Senior QA Automation Engineer (Java/Selenium)
Location: Ashburn, VA (Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week)
Employment Type: Full-time / Contract
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior QA Automation Engineer with expert-level Java and Selenium WebDriver experience to support a mission-critical U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program. This is a hands-on engineering role where you will design, develop, maintain, and optimize enterprise-grade automation frameworks while integrating automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to improve software quality and accelerate delivery.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in Java automation development, extensive experience with Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, and Maven, and a proven ability to build automation frameworks from the ground up while troubleshooting and enhancing existing automation solutions. You'll work closely with software engineers, product owners, and QA team members in an Agile environment to ensure the delivery of reliable, high-quality applications supporting critical federal missions.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain scalable automation frameworks using Java, Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, and Maven.
Build robust, reusable automation frameworks from scratch for web-based applications.
Debug, troubleshoot, and enhance existing automation frameworks to improve stability, maintainability, and execution efficiency.
Develop and execute automated functional, regression, integration, smoke, and end-to-end test suites.
Create comprehensive test plans, test cases, and automated test scripts based on business and technical requirements.
Perform API testing for RESTful services and validate JSON/XML responses.
Analyze test execution results, identify defects, perform root cause analysis, and collaborate with development teams to resolve issues.
Integrate automated tests into GitLab CI/CD pipelines to support continuous testing and delivery.
Participate in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
Promote automation best practices, code quality, and continuous improvement across the QA organization.
Required Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must possess an active CBP Public Trust clearance or be eligible to obtain one.
Minimum 5 years of hands-on Selenium WebDriver automation experience.
Strong Java programming experience is required. This is a hands-on Java automation development role.
Extensive experience with:
Java
Selenium WebDriver
TestNG
Maven
Proven experience designing and implementing automation frameworks from scratch.
Demonstrated ability to debug, maintain, and enhance existing automation frameworks.
Experience testing REST APIs and validating JSON/XML responses.
Experience with Git version control.
Strong understanding of software testing methodologies, SDLC, and Agile development practices.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with GitLab and GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
Experience with Jira or other defect tracking tools.
Experience with SQL for backend data validation.
Familiarity with Jenkins or other CI/CD platforms.
Previous experience supporting CBP, DHS, or other federal government programs is highly desirable.
Work Environment
Hybrid schedule requiring 2 days onsite each week in Ashburn, VA.
Opportunity to work on mission-critical applications supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Collaborative Agile team focused on delivering secure, high-quality software through modern test automation practices.
If you're a senior automation engineer who enjoys building scalable automation frameworks, solving complex technical challenges, and contributing to high-impact federal programs, we'd like to hear from you.
This version is more aligned with what senior QA automation engineers search for, while naturally incorporating high-value keywords such as Senior QA Automation Engineer, Java, Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, Maven, Automation Framework, REST API Testing, GitLab CI/CD, Agile, and CBP. It also clearly communicates that this is a hands-on senior engineering role rather than a manual QA position.
Pay: $124,800.00 - $154,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ashburn, VA 20147
