Test Automation Lead

Role Purpose

• Working with engineering teams, lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive test automation strategy and services for non-functional testing, including performance, security, and usability.
• Enable engineering teams to create and execute automated data management tests to ensure the integrity and performance of digital and data solutions.
• Enable the design and execution of API testing to guarantee system integration and performance aligning with business requirements.
• Foster a collaborative environment, working with development, operations, and business teams to integrate automated testing into the software development lifecycle.
• Analyze test results and lead the process of issue identification and resolution, ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products.
• Champion the adoption of new testing tools and methodologies to keep pace with industry advancements and enhance testing efficiency.
• Lead reusable testing service to support engineering teams where needed.
• Mentor and develop teams in test automation best practices.

Accountabilities

• Ensure the effective development and maintenance of test automation frameworks that align with organizational goals and quality standards.
• Provide leadership in the accurate execution of test automation initiatives, ensuring coverage, and quality benchmarks are met or exceeded.
• Oversee the creation and management of test data sets and environments, safeguarding data integrity and security for all testing activities.
• Enable the integration of automated regression testing processes into CI/CD pipelines.
• Enable the capability for the thorough documentation and prioritization of defects, collaborating with development teams to expedite issue resolution.
• Ensure adherence to security testing best practices and actively contribute to the organization's security posture through diligent automation testing.
• Lead the continuous evaluation and improvement of the test automation strategy, fostering innovation and efficiency in testing methodologies.

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

About Us

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet.  We believe that most IT departments witness change, we aim to cause it by discovering and applying new and novel technologies to real world problems. We are looking for curious, determined, and high performing individuals who will push hard for breakthroughs that help the company.  We are currently seeking a Test Automation Lead for the Engineering Enablement- Seeds Development team in Durham, North Carolina.   

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Robust project management skills with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Commitment to staying abreast of the latest industry trends and technologies in test automation.

Critical knowledge

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of non-functional testing practices and principles, especially in performance, security, and usability.
• Deep understanding of data management and data integrity testing approaches.
• Proficiency in API testing techniques and tools.

Critical experience

• At least 5 years of experience in test automation, with a minimum of 2 years in leading testing teams or services.
• Experience with a variety of test automation frameworks and tools (e.g., Selenium, Cucumber, Mocha, Postman).
• Solid experience with CI/CD practices and tools.
• Proven experience in programming and scripting languages relevant to test automation (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript).

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Expert-level skills in developing and managing automated testing solutions for non-functional requirements.
• Advanced SQL/NOSQL knowledge and experience with complex database and data lake testing.
• Strong ability to identify technical issues and provide strategic solutions for test automation challenges.
• Mastery of version control systems (e.g., Git) and adherence to best practices in code management.
• Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills, with the capacity to drive decisions and gain consensus among team members and stakeholders.

Critical leadership capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor teams in adopting best practices and standards in test automation.
• Capacity to innovate and drive change within the testing domain, encouraging a forward-thinking approach to quality assurance.
• Strong strategic vision for the test automation landscape, with the ability to align team efforts with organizational objectives.
• Proven competence in managing resources, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring the successful execution of testing strategies.

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 9 Paid Holidays
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

WL5A

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Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)