Lead Engineer Automation Quality

Empower; United States; On-site; USD 106,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Volunteer time

BRGs

Job summary

Empower is seeking a Lead Engineer Automation Quality to guide the design and development of scalable test automation frameworks. You will lead automation initiatives across complex projects, mentor engineers, and partner with DevOps to embed automated testing into CI/CD processes.

The role requires 7–10 years testing with 4–5 years in automation, strong Java and API/UI automation experience, and a track record of team leadership and delivering robust QA solutions.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years testing experience with 4–5 years automation testing experience
• Proven leadership experience managing and mentoring test automation teams
• Strong Java programming experience (core concepts)
• Experience with test automation tools/frameworks: Selenium, Karate, JUnit, TestNG
• Excellent API automation experience using Karate and UI automation experience using Selenium/JUnit/TestNG
• Solid understanding of CI/CD processes and tooling
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automated test strategies and frameworks
• Lead a team of test automation engineers and define build automation strategies
• Set and enforce best practices for test automation and QA
• Lead assessments of automation tools
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define test automation goals
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines with DevOps
• Monitor and report test automation metrics and KPIs
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation, including AI initiatives
• Create training materials and train engineers on tools and frameworks
• Provide guidance and prioritization for the team
• Perform manual testing when needed

Skills

Leadership

Automation testing

Java

CI/CD

Team mentoring

Test strategy

Test automation metrics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT

Tools

Selenium

Karate

JUnit

TestNG

Job description

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.

The Lead Engineer Automation Quality will serve as a subject matter expert responsible for leading the design and development of robust, scalable, and highly complex test automation frameworks. This role will lead automation initiatives for complex projects, establish automation best practices and standards, mentor quality automation engineers, and collaborate with stakeholders and DevOps teams to integrate automated testing into CI/CD processes.

What You Will Do

• Lead and oversee the design, development, and implementation of automated test strategies and frameworks.
• Lead a team of test and quality automation engineers, providing direction on automation and build automation strategies.
• Define and enforce best practices for test automation and quality assurance.
• Lead assessments of automation tools.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define test automation goals and objectives.
• Partner with DevOps teams to integrate automated tests into CI/CD processes.
• Monitor and report on test automation metrics and KPIs.
• Lead continuous improvement of test automation processes, tools, and standards.
• Lead innovation efforts, including AI.
• Design and document training materials and provide training on automation tools and frameworks.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for quality automation engineers and provide guidance, direction, and prioritization of work for the team.
• Perform manual testing when needed.

What You Will Bring

• 7 to 10 years of testing experience, including 4 to 5 years of automation testing experience or equivalent automation training.
• Proven leadership experience managing and mentoring test automation teams.
• Strong experience with core Java programming concepts and expert-level proficiency in Java.
• Extensive experience with test automation tools and frameworks, including Selenium, Karate, JUnit, and TestNG.
• Excellent API automation experience using Karate.
• Excellent UI automation experience using Selenium, JUnit, and TestNG.
• Strong understanding of CI/CD processes and tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

What Will Set You Apart

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience with performance testing tools such as JMeter and LoadRunner.
• Experience in an AWS cloud environment.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies, including Docker and Kubernetes.

This job operates in a professional office environment.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract.

Red Flags And Risks

• Title clarity: "Lead Engineer Automation Quality" is awkward and may not align with common market-facing titles. Consider whether "Lead Quality Automation Engineer," "Lead Test Automation Engineer," or a similar title more accurately reflects the intended role. Confirm internally before changing the official title.
• Leadership scope is unclear: The JD says the role will "lead a team" and references managing and mentoring teams, but later says the individual "may provide" guidance and prioritization. It is unclear whether this is a people manager, technical lead, or both. Clarifying direct-report and people-management responsibilities could improve candidate alignment.
• Experience requirement is ambiguous: "7 to 10 years testing experience with 4 to 5 years experience in automation testing or equivalent automation training" could imply that training can substitute for four to five years of automation experience. Confirm whether that is the intended qualification.
• Java requirements are repetitive: The source lists both "strong experience" with Java core concepts and "expert-level proficiency" in Java. These have been retained because they may represent distinct expectations, but the intended proficiency level should be clarified.
• JUnit and TestNG classification: The source describes Selenium, Karate, JUnit, and TestNG collectively as automation tools/frameworks and specifically associates JUnit and TestNG with UI automation. This may be technically imprecise because JUnit and TestNG are primarily testing frameworks rather than UI automation tools. Technical leadership should validate the terminology.
• AI scope is vague: "Lead innovation efforts such as AI" does not explain what AI-related responsibilities, technologies, or outcomes are expected. More specific scope could improve candidate understanding.
• Work authorization language: The required work authorization and sponsorship statement may have immigration and compliance implications. HR, Legal, or Immigration counsel should confirm that the language and its application are appropriate for the role and hiring practices.

What We Offer You

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire – including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time — 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs – including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) – BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all.

Base Salary Range

$105,700.00 - $149,275.00

The salary range above shows the typical minimum to maximum base salary range for this position in the location listed. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation offered may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Equal opportunity employer

• Drug-free workplace

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

***For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high-speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment, will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection.***

Job Posting End Date at 12:01 am on:

09-14-2026