Lead QA Engineer Test Automation (Hybrid, North York Toronto, Canada)
Contract-to-Hire | Initial Duration: 3 to 6 Months
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Lead QA Engineer (Test Automation) to join our Fortune 500 client's Team in North York, Toronto.
This hybrid, contract-to-hire position is ideal for someone who combines technical depth in automation testing with strong leadership and mentoring skills.
The successful candidate will lead quality assurance initiatives across large-scale web and mobile retail applications, driving automation strategy, implementing scalable frameworks, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, fault-tolerant software solutions.
You will thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment, collaborating with developers, product owners, and other stakeholders to continually test, refine, and deploy innovative retail solutions
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end QA strategy and execution for large-scale applications in a hybrid agile environment
- Drive test automation initiatives using open-source tools and frameworks within a Java, BDD (Cucumber), and TestNG environment
- Design, implement, and maintain robust automation frameworks using the Page Object Model (POM) pattern to ensure scalability and maintainability
- Create, optimize, and execute test scripts across frontend, middleware, and backend layers using XPath, CSS Selectors, and related UI automation techniques
- Conduct both manual and automated testing, ensuring full coverage across all business-critical scenarios
- Plan, manage, and deliver QA milestones, ensuring timely and high-quality software release
- Lead and mentor QA engineers, fostering collaboration, ownership, and continuous learning within the team
- Collaborate closely with development, DevOps, and product teams to ensure seamless CI/CD integration and continuous testing
- Continuously improve QA processes, recommend new tools, and drive automation-first best practices
- Troubleshoot, analyze, and communicate critical defects, risks, and test progress to leadership to ensure timely resolution
- Support continuous integration and process innovation to improve delivery efficiency and product quality
Required Skills & Experience
- 7+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance, including 3+ years in a lead or senior automation role
- Strong hands-on experience with Java, BDD (Cucumber), Selenium/WebDriver, and TestNG
- Solid expertise in Page Object Model (POM) design patterns for building reusable automation frameworks
- Deep understanding of XPath, CSS Selectors, and advanced web UI automation concepts
- Proven experience with frontend and backend testing, ideally for retail store applications or enterprise-scale systems
- Familiarity with API testing (REST Assured, Postman, or similar)
- Experience integrating automation with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps
- Thorough understanding of QA methodologies, SDLC, and defect management processes
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and deliver results under tight deadlines
- Excellent analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills
Nice to Have
- Experience in Performance Testing or Mobile Automation Testing
- Exposure to cloud testing environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Prior experience in retail, POS, or enterprise application environments
Work Model
- Hybrid: Onsite presence required in North York, Toronto (approx. 2-3 days onsite per week, rest remote
- Contract Duration: 3 to 6 months, with potential to convert to full-time employment based on performance
Why Join
- Lead a high-impact QA function for a global retail technology initiative
- Work with cutting-edge tools and modern frameworks in a collaborative, agile environment
- Opportunity for long-term career growth through full-time conversion and leadership advancement