QE Automation Lead in London

We are seeking an experienced QE Automation Lead to operate as the Test Lead for automated data testing within a complex, multi-vendor data transformation programme. This test role reports to the QE Lead (Test Director level) and is accountable for the design, execution and maintenance of the automation framework, data testing and overseeing the day-to-day management test activities of the Automation Test Engineers (SDETs) across multiple delivery teams in a Data Factory model. The QE Automation Lead will come from a strong hands-on technical background, with deep experience in test automation frameworks, AI driven solutions, data testing, and modern AWS cloud-based data platforms. This role will lead a team of SDETs responsible for validating ETL / ELT pipelines on AWS and end-to-end data validation testing.

The role combines strong technical leadership, hands-on contribution and team leadership, working collaboratively with the QE Lead to shape and refine the automation approach. Successful delivery is translating that direction into an effective, high-quality implementation by the Automation Test Engineers (SDETs).

What you’ll be doing:

• Act as the Test Lead for automated data testing, accountable for planning, execution and reporting of automation activities.
• Lead and manage a team of Test Engineers / SDETs, providing day-to-day direction, technical guidance and coaching.
• Own automation scope, backlog and priorities in line with programme plans and milestones.
• Ensure testing activity aligns with the overall Test Strategy and governance set by the QAT Lead.
• Monitor progress that the Test Approach is being applied with sufficient auditable test coverage and results.
• Design and implement an automated test approach in agreement with the QE Lead aligned to a Data Factory testing model leveraging AI augmentation.
• Define and maintain automation test frameworks, standards and patterns for data testing.
• Ensure automation provides sufficient, risk-based test coverage and produces repeatable, auditable results.
• Remain hands-on supporting execution, contributing to: Automated test scripts and AI utilities, Validation logic and data queries for data transformations, Test framework and supporting tooling.
• Lead testing of AWS-based Lakehouse and data pipeline solutions, including: AWS Glue, Neo4j, Python / PySpark, SQL and YAML-driven configurations.
• Ensure quality issues, risks issues and data defects are identified early, clearly documented and effectively triaged.
• Monitor, track and report on the test progress of several Factory teams by providing meaningful reports and dashboards to the QE Lead.
• Analyse defect trends and test results to identify systemic quality risks.
• Provide clear input to test exit decisions and go-live readiness assessments.
• Support formal Test Exit Reports and quality assurance reviews for quality gates, entry/exit criteria, test coverage expectations and acceptance thresholds.
• Work closely with the wider scrum team members: Data Engineers, Platform Engineers, Product Owners, Business SMEs and third-party partners to ensure connected technical testing solutions.
• Translate technical test outcomes into clear insights for the QE Lead.
• Act as a technical quality authority within scrum and delivery teams.
• Ensure effective use of test case and defect management tooling (e.g. ADO, JIRA, XRAY).
• Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines (e.g. GitHub Actions or similar).
• Support and guide test data management, including synthetic data creation, masking and environment readiness.

What experience you’ll bring:

• Strong technical capability in: Python / PySpark, SQL, Oracle, HDFS and YAML.
• BPSS minimum, SC not mandated but strong likelihood may be required.
• Strong experience in leading test automation in data testing, ideally within large-scale transformation programmes.
• Proven experience operating as a highly technical Test Lead or Automation Lead for QE teams including test data and test environment management.
• Hands-on experience architecting, designing and implementing scalable automated data testing frameworks, including reconciliation and validation logic.
• Knowledge of AI-driven testing solutions and automation accelerators to maximize test efficiency and improve overall software quality.
• Deep understanding of AWS data pipelines, AWS Glue, Data Warehouse, Data Lakehouse, ETL/ELT processes, data quality concepts, data infrastructure and related testing methodologies.
• Experience of building advanced and feature rich test automation frameworks from scratch using Object-oriented and scripted languages.
• Has a depth of knowledge in the Object-oriented Programming paradigm (OOP) and has practically applied the principles.
• Experience writing Test Plans for functional and non-functional testing in a data environment with a focus on data quality.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with test coverage, defect management and reporting tools (e.g. JIRA, XRAY, ADO).

Great if you have:

• Experience of data feeds architectures and best practices using AWS cloud services, Data Warehouse to Data Lakehouse migrations.
• Experience with AI accelerators.
• Experience with API testing.
• Knowledge of Non-Functional Testing (performance, scalability, resilience) in data platforms.
• Experience of embedding automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.

Who we are:

At NTT DATA, you have endless opportunities to think big, act bold and take ownership. As a $30+ billion business and technology services, AI and digital infrastructure leader, we co-innovate solutions with clients and partners globally for business and societal impact. Serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100, with experts in over 70 countries, we encourage experimentation and recognize great work. Proudly a Global Top Employer, NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion annually in R&D. Make this the place where you grow.

What we’ll offer you:

We offer a range of tailored benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Our Learning and Development team ensure that there are continuous growth and development opportunities for our people. We also offer the opportunity to have flexible work options.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We believe in the fair treatment of all our employees and commit to promoting equity and diversity in our employment practices. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively collaborate with individuals who have disabilities and long-term health conditions which have an effect on their ability to do normal daily activities, ensuring that barriers are eliminated when it comes to employment opportunities. In line with our commitment, we guarantee an interview to applicants who declare to us, during the application process, that they have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Join us in building a truly diverse and empowered team.