Principal Test Automation Engineer

As a Principal Test Automation Engineer at SanMar, your primary responsibilities include designing and implementing robust CI/CD pipelines, leading the development of reusable test automation frameworks, and providing technical leadership across delivery teams. You'll also develop comprehensive test plans and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the success of automation processes in alignment with DevOps best practices.

To qualify for the Principal Test Automation Engineer role at SanMar, candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field, along with at least 10 years of experience in software development, quality assurance, and test automation. Extensive hands-on experience with DevOps practices and a strong grasp of tools like Selenium and API testing tools are also essential. Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript is important.

SanMar is committed to the career growth of its Principal Test Automation Engineers through a combination of mentorship, access to ongoing training, and innovative projects. By providing opportunities to lead and establish best practices within teams, SanMar ensures that you not only grow your technical skills but also enhance your leadership capabilities in an inclusive work environment.

In the role of Principal Test Automation Engineer at SanMar, you'll primarily use tools such as Selenium, JUnit, and CI/CD pipeline tools like Azure DevOps, Jenkins, and more. You'll also work with various programming languages and familiar tools for API testing such as Postman or SoapUI to ensure robust automation solutions.

The work environment for a Principal Test Automation Engineer at SanMar is collaborative and moderately quiet. You'll have the flexibility to work in a hybrid setting within our Eastpointe office located near Seattle, WA, with standard working hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST. The culture at SanMar emphasizes teamwork, contribution, and providing an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.

When answering this question, focus on specific CI/CD tools you've used, describe how you've integrated automated testing within those pipelines, and share examples of improvements you’ve achieved in deployment speed and quality. Highlight your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement these practices.

Discuss your approach to building test automation frameworks, including selecting the right tools, ensuring code reusability, and addressing potential challenges in framework maintenance. Provide examples of frameworks you've created and how they have benefited the team.

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by describing a systematic approach: first, investigate the error logs and identify the point of failure; next, determine whether it's an issue with the code, the test itself, or the environment. Outline the importance of collaboration with developers and stakeholders to resolve the problem effectively.

Highlight your commitment to continuous learning by discussing how you keep up with the latest automation tools and practices. Mention attending workshops, earning certifications, or participating in relevant online courses as ways you enhance your skills.

Explain how you collaborate with Agile teams to incorporate automation within sprints, ensuring that testing is integrated early in the development process. Stress the importance of communication, regular refactoring of tests, and adapting to evolving requirements within Agile cycles.

Be specific about your proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or JavaScript. Share examples of how you've used these languages to write clean, maintainable, and efficient test scripts, showcasing your technical skills relevant to the role.

Share a specific instance where you provided guidance to junior engineers, discussing the techniques you used to help them understand complex concepts. Highlight your approach to mentorship and the positive outcomes that resulted from your support.

Talk about metrics you utilize to assess automation effectiveness, such as test coverage, defect rates, and execution times. Emphasize your focus on continuous improvement and how you leverage these metrics to enhance processes and outcomes.

Describe a relevant recent project where you implemented a new automation tool or technology, detailing the selection process, challenges faced, and the impact of the implementation on improving efficiency or effectiveness within your testing practices.

Discuss your time management strategies in balancing multiple tasks under pressure, such as prioritizing automated tests that provide the greatest impact on quality and leveraging efficient testing practices to deliver quality results despite time constraints.