Test Automation Software Engineer (Lead)

About the position

Crelate, a rapidly growing startup serving over 1,600 customers, is seeking a seasoned Test Automation Engineer to lead our testing efforts. As a Test Automation Lead, you'll be a hands-on contributor and a strategic leader, driving the transformation of our test organization. You'll work closely with Product Managers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure our recruiting and talent engagement software is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable on the market. This is a chance to shape quality processes, mentor a team, and ship production-ready test solutions within your first month!

Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for the outcome of quality software across the organization and will use your experience, technical ability and quality mind in balance with business constraints and goals to achieve the highest ROI quality outcomes possible.
• Lead the Test Organization Reboot: Own and drive the transformation of our testing strategy, test cases, processes, and automation frameworks to ensure world-class product quality.
• Hands-On Coding: Design, develop, and create automated test suites using TypeScript, .NET, C#, and Playwright.
• Quality Advocacy: Partner with Product Managers, developers, and stakeholders to embed quality into every phase of the SDLC, from requirements to release.
• Test Strategy & Execution: Define and implement comprehensive test strategies, including functional, integration, performance, and regression testing.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Guide and mentor junior SDETs and developers, fostering a culture of quality and accountability.
• Data-Driven Testing: Leverage data to optimize test coverage, identify gaps, and ensure robust testing for data-driven applications (Elastic, Redis, SQL).
• Customer-Centric Focus: Work with customers and support teams to reproduce and resolve escalated issues, ensuring a seamless user experience.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay ahead of industry trends, adopting new tools and technologies to keep our testing practices cutting-edge.
• Team Collaboration: Participate in daily standups, drive testing initiatives to completion, and foster a collaborative, results-oriented team environment.

Requirements

• Experience: 6+ years in software testing, with at least 4 years in a senior or lead SDET role, including hands-on test automation development.
• Technical Expertise: Proficient in building automated test frameworks using TypeScript, .NET, C#, and testing tools like Playwright.
• Strong experience Azure DevOps or similar Test Case management tools.
• Familiarity with SQL, Elastic, Redis, or similar technologies is a plus.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead test strategy, mentor teams, and drive quality initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer Focus: Experience working with stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into effective test strategies.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a bias for action, delivering creative solutions under tight deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills and a pixel-perfect focus on quality.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Consulting experience or prior work in a startup environment.

Benefits

• Flexible work hours with a focus on results.
• Opportunities to grow, lead, and make a tangible impact.
• A collaborative, passionate team building software customers love.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401k with matching.
• Long- and short-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
• Generous paid leave, including up to 14 days of office holidays (with a company-wide winter break).
• Stock option grants for top performers.