Lead Test Automation Engineer (m/f/d) at Sofico · Zwijnaarde

What the job is about

As a Lead Test Automation Engineer, you are responsible for defining, implementing, and continuously improving the test automation strategy across the organization. You combine deep technical expertise with a strong sense of quality ownership. You design, build and maintain a scalable test automation framework, coach and mentor test automation engineers in best practices, and collaborate closely with developers, analysts, and product teams to ensure high-quality software delivery.

You act as a technical leader within the Quality Engineering community, driving innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement in automated testing.

Your responsibilities include:

· Design, implement, and maintain a scalable, modular, and robust test automation framework (UI, API, integration, unit, performance).

· Define and promote test automation standards, guidelines, and best practices across teams.

· Drive test automation strategy and architecture in alignment with product and platform objectives.

· Collaborate with developers, analysts, and QA teams to integrate automated testing into CI/CD processes.

· Ensure testing is embedded early in the development lifecycle (shift-left testing).

· Review automated test scripts, test results, and test coverage to ensure high-quality deliverables.

· Provide coaching and mentoring to junior and mid-level automated test engineers.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives around quality, tooling, and automation maturity.

· Contribute to performance and load testing efforts where relevant.

Your interests and skills

You are a technically strong engineer with a passion for building high-quality, maintainable automation solutions. You thrive on solving complex challenges and enjoy guiding teams towards smarter, faster, and more reliable testing practices.

What else is expected:

· Minimum 8 years of experience in a senior test automation role.

· Demonstrated ability to set up and architect test automation frameworks from scratch.

· Strong hands-on experience in automated testing (UI, API, integration, performance).

· Proficiency with popular automation frameworks and languages (e.g., Playwright, Cypress, Java, Python, …).

· Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, GitLab, …).

· ISTQB CTFL 4.0 certification mandatory, ISTQB CTAL-TAE and/or CT-TAS certification recommended

· Strong understanding of software testing methodologies, tools, and lifecycle management.

· A mindset on the crosshairs between critical and analytical

· Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

· Comfortable working in distributed, cross-functional and agile teams.

· Ability to coach, mentor, and influence others in technical decision-making.

· Familiarity with performance and load testing tools is an asset.

What we Offer

• Competitive salary package
• Company car with fuel card/ charging card
• Meal vouchers
• Group and hospitalization insurance
• Additional benefits: bike leasing and flexible working hours

Join an international, multicultural company with more than 35 years of experience, which doubles in size every 5 years. We encourage a horizontal, open corporate culture where career development and personal growth are central. You benefit from a comprehensive 6-month onboarding, including a dedicated job coach, and receive ongoing learning opportunities. Participate in fun team activities such as after-work drinks, barbecues, family days, and company weekends. Additionally, you work in a modern and easily accessible office, equipped with charging stations for electric cars and bikes, as well as free shared bikes.