IT Specialist l - Test and Automation Engineer

California Department of Motor Vehicles; California; On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking a Lead Test & Automation Engineer to drive quality, automation, and innovation across major IT modernization projects. You will lead complex testing efforts, develop automation strategies, mentor test teams, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders throughout the SDLC.

Ideal candidates bring strong Agile experience, hands-on test automation skills, and the ability to guide testing for Salesforce and enterprise-level systems.

Qualifications

• Lead testing activities across multi-phase IT initiatives.
• Develop automation strategies and standards.
• Mentor testing teams and onboard new members.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the SDLC.
• Experience with Agile, test automation frameworks, and API testing.
• Hands-on testing with Salesforce and enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead test planning, strategy, and execution for multi-phase IT initiatives.
• Build and maintain automated test suites and testing standards.
• Review requirements, identify gaps, and ensure full testing coverage.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the SDLC.
• Mentor testers and support onboarding of new team members.
• Monitor risks, resolve complex issues, and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience with Agile, test automation frameworks, and API testing.
• Hands-on experience with ALM Octane or similar lifecycle tools.
• Ability to lead and coordinate work in a matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of Salesforce testing approaches.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and technical leadership.

Skills

Test planning

Automation strategies

Agile experience

API testing

Mentoring

Salesforce testing

ALM Octane

Matrix leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality assurance

Tools

ALM Octane

Job description

Lead complex testing. Mentor teams. Make a statewide impact.

The California DMV is seeking a Lead Test & Automation Engineer to drive quality, automation, and innovation across major IT modernization projects. In this role, you’ll lead complex testing efforts, develop automation strategies, mentor test teams, and partner with cross‑functional stakeholders throughout the SDLC. Ideal candidates bring strong Agile experience, hands‑on test automation skills, and the ability to guide testing for Salesforce and enterprise‑level systems. Join a mission-driven organization where your work directly improves digital services for millions of Californians—while enjoying the stability, benefits, and career growth opportunities that a state career offers.

Final Filing Date: 11/02/2026

This position is located at DMV Headquarters in Sacramento

What You’ll Do:

• Lead test planning, strategy, and execution for multi‑phase IT initiatives
• Build and maintain automated test suites and testing standards
• Review requirements, identify gaps, and ensure full testing coverage
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams throughout the SDLC
• Mentor testers and support onboarding of new team members
• Monitor risks, resolve complex issues, and drive continuous improvement
• Experience with Agile, test automation frameworks, and API testing
• Hands‑on experience with ALM Octane or similar lifecycle tools
• Ability to lead and coordinate work in a matrixed environment
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Working knowledge of Salesforce testing approaches
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and technical leadership

Why Join the State of California?

• Competitive salary + CalPERS retirement
• Great health, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous paid leave
• Career growth, training, and internal mobility
• Opportunity to directly improve services for California’s 39 million residents

Explore Work4CA: How to Get a State Job Series - YouTube for helpful guidance.