Lead SDET

Job Summary

Cognizant is seeking a Lead SDET with 8 to 11 years of experience to join their team in Chennai, India. This hybrid role involves designing and implementing robust automated testing solutions, leveraging GitHub for continuous integration and delivery pipelines, API testing, and Katalon within a large-scale enterprise environment. The position focuses on establishing reliable quality engineering practices and optimizing delivery for a global travel technology program.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable automated test frameworks using Katalon and similar tools for complex web and service-based applications.
• Develop and enhance comprehensive API automation suites to validate functionality, reliability, performance, and security across various integration points.
• Configure and optimize CI/CD pipelines to seamlessly integrate automated tests, ensuring rapid feedback and high-quality software delivery.
• Manage source code repositories in GitHub, including branch strategies, code reviews, and integrating quality checks to maintain code health.
• Create detailed test strategies, test plans, and test cases aligned with business requirements and technical specifications for enterprise-scale solutions.
• Collaborate with developers, product partners, and quality engineers to clarify requirements and define testability criteria, thereby improving overall system quality.
• Analyze test results and production defects to identify root causes, propose effective fixes, and refine automated regression suites for long-term stability.
• Implement metrics and dashboards to track automation coverage, defect trends, and pipeline health, using insights to recommend process improvements.
• Mentor and guide quality engineering team members on best practices for automation, coding standards, and efficient use of CI/CD and version control tools.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams in a hybrid work model to align testing activities with release schedules, ensuring predictable and reliable deployments.
• Apply domain knowledge in travel intermediaries, where available, to design realistic test scenarios and data sets reflecting end-user journeys and partner integrations.
• Champion shift-left testing practices by embedding automation early in the development lifecycle and fostering a quality-first mindset.
• Document reusable test components, coding patterns, and operational runbooks to enable consistent adoption of automation practices across teams.

Qualifications

• Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in computer science, information technology, or a closely related discipline.
• Possess strong hands-on experience designing and maintaining automated test frameworks using Katalon and similar test automation tools in enterprise environments.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency with GitHub, including branching strategies, pull request workflows, code review practices, and integration with automation tooling.
• Exhibit practical experience configuring CI/CD pipelines using industry-standard platforms to orchestrate build, test, and deployment stages with automated quality gates.
• Show deep understanding of API testing, including contract validation, response verification, error handling, and performance aspects, using specialized tooling and frameworks.
• Display strong skills in programming or scripting languages commonly used for automation, such as Java, JavaScript, or Python, and adhere to clean coding practices.
• Bring working knowledge of software testing methodologies, including functional, regression, integration, and non-functional testing within Agile delivery models.
• Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to investigate complex defects, work with engineering teams to resolve issues, and refine test coverage for critical paths.
• Communicate clearly in written and spoken form to document strategies, share findings, and coordinate testing activities with global stakeholders in a hybrid setting.
• Leverage any exposure to travel intermediaries or travel technology domains to design scenarios reflecting booking flows, partner connectivity, and customer servicing journeys.
• Adopt a continuous learning mindset by staying current with evolving automation frameworks, CI/CD practices, and quality engineering trends relevant to large enterprises.

Additional Information

This is a hybrid role requiring coordination with cross-functional teams in a hybrid work model.