API Automation Lead

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

Job Summary

Synechron is seeking an experienced API Automation Engineer to oversee and advance the automation testing of APIs within our software delivery teams. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust API automation frameworks to enhance software quality, accelerate delivery cycles, and ensure reliable, scalable solutions. You will lead a team of automation engineers, collaborate across development and testing teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that align with organizational goals of agility and quality excellence.

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

• Bachelors or Masters 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