Software Test Automation Engineer (SQA Engineer) III - (E3)

Applied Materials, Inc.; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. is seeking a Senior Software QA Engineer III in Billerica, MA to lead test automation efforts and ensure product quality across complex software.

The role emphasizes agile development practices, collaboration with development and product teams, and driving continuous improvement. The candidate should have extensive experience with test automation frameworks, Gherkin scenarios, and Python, with a strong focus on creating robust test strategies and comprehensive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Significant experience in software quality assurance in a professional development environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with test automation frameworks, automated test design, and test execution.
• Knowledge of Agile software development methodologies and experience working in Agile environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop test strategies, analyze requirements, design test coverage, document results, and drive defect resolution.
• Experience working cross-functionally with developers, product teams, and other stakeholders on complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Debug complex software products through systematic testing and advanced quality practices to develop, apply, and maintain quality standards across company products.
• Design, execute the high-quality integration of software into broader scientific computing, and oversee manual and automated testing for new features, enhancements, integrations, and system changes with minimal supervision.
• Develop, review, and refine test strategies, test plans, standards, and procedures to support efficient and repeatable quality processes.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of test cases, execution results, defects, and quality metrics to support debugging, traceability, and software improvement.
• Analyze test outcomes, defect patterns, and system behavior to ensure existing functionality is preserved and quality risks are identified early.
• Recommend and help drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Consult with development engineers and other stakeholders to resolve complex technical issues and improve product quality throughout the development lifecycle.
• Provide technical feedback that supports evaluations of programming languages, systems, and computation software.
• Ensure quality integration of software into broader scientific computation, data acquisition, and processing environments.
• Lead or technically guide software test projects, including automation efforts, with broader scope, higher complexity, and greater cross-functional coordination.
• Drive the expansion and maintenance of automated test coverage to improve efficiency, consistency, and release confidence.
• Create and maintain structured test scenarios, including Gherkin-based scenarios where applicable.
• Participate effectively in Agile software development activities, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, daily standups, test estimation, and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Test automation

Agile methodologies

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

TestComplete

Gherkin

Python

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 world’s technology.

What We Offer

Salary: $108,000.00 - $148,500.00
Location: Billerica,MA
You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers.
We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.
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.

Software QA Engineer III Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Software QA Engineer with strong expertise in test automation and knowledge of Agile software development to ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of complex software products. This role is responsible for designing and executing comprehensive test strategies, leading testing efforts for major features and systems, analyzing defects and quality trends, and partnering closely with development and cross-functional teams to drive resolution and continuous improvement. Experience with Gherkin is preferred, and knowledge of TestComplete is preferred but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Debug complex software products through systematic testing and advanced quality practices to develop, apply, and maintain quality standards across company products.
• Design, executethe high-quality integration of software into broader scientific computing, and oversee manual and automated testing for new features, enhancements, integrations, and system changes with minimal supervision.
• Develop, review, and refine test strategies, test plans, standards, and procedures to support efficient and repeatable quality processes.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of test cases, execution results, defects, and quality metrics to support debugging, traceability, and software improvement.
• Analyze test outcomes, defect patterns, and system behavior to ensure existing functionality is preserved and quality risks are identified early.
• Recommend and help drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Consult with development engineers and other stakeholders to resolve complex technical issues and improve product quality throughout the development lifecycle.
• Provide technical feedback that supports evaluations of programming languages, systems, and computation software.
• Ensure quality integration of software into broader scientific computation, data acquisition, and processing environments.
• Lead or technically guide software test projects, including automation efforts, with broader scope, higher complexity, and greater cross-functional coordination.
• Drive the expansion and maintenance of automated test coverage to improve efficiency, consistency, and release confidence.
• Create and maintain structured test scenarios, including Gherkin-based scenarios where applicable.
• Participate effectively in Agile software development activities, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, daily standups, test estimation, and continuous improvement efforts.

Functional Knowledge

Demonstrates advanced practical expertise in software quality assurance and test automation, along with strong knowledge of related disciplines such as software engineering, systems integration, release management, and Agile software development practices. Applies deep understanding of testing methodologies, tools, and quality frameworks to solve complex problems and improve team practices.

Business Expertise

Has strong knowledge of industry best practices and understands how the QA function integrates with engineering, product, and operational teams. Recognizes quality-related factors that affect customer satisfaction, product differentiation, and business performance.

Leadership

Acts as a senior resource for colleagues with less experience and provides technical guidance across projects and testing initiatives. May lead small to mid‑sized projects or major test workstreams involving moderate risk, dependencies, and resource coordination.

Problem Solving

Solves complex problems by applying a broad perspective, evaluating multiple sources of information, and exercising sound judgment. Identifies root causes, improves existing approaches, and introduces practical testing and automation improvements.

Impact

Impacts a broad range of customer, operational, project, and service activities across the team and related functions. Works within broad policies and objectives and contributes significantly to product quality, release readiness, and team effectiveness.

Interpersonal Skills

Explains complex or sensitive technical information clearly and effectively to a range of stakeholders. Builds alignment across QA, development, product, and leadership teams to support decisions, issue resolution, and quality objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Significant experience in software quality assurance within a professional development environment.
• Strong hands‑on experience with test automation frameworks, automated test design, and test execution.
• Knowledge of Agile software development methodologies and experience working in Agile environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop test strategies, analyze requirements, design test coverage, document results, and drive defect resolution.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with developers, product teams, and other stakeholders on complex systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing test scenarios in Gherkin.
• Experience with SmartBear TestComplete is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with functional, regression, integration, system, and end‑to‑end testing.
• Experience developing test automation frameworks and scripts using Python.
• Working knowledge of Python-based testing tools and libraries.

Additional Information

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• Travel: Not Specified
• Relocation Eligible: No

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable. For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

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. In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users.