Senior Automation Engineer

Senior QA LeadLocation: Houston, TX (Remote, US; Houston-based candidates preferred) | Reports To: Director of Product | Contract-to-HireOverviewOur client is seeking a Senior QA Lead to build the quality function for its pharmacy management software: an end-to-end platform for compounding pharmacies covering e-prescribing, production and batching, labeling, inventory and billing, now being rebuilt on a modern, API-ready SaaS foundation and moving to the cloud. This is a build-and-lead role: you'll set the QA strategy, build test automation, mentor a junior QA, and have the runway to grow into leading the QA function. This role starts as a contract-to-hire engagement with the intent to convert to full-time.ResponsibilitiesOwn the QA strategy: how quality is planned, tested, automated and measured, tied to the modernization roadmapDefine a phased approach: stabilize, automate the highest-risk workflows first, then expand coverage as the platform moves to the cloudSelect, build and maintain automated UI, API and regression suites that run in the delivery pipelineOwn release quality: the evidence, sign-off discipline and go/no-go rigor behind every releasePlan and execute testing across core workflows: e-prescribing, prescription processing, production and batching, labeling, inventory, billing and accounts receivable, and integrations (POS, IVR, QuickBooks, payments)Test a .NET / WinForms application using DevExpress UI components and data-heavy grids, backed by PostgreSQL, including performance, logging and traceabilityPartner with the external development team: review sprint deliverables, agree on test evidence and documentation, and raise quality concerns early and with evidenceTest two systems through the transition: keep the current product stable while the new version is built, including data migration, parallel workflows and peripherals such as scales and balancesProtect patient data: HIPAA-aware testing, compliant test data, and no protected health information in defects, logs, screenshots or test artifactsTest in the regulatory context compounding pharmacies operate in, including USP 795/797 workflows, audit logs and reporting, and prescription types (controlled, office use, OTC)Turn support-ticket and escaped-defect patterns into regression coverageDefine and track quality KPIs: escaped defects, automation coverage, regression cycle time and release predictabilityWork in two-week sprints with daily stand-ups and run QA visibly in Azure DevOps, with traceability from acceptance criteria to release evidenceMentor the junior QA and partner with the Business Analyst so acceptance criteria are testable before development startsRequired Qualifications5-7 years in software quality assurance, including senior or lead-level ownership of QA for a product or platformDemonstrated experience building test automation in a SaaS environment, including framework selection, build-out and maintenanceHands-on experience with modern automation frameworks (Playwright, Selenium, Cypress or similar) and API testingExperience testing workflow-heavy, transactional systems where accuracy and auditability matterStrong Agile experience (Scrum, SAFe or similar), including test planning within sprints and release cyclesExperience mentoring or leading other QA team membersPreferred QualificationsExperience in healthcare, pharmacy or another regulated industryBackground with pharmacy management systems (PMS), EMR, ERP or similar workflow-heavy platformsExperience testing a platform through modernization or a move to the cloudPerformance, reliability or integration testing across third-party systems (payments, POS, e-prescribing)Testing .NET desktop (WinForms) applications, DevExpress or similar component-heavy UIs, or PostgreSQL-backed systemsTest management and defect tracking in Azure DevOps or a similar toolWorking with external development vendors, including reviewing deliverables and documentationWorking knowledge of HIPAA as it applies to testing, test data, logging and defect reportingFamiliarity with pharmacy claims/billing standards (e.g., NCPDP) or healthcare interoperability standardsUse of AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude) for test design, data and documentationPay rate: $62/hr. This is a 6-month contract-to-hire position, remote in the US (Houston, TX preferred). Candidates must be US citizens.