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Automation SDET Lead

00071258421

About the role

As an Automation SDET Lead, you will make an impact by driving quality engineering excellence through test automation leadership, framework modernization, and continuous delivery best practices. You will be a valued member of the Software Engineering team and work collaboratively with developers, QA engineers, DevOps professionals, product owners, and business stakeholders to deliver high-quality software solutions

In this role, you will:

  • Lead and mentor a team of automation engineers, providing technical direction, code reviews, troubleshooting support, and delivery oversight.
  • Own and enhance enterprise automation frameworks to improve scalability, maintainability, reusability, execution speed, and test coverage.
  • Design, develop, and maintain automated test solutions for UI, API, regression, smoke, and end-to-end testing.
  • Integrate automated test suites with CI/CD pipelines and support quality validation throughout the software development lifecycle.
  • Collaborate with Development, QA, DevOps, and Product teams to resolve defects, improve automation reliability, and ensure successful production releases.

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 5 days per week in a client office in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're 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

  • 6+ years of experience in Software Quality Engineering, SDET, or Test Automation with strong hands-on expertise in automation framework design and enhancement.
  • Strong Java programming skills and solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles and automation design patterns.
  • Hands-on experience with Selenium, REST Assured, or comparable UI and API automation frameworks.
  • Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD environments using Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or similar tools.
  • Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring automation engineers, including work allocation, technical coaching, and code reviews.
  • Strong knowledge of API, functional, regression, smoke, and end-to-end testing methodologies.
  • Experience with Git, Agile/Scrum delivery models, defect management, and release validation processes.

These will help you stand out

  • Experience improving framework efficiency through reusable components, parallel execution, advanced reporting, and test data management.
  • Strong analytical and debugging skills with the ability to identify application, automation, and environmental issues.
  • Experience reducing flaky tests and improving automation stability across enterprise applications.
  • Knowledge of automation architecture, engineering best practices, and quality metrics reporting.
  • Experience working in large-scale Agile environments supporting business-critical applications.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $71,100 and $125,000 USD, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of the applicable plan.

Compensation information is provided in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency laws.

Benefits

Cognizant offers the following benefits for eligible employees:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Contributions
  • Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Coverage
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Education Assistance and Professional Development Opportunities

Things to know before you apply

  • Work authorization: Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
  • Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
  • AI in hiring: We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help us screen and assess applications more efficiently. Our team performs additional human review and ultimately decides who moves forward in our hiring process.
  • Open position: Unless otherwise stated, this job posting is for an open position on our team.
  • Language proficiency: We ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
  • Inclusion: Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include financial education, a pension plan with matching contributions, etc.

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Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

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Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

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Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

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Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

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Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

CAN Brigitte
Cognizant is great for those wanting to make the world a better place, as we create solutions with top technology partners to address complex problems for our clients.
Brigitte Roy Director of Strategy Alliances
CAN Rahul
I’m supported by motivational leaders who empower me to grow in my career through learning programs, industry conferences and internal job moves. I’m proud of the career progression I’m making here.
Rahul Sathe Principal Product Architect – Insurance
Can Amita
The moment I joined Cognizant, I felt like I belonged. I was heard and empowered to challenge ideas—and I still am to this day.
Dr. Amita Oppal Gill Service Line Sales Manager
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Cognizant has one of the best learning ecosystems you can ask for. From sponsored certifications to training platforms to mentorship, we have all that we need to grow.
Debashish Mishra SAP MM Developer

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