or Java
Expertise in version control workflows and governance using Git, GitHub, and GitLab
Proven track record of configuring continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and test scheduling via tools like Jenkins
Proficiency in backend database querying and validation using Oracle and SQL tools
3+ years of experience with Agile development practices, scrum and supporting apps like JIRA
Experience with test management tools like TestRail, Zephyr, HP ALM
Outstanding debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical capabilities for complex automated architectures
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to lead technical discussions and mentor teams
ShyftLabs is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds including ethnicity, religion, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, age, and nationality to apply. If you require accommodation during the interview process, let us know and we'll be happy to support you.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Work arrangement
No