Job Description - Test Automation Engineer (Backend & Integration Testing)

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Test Automation Engineer to join the Technology Integration Platforms Business Solution Area. This role will play a key leadership role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality Integrations and Digital Products within Nationwide's Enterprise Digital Platform.

The successful candidate will develop test automation solutions to validate code produced by the Integration Governance team and ensure the delivery of high-quality, resilient, and secure solutions supporting APIs, AI, Event Streams, and File Transfer integrations. This individual will serve as the primary testing resource for the team and independently manage end-to-end testing activities within a lean Agile environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and execute automated test solutions for integrations, APIs, microservices, and digital products.
• Lead end-to-end testing activities across APIs, AI-enabled solutions, Event Streams, and File Transfer integrations.
• Design and implement test strategies covering functional, integration, regression, performance, security, vulnerability, and exploratory testing.
• Define and manage test plans, test data, test environments, reporting, and quality metrics.
• Execute risk-based testing strategies utilizing an appropriate mix of manual, automated, and exploratory testing techniques.
• Validate REST APIs using tools such as Postman, Newman, Rest Assured, or equivalent technologies.
• Ensure API test results align with OpenAPI (OAS)/Swagger specifications.
• Perform backend integration testing across microservices and distributed systems.
• Develop and execute tests for Single Page Applications (SPA) and associated backend services.
• Identify, track, analyze, and drive defect resolution through effective root cause analysis.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, architecture, and product teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Champion quality engineering best practices and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 6 to 9 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Test Automation, or Software Testing.
• Strong experience in Backend Testing, Integration Testing, and Microservices Testing.
• Proven expertise in REST API Testing and Automation using Postman, Newman, Rest Assured, or similar tools.
• Experience validating APIs against OpenAPI (OAS)/Swagger specifications.
• Experience defining and managing multiple test plans, execution activities, reporting, and quality metrics.
• Strong understanding of Test Automation Frameworks and automation best practices.
• Experience applying a risk-based testing approach utilizing manual, automated, and exploratory testing methods.
• Experience with Test Data Management and Test Environment Management.
• Strong knowledge of Performance Testing, Security/Vulnerability Testing, and Regression Testing.
• Experience managing defects through identification, tracking, analysis, and resolution.
• Experience working within Agile software development methodologies.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, collaboration, and self-leadership skills.
• Ability to independently own and drive end-to-end testing activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience in Backend Microservices Integration Testing, with hands-on experience testing Spring Boot-based services preferred.
• Experience validating service-to-service interactions within distributed architectures.
• Hands-on experience with Database Integration Testing and Data Validation, preferably using PostgreSQL.
• Working knowledge of Kubernetes and AWS environments, including testing cloud-native applications.
• Experience with event-driven architectures and enterprise integration platforms.
• Exposure to AI-related technologies and testing approaches is an advantage.

Desired Competencies

• Thought leadership with the ability to influence and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Quality-first mindset with a focus on engineering excellence.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively balance quality, delivery timelines, and business priorities.
• Strong communication, people interaction, and self-leadership skills.

Key Hiring Priorities

Must-Have Skills

• Backend Testing
• Microservices Testing
• Integration Testing
• API Testing & Automation (Postman/Newman)
• OpenAPI/Swagger Validation
• Test Automation Frameworks
• Test Data Management
• Test Environment Management
• Performance Testing
• Security/Vulnerability Testing
• Regression Testing
• Agile Delivery

Highly Preferred Skills

• Spring Boot Microservices
• PostgreSQL
• Kubernetes
• AWS
• Service-to-Service Integration Testing
• Event-Driven Architectures
• AI-related Technology Exposure

Important Note

This role is primarily focused on backend quality engineering, microservices testing, and integration testing. Candidates whose experience is predominantly centered on front-end/UI testing and basic API validation, without significant exposure to backend systems, service integrations, database validation, and distributed architectures, may not be a strong fit for this position.

Experience with Spring Boot, PostgreSQL, Kubernetes, and AWS will be highly valued.