QA Automation Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
QA Automation Engineer roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in tech because the skill set is highly specific and degree-verifiable, making specialty occupation classification straightforward. Most roles involve designing and maintaining automated test frameworks using tools like Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright. STEM OPT extension eligibility is standard for graduates in computer science, software engineering, or related fields.
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Kforce has a client that is seeking a SEC - QA Automation Engineer in Windsor, CT. Essential Job Functions:
- Create/setup automation testing frameworks to evaluate front end web applications and web services with an agile development environment
- Develop automation test framework and test cases for functional, performance and regression test execution
- Interpret functional requirements and design documents to plan, develop, write, and execute application functional and data validation automation test plans and test scripts
- Maintain automated tests and test framework
- Work with developers, project managers, technical writers, and other individuals to collect all information necessary to create effective QA Functional Test Plans and automation scripts
- Integrate software testing tools with software build environments to automatically execute the automation test scripts as part of the post build process
- Ensure all automation testing produces accurate pass/fail reports
- Continuously research automation test standards and implement best practices when designing/implementing the automation testing frameworks that will be deployed/utilized for testing all software solutions
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (Quality Assurance, Computer Science, Information technology, etc.) or 5+ years of work-related experience
- At least two years of experience testing commercial applications with an automation testing framework, such as Selenium
- At least two years of experience programming in JavaScript
- A clear understanding of QA principles and methodologies and ability to solve concrete QA problems
- Experience in writing quality documentation and reports
- Experience with evaluating software applications on Windows, Macintosh, UNIX and Linux platforms
- Experience with bug reporting and tracking systems
- Fluent in all Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel
- Fluent with various web browsers (Safari, Internet Explorer, FireFox, Chrome)
- Experience with or understanding of web technologies and frameworks like JavaScript and React
- Experience in developing scripts for testing web services (REST API or SOAP)
- Experience with testing or understanding of Service Security (HTTPS, OAuth etc.)
- Experience with Selenium WebDriver (Selenium Grid experience is a plus)
- Experience with Agile development and testing methodologies
- Experience in web applications testing
- Ability to identify critical and complex areas in the system for testing
- Ability to write relational database queries (SQL)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently on assigned projects
- Certification in Software Quality Assurance is a plus
- Experience with one or more version control systems such as GIT, CVS or Subversion is a plus
- Knowledge of PC networking and Network Operating Systems is a plus
- Networking training or certification is a plus
- Familiarity with design patterns is a plus
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.
Responsibilities
Kforce has a client that is seeking a SEC - QA Automation Engineer in Windsor, CT. Essential Job Functions:
- Create/setup automation testing frameworks to evaluate front end web applications and web services with an agile development environment
- Develop automation test framework and test cases for functional, performance and regression test execution
- Interpret functional requirements and design documents to plan, develop, write, and execute application functional and data validation automation test plans and test scripts
- Maintain automated tests and test framework
- Work with developers, project managers, technical writers, and other individuals to collect all information necessary to create effective QA Functional Test Plans and automation scripts
- Integrate software testing tools with software build environments to automatically execute the automation test scripts as part of the post build process
- Ensure all automation testing produces accurate pass/fail reports
- Continuously research automation test standards and implement best practices when designing/implementing the automation testing frameworks that will be deployed/utilized for testing all software solutions
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (Quality Assurance, Computer Science, Information technology, etc.) or 5+ years of work-related experience
- At least two years of experience testing commercial applications with an automation testing framework, such as Selenium
- At least two years of experience programming in JavaScript
- A clear understanding of QA principles and methodologies and ability to solve concrete QA problems
- Experience in writing quality documentation and reports
- Experience with evaluating software applications on Windows, Macintosh, UNIX and Linux platforms
- Experience with bug reporting and tracking systems
- Fluent in all Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel
- Fluent with various web browsers (Safari, Internet Explorer, FireFox, Chrome)
- Experience with or understanding of web technologies and frameworks like JavaScript and React
- Experience in developing scripts for testing web services (REST API or SOAP)
- Experience with testing or understanding of Service Security (HTTPS, OAuth etc.)
- Experience with Selenium WebDriver (Selenium Grid experience is a plus)
- Experience with Agile development and testing methodologies
- Experience in web applications testing
- Ability to identify critical and complex areas in the system for testing
- Ability to write relational database queries (SQL)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently on assigned projects
- Certification in Software Quality Assurance is a plus
- Experience with one or more version control systems such as GIT, CVS or Subversion is a plus
- Knowledge of PC networking and Network Operating Systems is a plus
- Networking training or certification is a plus
- Familiarity with design patterns is a plus
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a QA Automation Engineer
Target companies with active STEM hiring programs
Companies that consistently hire software and QA engineers on OPT tend to have established DSO processes and understand STEM extension requirements. Look for employers with engineering teams of 20 or more, where OPT is a routine workflow, not a one-off exception.
Highlight your automation stack prominently
Employers approving OPT need to justify a specialty occupation. Listing specific frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, or Appium, alongside CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions, makes the degree-to-role connection concrete and easier for HR to document.
Apply before your OPT start date whenever possible
Many hiring managers don't understand OPT timelines. Applying 60 to 90 days before your authorization begins gives employers time to process paperwork and align start dates without feeling rushed, which reduces the chance they withdraw over timing concerns.
Address your STEM extension eligibility upfront
Computer science, software engineering, and information systems degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mentioning this early, ideally in your cover letter or recruiter screen, reassures employers they're getting three years of work authorization, not just one.
Prepare a clear one-paragraph OPT explanation
Most hiring managers at small to midsize companies have never sponsored OPT before. A plain-language explanation of what OPT requires from the employer, essentially just filing a new I-983 for STEM, removes the fear factor and speeds up internal approval.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified OPT-friendly employers
Not every QA Automation Engineer job posting will sponsor OPT. Migrate Mate filters for employers who have actively hired OPT students, so you spend time applying to roles where authorization is already understood rather than educating every recruiter from scratch.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Automation Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. QA Automation Engineering typically requires a degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, or a closely related STEM field, all of which appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your degree is on that list and the role directly applies your technical training, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months.
What does an employer need to do to hire a QA Automation Engineer on OPT?
For initial OPT, the employer doesn't file anything with USCIS. You work on your EAD, and the employer just needs to verify your employment authorization like any other hire. For the STEM extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan on Form I-983. That's the full employer obligation, no petition, no filing fee.
How do I explain my OPT status to a QA hiring manager who hasn't sponsored international candidates before?
Keep it factual and focused on their workload. Explain that OPT is pre-approved work authorization issued by USCIS, that they don't file any government paperwork for your initial 12 months, and that the STEM extension only requires E-Verify enrollment and a signed training plan. Framing it as low-burden upfront tends to move the conversation forward faster than leading with visa terminology.
Are QA Automation Engineer roles easier to get on OPT than general software engineering jobs?
QA Automation roles can be more accessible because the skill set is specific and measurable. Employers can clearly connect a computer science or software engineering degree to test automation work, which makes the specialty occupation justification straightforward. Competition is also somewhat lower than for general software development roles. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to see which employers are actively hiring QA Automation Engineers on OPT right now.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from a QA Automation Engineer position?
You have a 60-day unemployment grace period on initial OPT. During STEM OPT extension, the limit is 150 cumulative days of unemployment across both periods combined. If you find a new QA Automation Engineer role within that window, you update your SEVIS record with your DSO and continue working. Staying active in your job search and documenting your efforts during the gap is important for maintaining good standing with your school.
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