Lead QA automation engineer (Python, Networking, Kubernetes, AWS)

QA Automation Lead

## Role Summary
We are looking for a Lead Automation QA Engineer with a strong networking background to drive test automation strategy and execution for our platform. The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on QA automation expertise with solid networking and security fundamentals, and can lead automation efforts across cloud and on-prem environments.
## Responsibilities
- Design, build, and maintain scalable test automation frameworks for functional, regression, and system-level testing.
- Define & Lead automation strategy and roadmap, mentoring QA engineers on best practices and framework standards.
- Validate networking and firewall behaviour (segmentation, policy enforcement, traffic rules) across Windows and Linux environments.
- Test and automate workflows in AWS-hosted environments, including infrastructure provisioning and configuration validation.
- Collaborate with development, DevOps, and product teams to define test strategy, coverage, and release quality gates.
- Build and maintain CI/CD pipeline integrations for automated test execution and reporting.
- Triage, debug, and drive resolution of defects, working closely with engineering teams.
- Own test infrastructure health, including test environment setup, scaling, and maintenance.

- Independently lead and manage distributed QA automation teams across the United States and India, ensuring clear ownership, priorities, communication, and delivery accountability

## Must Have
- Experience with cloud infrastructure such as AWS (provisioning, networking, security groups, IAM basics).
- Experience with operating systems like Windows and Linux, including their native firewall systems (iptables/nftables, Windows Firewall).
- Strong knowledge of automation and automation flow/pipelines (CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar).
- Solid networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, VPNs, firewall/segmentation concepts).
- Proven experience building and leading test automation frameworks (e.g., PyTest or equivalent).
- Strong scripting/programming skills (Python, Bash, or similar) for writing automated test suites and tooling.
- Experience with API testing and automation (REST/SOAP, Postman, RestAssured, or similar).
- Working experience with Kubernetes clusters as a user (kubectl, namespaces, pods/services, running and debugging workloads) — deployment/administration not required

- Experience coordinating teams across time zones and communicating effectively with U.S.-based customers, engineering leaders, product managers, and offshore teams.

## Good to Have
- Experience with Ruby (scripting or test automation).
- Experience testing network security or segmentation products (e.g., firewalls, micro-segmentation, SDN/NFV platforms).
- Familiarity with Docker and container-based workflows.
- Exposure to performance and load testing tools.
- Experience with defect/test management tools (Jira, TestRail, or similar).
- Relevant certifications (AWS, networking/security such as CCNA/Security+).