Automated Test Engineer

As an Automated Test Engineer at Steampunk, you’ll engage in a variety of responsibilities that include developing automated test scripts, creating detailed test plans, executing performance and load testing, and collaborating closely with product design teams to define testing criteria. Your role will also involve troubleshooting test errors, streamlining processes, and ensuring cybersecurity measures are in place. This collaboration not only enhances your skill set but also ensures delivery of high-quality applications and cloud services to our clients.

To qualify for the Automated Test Engineer position at Steampunk, you must have a BS degree in IT or a related field, or a non-IT degree coupled with two years of related IT experience. You should possess five years of relevant experience, including proficiency with Git SCM tools, programming languages, and test automation systems like Selenium and Postman. Additionally, you need to have practical experience in an Agile environment, knowledge of cloud computing platforms, and the ability to obtain a U.S. government Security Clearance.

In your role as an Automated Test Engineer at Steampunk, you will work extensively with industry-standard tools such as Selenium, Appium, RestAssured, and Postman for test automation. You will also utilize Docker for containerization and engage with cloud services like AWS, Azure, or GCP to enhance testing efficiency. Understanding CI/CD pipelines and integrating testing frameworks will also be a part of your daily responsibilities.

At Steampunk, the working environment for an Automated Test Engineer is collaborative and innovative, structured within Agile methodology. You will interact regularly with various stakeholders, including developers and product teams, fostering a culture of open communication. As an employee-owned company, Steampunk highly values investing in its workers, providing ample opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and advancement within a supportive and dynamic team.

Steampunk is committed to the growth of its employees, particularly for those in roles like Automated Test Engineer. Beyond hands-on experience with advanced testing technologies and methodologies, you will have opportunities for continued education through certifications, workshops, and mentorship programs. Working in a rapidly evolving field allows you to upscale your expertise while contributing to innovative federal projects, positioning yourself for more advanced roles within the company.

When writing test plans and test cases, I ensure to gather insights from all stakeholders involved, particularly product designers and developers. This gives me a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, which I highlight in my test cases. I focus on outlining clear objectives, specific steps, expected outcomes, and relevant metrics to evaluate success. Moreover, revising the plans in collaboration with the team allows us to refine them and enhance the quality of the overall testing process.

To implement test automation tools, I first assess the project needs and select the appropriate tools based on features and compatibility, such as Selenium for web applications or RestAssured for API testing. I then develop scripts that use parallelization to reduce execution time and ensure idempotency for reliable results. Continuous integration is critical, so I integrate the automation into the CI/CD pipeline, allowing automated tests to run smoothly with every deployment.

My experience with Docker involves using containers to create isolated testing environments that mimic production settings. This allows for consistent and repeatable testing processes across different stages of development. By leveraging Docker, I can quickly spin up test environments or maintain service dependencies without causing disruptions to other teams. This ultimately accelerates testing cycles and improves collaboration among development and QA teams.

In previous roles, I have focused on enhancing DevSecOps processes by automating manual testing wherever possible, which includes performance and security assessments. I worked with developers to ensure that tests are incorporated into the CI/CD pipelines and provided feedback through bug reports to allow for real-time corrections. Additionally, I introduced practices like peer code reviews and regular retrospectives to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and shared accountability within the team.

For performance and load testing, I start by defining key performance indicators that align with user expectations and system requirements. I utilize testing tools like JMeter or LoadRunner to simulate user traffic and monitor performance bottlenecks. Analyzing results allows for identifying weaknesses in the application, which I communicate to the development team for timely enhancements. This ongoing process ensures that our applications perform optimally under varying load conditions.

I once faced a challenge where automated tests were failing intermittently due to synchronization issues between frontend and backend systems. To resolve this, I performed a detailed analysis of the test logs and identified the timing discrepancies. I worked closely with the development team to implement timeouts and conditions that ensured the test waited for the server's response before proceeding. This collaborative approach not only resolved the issue but also improved the overall stability of our testing framework.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize testing tasks by assessing their impact on project goals and deadlines. I categorize tasks based on risk, functionality, and urgency, focusing first on critical features that directly affect user experience or compliance. I utilize tools like Agile boards to visualize progress and stay aligned with the development team, allowing quick adjustments when priorities change. Regular communication ensures that our efforts are in sync with overall project objectives.

To ensure the security of the systems I test, I follow best practices that include conducting security assessments and penetration testing within my automated test frameworks. I leverage security testing tools and integrate them into our CI/CD pipelines, so security measures are continuously evaluated throughout the development lifecycle. Additionally, I stay updated on the latest security vulnerabilities and collaborate with the security team to ensure that testing covers all critical aspects of the system.

I document my testing procedures and results meticulously to maintain a clear record for future reference and audits. This includes writing detailed test cases that outline context, steps taken, expected outcomes, and actual results. I also track metrics to evaluate testing effectiveness and summarize findings in regular reports shared with stakeholders. This documentation provides transparency and fosters continuous improvement in testing processes and communication across teams.

My approach to mentoring junior test engineers involves fostering an open and supportive learning environment. I encourage them to take on challenging assignments while providing guidance and feedback as they develop their skills. I also share best practices in automation, debugging, and collaborative communication. By allowing them to lead certain tasks and fostering their independence, I can help them cultivate confidence and embrace a growth mindset in their careers.