Software Quality Engineering Manager

Applied Materials, Inc.; Chennai, Bengaluru; On-site; INR 5,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. is seeking an experienced Software Quality Engineering (SQE) / SDET Manager to lead quality strategy, test automation, and product qualification.

The role combines hands-on technical work with people leadership to guide QA engineers and SDETs across multiple programs. You will collaborate with Development, Product Management, and Program Management to ensure reliable releases, build scalable testing frameworks, and drive AI/GenAI-assisted testing practices in an Agile

Qualifications

• 12+ years of overall experience in Software Quality Assurance, Software Qualification, SDET, or related quality engineering roles.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience managing QA/SDET/Qualification teams.
• Hands-on experience with automation tools such as Selenium, Playwright, and unit testing frameworks such as TestNG.
• Strong understanding of API, Integration, System, Regression, and End-to-End testing.
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of QA Engineers, SDETs, and Qualification Engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance coaching.
• Define and execute the overall quality engineering, test automation, and qualification strategy.
• Drive end-to-end testing activities, including functional, integration, system, regression, and end-to-end validation.
• Develop and enhance scalable test automation frameworks and integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality is built into the software development lifecycle.
• Monitor quality metrics, drive defect prevention initiatives, and ensure release readiness.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity through automation, tooling, and AI/GenAI-assisted testing solutions.
• Drive continuous process improvements and establish best practices for software quality and qualification.
• Be willing to work in a techno-managerial role, with significant hands-on technical contributions (~60% technical and ~40% people management responsibilities).

Skills

Leadership

Test automation

QA/SDET

Agile/Scrum

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Selenium

Playwright

Azure DevOps

Jenkins

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the worlds technology.

What We Offer

Location: Bangalore,IND, Chennai,IND

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

We are seeking an experienced Software Quality Engineering (SQE) / SDET Manager to lead and drive quality strategy, test automation, and product qualification efforts. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in test automation and quality engineering, coupled with proven leadership experience managing QA/SDET teams. This role requires close collaboration with Development, Product Management, and Program Management teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and scalable software solutions.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of QA Engineers, SDETs, and Qualification Engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance coaching.
• Define and execute the overall quality engineering, test automation, and qualification strategy.
• Drive end-to-end testing activities, including functional, integration, system, regression, and end-to-end validation.
• Develop and enhance scalable test automation frameworks and integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality is built into the software development lifecycle.
• Monitor quality metrics, drive defect prevention initiatives, and ensure release readiness.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity through automation, tooling, and AI/GenAI-assisted testing solutions.
• Drive continuous process improvements and establish best practices for software quality and qualification.
• Be willing to work in a techno-managerial role, with significant hands‑on technical contributions (~60% technical and ~40% people management responsibilities).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of overall experience in Software Quality Assurance, Software Qualification, SDET, or related quality engineering roles.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience managing QA/SDET/Qualification teams.
• Hands-on experience with automation tools such as Selenium, Playwright, and unit testing frameworks such as TestNG.
• Strong understanding of API, Integration, System, Regression, and End-to-End testing.
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Good to Have

• Familiarity with cloud/cloud native technologies around containers & orchestrations technologies such as dockers & Kubernetes.
• Exposure to AI/GenAI-based testing and quality engineering solutions.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: Yes

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.