Principal QA Automation Engineer

Hard Rock Digital; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online gaming company in the UK is seeking a Principal QA Automation Engineer to pioneer AI-driven testing solutions. The role involves defining AI-augmented QA strategies, enabling teams to harness AI, and experimenting with cutting-edge tools for improved testing capabilities. Ideal candidates have extensive QA automation expertise and passion for AI innovation.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits

Flexible vacation allowance

Internal growth and development

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience leveraging AI models for testing.
• Practical experience integrating AI services into testing workflows.
• Strong background driving technology adoption across multiple teams.
• Experience in gaming, sports betting, or iGaming industry.

Responsibilities

• Research and implement AI/ML solutions for testing capabilities.
• Define AI-augmented QA strategy for Hard Rock Digital.
• Enable and empower teams to harness AI in testing workflows.
• Experiment with cutting-edge AI-powered tools.

Skills

Leveraging AI models for testing

QA Automation expertise

Programming skills in Python and JavaScript

Exceptional communication skills

Tools

AI-powered testing tools

Job description

What are we building?

Hard Rock Digital is a team focused on becoming the best online sportsbook, casino, and social gaming company in the world. We're building a team that resonates passion for learning, operating and building new products and technologies for millions of consumers. We care about each customer's interaction, experience, behavior, and insight and strive to ensure we're always acting authentically.

Rooted in the kindred spirits of Hard Rock and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the new Hard Rock Digital taps a brand known the world over as the leader in gaming, entertainment, and hospitality. We're taking that foundation of success and bringing it to the digital space – ready to join us?

What's the position?

We are seeking a Principal QA Automation Engineer to pioneer AI‑driven testing solutions across Hard Rock Digital. This is a strategic, enabling role that will shape the future of QA Automation by harnessing cutting‑edge artificial intelligence and machine learning. Reporting to the Senior Director of Technology Strategy, you'll be part of our team of Principal Engineers who drive technology choices for the organization.

This role is designed for a visionary engineer who sees AI as a practical multiplier of team effectiveness. You'll work closely with QA Managers across product‑oriented teams to elevate automation maturity through AI‑powered testing and intelligent test generation.

Operating with a startup mindset, we value not only your technical expertise but also your enthusiasm for AI innovation and commitment to enabling others. Join us and lead the AI‑driven transformation of quality at Hard Rock Digital!

As a Principal QA Automation Engineer, you will:

• Research and implement AI/ML solutions to revolutionize our testing capabilities – leveraging LLMs for test generation, computer vision for visual testing, and predictive models for defect detection.
• Define the AI‑augmented QA strategy for Hard Rock Digital, establishing how AI will transform testing practices across the tech stack.
• Enable and empower teams to harness AI in their daily testing workflows through hands‑on guidance, workshops, and proof‑of‑concepts that demonstrate tangible value.
• Experiment with cutting‑edge AI‑powered tools such as autonomous testing platforms, intelligent test maintenance systems, and generative AI for test script creation.
• Champion adoption of AI testing solutions, ensuring smooth integration into existing CI/CD pipelines and showing concrete ROI through metrics and results.
• Partner closely with QA Managers and engineering leaders to identify high‑impact opportunities where AI can solve specific testing challenges.
• Stay at the forefront of AI advancements in software testing, continuously evaluating emerging models, tools, and techniques (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google AI, specialized testing AI platforms).
• Build bridges between AI theory and practice, translating complex AI capabilities into accessible solutions that teams can readily adopt.
• Measure and communicate impact through test coverage improvements, time savings, defect detection rates, and team productivity gains.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a self‑driven engineer who is obsessed with using AI to achieve breakthrough results in quality assurance. The ideal candidate brings deep QA automation expertise combined with hands‑on experience applying AI/ML to solve real testing problems. You're excited about turning AI from a buzzword into a competitive advantage.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven hands‑on experience leveraging AI models for testing – not just theoretical knowledge, but demonstrated results using LLMs, computer vision, or predictive ML in real‑world QA scenarios.
• Practical experience integrating AI services (OpenAI, Anthropic, Azure AI, etc.) into testing frameworks and workflows, including prompt engineering for test generation and analysis.
• Deep technical expertise in QA Automation technologies.
• Experience with AI‑powered testing tools with ability to evaluate their effectiveness and ROI.
• Proven experience in a Principal Engineer or similar senior technical leadership role with focus on enabling and influencing others rather than direct management.
• Strong background driving technology adoption across multiple teams, successfully fostering a culture of innovation and quality.
• Strategic thinking with ability to balance AI vision with pragmatic, iterative implementation that delivers incremental value.
• Exceptional communication skills that allow you to explain complex AI concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Self‑starter mentality with ability to identify opportunities, drive AI initiatives independently, and influence without direct authority.
• Passion for AI and emerging technologies, with regular experimentation with new models and techniques in the testing domain.
• Strong programming skills in Python and JavaScript.
• Experience in gaming, sports betting, or iGaming industry is a plus.

What’s in it for you?

We offer our employees more than just competitive compensation. Our team benefits include:

• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Start‑up culture backed by a secure, global brand.
• Flexible vacation allowance.
• Internal growth and development.

Roster of Unique

We care deeply about every interaction our customers have with us, and trust and empower our staff to own and drive their experience. Our vision for our business and customers is built on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where, regardless of background or beliefs, you feel able to be authentic and bring all your talent into play. We want to celebrate you being you (we are an equal opportunity employer).