QA Automation Engineer Jobs in California

About the role
As a QA Test Automation Lead , you will make an impact by leading the design, development, and implementation of scalable test automation solutions across web, API, integration, and end-to-end testing. You will be a valued member of the Quality Engineering team and work collaboratively with Product Owners, Business Analysts, Developers, and QA professionals to improve test coverage, accelerate feedback, and support high-quality software delivery.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of automated test scripts and frameworks for web, API, integration, and end-to-end testing.
• Collaborate with Product Owners, Business Analysts, Developers, and QA teams to understand requirements, define test scenarios, and support Agile delivery.
• Execute automated regression, smoke, and functional test suites; analyze test results, identify defects, and coordinate issue resolution.
• Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using Git-based workflows to enable continuous testing and faster feedback.
• Develop reusable automation assets, improve framework efficiency, establish testing best practices, and report test coverage, defect trends, automation metrics, and release readiness.

Work model
At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring four days per week in a client or Cognizant office in Irvine, California.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you are engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.
What you need to have to be considered

• Extensive experience in quality engineering, software testing, and test automation for enterprise applications.
• Hands-on experience designing and maintaining automation frameworks for web, API, integration, and end-to-end testing.
• Proficiency with relevant automation tools, programming or scripting languages, API-testing tools, and version-control systems.
• Experience integrating automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines and working with Git-based development workflows.
• Strong experience with Agile delivery, defect management, test planning, test metrics, risk assessment, and release-readiness reporting.
• Ability to lead automation initiatives, provide technical guidance, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional and client-facing teams.

These will help you stand out

• Experience modernizing or scaling enterprise-level test automation frameworks.
• Knowledge of cloud-based testing, containerized environments, or distributed test execution.
• Experience implementing continuous-testing practices and optimizing test execution within CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to identify automation opportunities, improve test coverage, and reduce manual-testing effort.
• Strong communication, stakeholder-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual salary for this position is between $71,100 – $112,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits:
Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
401(k) plan and contributions
Long-term/Short-term Disability
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

• Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*