QA Automation Specialist

As a QA Automation Specialist at Acolad, you'll design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts primarily using the Playwright framework for OutSystems applications. Collaboration is key as you'll work with developers and business analysts to gather requirements, develop comprehensive test plans, and conduct both manual and automated testing. Your role also involves identifying and documenting software defects, continuously improving our automation frameworks, and participating in code reviews, ensuring the integrity and performance of our products.

To qualify for the QA Automation Specialist role at Acolad, you should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field along with at least 3 years of experience in software quality assurance and test automation. Proficiency in the Playwright framework and experience with JavaScript/TypeScript for developing test scripts is essential. Familiarity with Agile methodologies and CI/CD practices, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities will also be crucial for your success.

In the QA Automation Specialist role at Acolad, you will work extensively with the Playwright test automation framework for scripting, as well as tools for identifying software defects. Familiarity with API testing tools like Postman or SoapUI, version control systems such as Git, and even performance testing tools may also come into play. Knowledge of Translation Management Systems and AI solutions within QA processes will be beneficial as well.

Absolutely! Acolad is committed to your professional growth. As a QA Automation Specialist, you will have access to interesting development and growth opportunities in a rapidly growing company. The work environment is modern and collaborative, providing ample chances to enhance your skills and keep up with industry trends and best practices in QA automation.

Yes! Acolad promotes a hybrid working model, allowing you the flexibility to work from our Krakow office or remotely. This approach supports a work-life balance while fostering a dynamic team environment where your input and collaboration are valued.

When designing automated test scripts, I start by thoroughly understanding the application requirements and user expectations. I collaborate with the development and business analyst teams to create detailed test plans that cover all scenarios. I prioritize modularity and reusability in scripts, and I ensure proper documentation to facilitate maintenance and updates over time.

I have extensive experience using Playwright for automated testing, particularly in web applications. My approach involves utilizing Playwright's powerful features for multi-browser support and easy API testing. I often employ its capabilities for handling various user interactions and form submissions, ensuring a seamless user experience. I focus on implementing best practices and efficient test structures for maintaining code clarity.

For effective bug tracking, I utilize tools like JIRA or Bugzilla to document and manage defects. I focus on creating clear and comprehensive bug reports that include steps to reproduce the issue, screenshots, and relevant logs. Communication with the development team is crucial—I make sure to discuss the priority and impact of reported defects to ensure efficient resolution.

Collaboration is at the heart of my role as a QA Automation Specialist. I engage in regular meetings with developers and business analysts to gather requirements and clarify expectations. Additionally, I provide feedback during code reviews and work closely with them to identify any issues and improvements throughout the development process. This open line of communication ensures that we meet the highest standards for our applications.

Staying current with QA trends involves several strategies. I follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in forums dedicated to QA automation and software testing. Engaging with professional communities and attending conferences helps me learn from peers and discover innovative tools and methodologies that I can apply in my work.

One of the most challenging aspects of QA automation is maintaining test scripts as the application evolves. Changes in application features can lead to outdated scripts and false negatives. To tackle this challenge, I'm proactive in creating maintainable and modular test scripts, and I set up regular review sessions to update our tests alongside development changes.

When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on risk and impact, focusing on critical features that need thorough testing. I discuss realistic timelines with my team, ensuring we remain aligned throughout the testing phases. Where possible, I leverage automation to expedite repetitive testing tasks, which allows me to allocate more time to exploratory testing and identifying potential edge cases.

In a recent project, I was responsible for automating the testing of a new web application feature using Playwright. My role involved designing and implementing a series of automated tests that improved test coverage from 60% to 90%. This not only accelerated our release process but also helped identify key issues earlier in the development lifecycle, leading to a significant reduction in post-release defects.

My experience with Agile frameworks is extensive. I thrive in Agile environments where QA is integrated throughout the development lifecycle. I participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives, providing ongoing feedback that helps improve both our processes and the final product. Agile practices allow for flexibility in testing, promoting adaptability and responsiveness to change.

My approach to performance testing begins with defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks for the application. Utilizing tools such as JMeter, I create and execute load tests that simulate real-world usage scenarios to identify bottlenecks. I evaluate the results with thorough analysis, and I collaborate with the development team to address any performance issues uncovered during testing.