Lead Quality Assurance Engineer

Lead QA Engineer Test Automation (Hybrid, North York Toronto, Canada)Contract-to-Hire Initial Duration: 3 to 6 MonthsAbout the Role:We are seeking an experienced Lead QA Engineer (Test Automation) to join our Fortune 500 client's Team in North York, Toronto.This hybrid, contract-to-hire position is ideal for someone who combines technical depth in automation testing with strong leadership and mentoring skills.The successful candidate will lead quality assurance initiatives across large-scale web and mobile retail applications, driving automation strategy, implementing scalable frameworks, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, fault-tolerant software solutions.You will thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment, collaborating with developers, product owners, and other stakeholders to continually test, refine, and deploy innovative retail solutionsKey Responsibilities:Lead end-to-end QA strategy and execution for large-scale applications in a hybrid agile environmentDrive test automation initiatives using open-source tools and frameworks within a Java, BDD (Cucumber), and TestNG environmentDesign, implement, and maintain robust automation frameworks using the Page Object Model (POM) pattern to ensure scalability and maintainabilityCreate, optimize, and execute test scripts across frontend, middleware, and backend layers using XPath, CSS Selectors, and related UI automation techniquesConduct both manual and automated testing, ensuring full coverage across all business-critical scenariosPlan, manage, and deliver QA milestones, ensuring timely and high-quality software releaseLead and mentor QA engineers, fostering collaboration, ownership, and continuous learning within the teamCollaborate closely with development, DevOps, and product teams to ensure seamless CI/CD integration and continuous testingContinuously improve QA processes, recommend new tools, and drive automation-first best practicesTroubleshoot, analyze, and communicate critical defects, risks, and test progress to leadership to ensure timely resolutionSupport continuous integration and process innovation to improve delivery efficiency and product qualityRequired Skills & Experience7+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance, including 3+ years in a lead or senior automation roleStrong hands-on experience with Java, BDD (Cucumber), Selenium/WebDriver, and TestNGSolid expertise in Page Object Model (POM) design patterns for building reusable automation frameworksDeep understanding of XPath, CSS Selectors, and advanced web UI automation conceptsProven experience with frontend and backend testing, ideally for retail store applications or enterprise-scale systemsFamiliarity with API testing (REST Assured, Postman, or similar)Experience integrating automation with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOpsThorough understanding of QA methodologies, SDLC, and defect management processesDemonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and deliver results under tight deadlinesExcellent analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skillsNice to HaveExperience in Performance Testing or Mobile Automation TestingExposure to cloud testing environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Prior experience in retail, POS, or enterprise application environmentsWork ModelHybrid: Onsite presence required in North York, Toronto (approx. 2-3 days onsite per week, rest remoteContract Duration: 3 to 6 months, with potential to convert to full-time employment based on performanceWhy JoinLead a high-impact QA function for a global retail technology initiativeWork with cutting-edge tools and modern frameworks in a collaborative, agile environmentOpportunity for long-term career growth through full-time conversion and leadership advancement