QA Automation Lead

Assignment Type: Hybrid (2 days per week onsite) Contract Duration: 12-month contract Advantages Strategic Modernization Scope: Lead the architectural transformation and modernization of a complex desktop application QA automation practice. Framework Architecture: Build robust, scalable automation frameworks from scratch using Python, C#, SQL, TestComplete, and qTest. Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Establish automation best practices, mentor QA team members, and demonstrate solutions through working examples. Proactive & Collaborative Culture: Work within an environment that values high self-initiative, active engagement, and clear technical communication. Balanced Hybrid Structure: Enjoy a flexible working model combining collaborative onsite teamwork in Mississauga with remote work. Responsibilities Perform end-to-end assessments of the existing test automation architecture, identify technical gaps, and establish a practical modernization roadmap. Design, architect, and build scalable, maintainable test automation frameworks from scratch for desktop applications. Write, optimize, and execute automated test scripts using Python, C#, SQL, and specialized tools such as TestComplete. Manage, organize, and trace test assets, execution cycles, and defect reporting utilizing qTest and enterprise test management tools. Drive hands-on implementation by creating working proof-of-concept (PoC) scripts and demonstrating technical solutions to engineering teams. Mentor and train QA team members on modern automation standards, coding practices, and efficient troubleshooting techniques. Perform deep analytical problem-solving and root-cause analysis to resolve technical issues and automation bottlenecks. Collaborate proactively across multi-disciplinary squads, explaining complex automation concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Monitor performance metrics and evaluate framework effectiveness to deliver continuous, measurable improvements in testing speed and coverage. Qualifications Core Requirements & Automation Architecture Desktop Application Automation: Minimum 2 years of dedicated hands-on experience designing and executing test automation specifically for complex desktop applications. Framework Design: Proven track record of designing, building, and scaling automated testing frameworks from scratch. Programming & Database Proficiency: Strong high-level coding skills in Python, C#, and SQL for scripting, test data generation, and backend validation. QA & Test Management Tools: Demonstrated expertise using TestComplete for desktop automation and qTest (or equivalent) for test lifecycle management. Process Improvement: Proven ability to review current QA practices, identify automation coverage gaps, and implement practical improvement roadmaps. Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes Proactive Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with a high level of self-initiative and an actively engaged, collaborative mindset. Mentorship & Coaching: Demonstrated ability to mentor junior/intermediate team members and lead best-practice adoption through hands-on demonstration. Analytical Problem Solving: Superior diagnostic and critical thinking skills to analyze complex technical architectures and resolve intricate software defects.