Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer

Role Overview

Unissant is seeking a Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer to support a CMS client in the Baltimore–Washington Metro (Washington DC-Baltimore Area) region. The role focuses on backend/API automation for complex, data-intensive systems that handle sensitive and regulated data (PHI).

Responsibilities

• Design and build API-first automation frameworks from scratch using Java-based technologies
• Implement scalable REST API automation using Rest Assured and TestNG/JUnit
• Create reusable Java libraries/utilities and framework components for API/back-end testing
• Validate end-to-end data flow across integrated systems: API → middleware → database
• Define and execute data-validation strategies for sensitive datasets (including PHI)
• Build utilities for payload validation, data reconciliation, and comparison reporting
• Apply secure testing practices for PHI (e.g., masking, anonymization, auditability)
• Integrate automation into CI/CD pipelines and quality gates
• Own backend test strategy and partner with engineering to improve system testability

Requirements

• 6–10 years hands-on experience in QA/Automation
• 3+ years building automation frameworks from scratch using Java
• Strong experience in backend/API-first testing (no UI automation)
• Strong backend Java programming with emphasis on automation framework development
• Proven API automation framework experience using Rest Assured, TestNG/JUnit
• Deep expertise in REST API automation, contract testing, and JSON/XML validation
• Strong SQL skills for data validation, reconciliation, and defect troubleshooting
• Experience working with sensitive data environments (PHI/PII) and secure handling practices
• Working knowledge of CI/CD tooling (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, and/or Azure DevOps)
• Strong ownership of automation framework architecture, design, and implementation

Preferred / Nice-to-Haves

• Experience in regulated domains, especially healthcare and/or Federal government
• QA/testing certifications such as CTSE, CSQA, or CAST

Location / Work Model

• Remote position (supporting a CMS client in the Baltimore–Washington Metro area)