Lead Automation Engineer

POSITION

Lead Automation Engineer

LOCATION

4 days a week onsite 1 day remote

Palo Alto CA

REQUIRED SKILLS

Expert in Python

Strong Linux Fundamentals

Experience in Automation CI/CD pipeless

Ownership end to end experience

Some experience in PyTest

Opportunity Overview:

Client is seeking a highly experienced Lead Test Automation Engineer to accelerate the development of test automation frameworks and infrastructure for next-generation vehicle programs. This role is critical to improving test coverage and automation efficiency as the team works toward a major vehicle launch in 2027.

Nice to have:

Experience in hardware test automation

Automotive experience is preferred but not required

5-10 years experience who is excellent at software and can pick up things fast. Now willing to let go of automotive experience and explicit hardware test experience (both are now nice to have). During interviews they would still ask questions about hardware testing approaches and someone with a solid understanding of these tools would be able to answer them.

• Strong foundational knowledge of Python and modern build systems
• Strong knowledge and experience in CI/CD systems and build automation
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to identify and solve infrastructure bottlenecks
• Proven track record of shipping user-facing products or features with a passion for end-user impact
• Self-motivated approach to improving developer workflows with an eye toward product quality and user experience
• Hands-on experience managing Jenkins or similar CI/CD platforms at scale
• Experience with distributed build systems and build caching strategies
• Contributions to build tooling or developer productivity tools

Tooling familiarity: Jenkins Git Docker Proxmox. Not a must with these tools but familiar with them and what they do.

Notes:

• Is PyTest a requirement for the Python skillset or is there flexibility depending on overall experience
  • PyTest is a strong recommendation
• For this role are you prioritizing someone who has led teams or more of a very senior developer who acts as an SME/technical expert and go-to resources without formal people management
  • Dont need people management experience (a plus not required). Technical lead.
• Can you clarify your preference between candidates who have led projects vs. those who have led testing teams
  • Im looking for someone who has led development of key features of devops related activities. Taken them from conception through delivery