Automation Manager (Hybrid Schedule)

VRS Virginia Retirement System; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VRS Virginia Retirement System is seeking an Automation Manager to lead the transition to a mature DevSecOps environment. You will architect automation strategy, drive CI/CD, QA automation, and infrastructure optimization while aligning technical work with strategic business goals.

You will mentor cross-functional teams, champion security-as-code, and oversee Agile-driven delivery. The role requires deep expertise in automation, testing frameworks, and scalable architectures with a hybrid

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and strong foundational knowledge in software testing and automation.
• 8+ years in application testing, QA practices, and automation infrastructure.
• 3+ years of experience leading teams or projects.
• 1+ year managing application lifecycles and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams and drive Agile project execution.
• Develop and codify QA methodologies and coding standards.
• Oversee CI/CD implementations and automation strategies.
• Bridge technical execution with business goals and risk management.

Skills

CI/CD pipelines

DevSecOps

QA/QC automation

Selenium

Ansible

Puppet/Chef

API testing

Cloud & on-prem infra

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, Business Administration or related discipline

Tools

Selenium

Ansible

Puppet/Chef

Job description

We are seeking a high-energy Automation Manager to lead our transition into a high-maturity DevSecOps environment.

You won't just be managing people; you will be the architect of our automation strategy, driving technical excellence across CI/CD pipelines, QA automation, and infrastructure optimization.

As a trusted advisor to leadership, you will bridge the gap between complex technical execution and strategic business goals, ensuring our systems are scalable, secure, and resilient.

Technical Leadership & DevSecOps Strategy

• Provide technical mentorship and leadership to cross-functional teams, serving as a subject matter expert in automation and application architecture.
• Lead the implementation of scalable test automation and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) practices to accelerate time-to-market.
• Champion "security-as-code" by integrating DevSecOps principles into the application development lifecycle.

Infrastructure & Automation Excellence

• Optimize testing efficiency by leveraging cloud infrastructure and on-premise Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI).
• Utilize configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef to maintain and monitor IT application architecture.
• Oversee the development of robust QA/QC automation frameworks, including Selenium and comprehensive API testing.

Project & Process Management

• Direct the work of programs and units to ensure successful project execution using Agile frameworks.
• Drive constant process improvement by developing and documenting QA methodologies and coding standards.
• Manage project scope, resources, and budgets while proactively responding to stakeholder requests.

Team Development & Coaching

• Directly supervise technical staff, providing continuous coaching and performance feedback to support career growth.
• Analyze staffing levels and talent strategy to ensure the team has the right skills to meet shifting technology needs.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and innovation through transparent communication.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Providing strategic direction, technical guidance, and operational oversight to ensure successful delivery of IT initiatives.

Responsibilities include supervising cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, resources, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and supervising work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in application testing, quality assurance practices, and automation infrastructure.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing people or projects.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience managing application lifecycles and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Considerations

• Expertise in CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps, and QA/QC automation.
• Proficiency with automation tools (e.g., Selenium, Ansible, Puppet/Chef) and API testing protocols.
• Deep understanding of infrastructure optimization across cloud and on-premise environments.
• Proven ability in troubleshooting and debugging complex software architecture.
• Ability to stay current with evolving software development technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to use sound judgment.
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively, which includes planning, organizing and prioritizing.

Hiring Range

ABOUT US

The Virginia Retirement System (VRS0, an independent state agency based in Richmond, delivers retirement and other benefits to covered Virginia public sector employees through sound financial stewardship and superior customer service.

VRS ranks as the 15th largest public or private pension fund in the U.S. and the 36th largest in the world, serving more than 861,000 active and inactive members, retirees and beneficiaries.

Members include public school teachers, political subdivision employees (cities, towns, special authorities and commissions), state agency employees, public college and university personnel, state police, Virginia law officers and the judiciary.

Approximately 864 employers participate in VRS.

Mission Statement

VRS delivers retirement and other benefits to Virginia public employees through sound financial stewardship and superior customer service.

Vision Statement

To be the trusted leader in the delivery of benefits and services to those we serve.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

VRS is unable to provide sponsorship at this time or any time in the future.

VRS' current hybrid schedule includes onsite work Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on Monday and Friday.

From time to time, employees may be asked and are expected to work onsite to support business needs.