Quality Engineering Lead

The Quality Engineering Lead is responsible for leading the transformation to a modern quality model, embedding quality across the software lifecycle through shift-left testing, automation, and enforceable quality standards. This role balances execution and strategy while establishing best practices, standards, and governance to support long-term growth to establish a federated quality model across delivery teams.The ideal candidate is self-driven, pragmatic, detail-oriented, and capable of building lightweight but effective QA processes in a collaborative environment.Key Responsibilities Quality Transformation & EnablementLead transition to quality engineering practicesMentor developers and BAs on writing testable requirements & unit/integration test expectationsDrive adoption of developer-owned testing (unit, integration, contract testing)Promote testability in system design and architectureEmbed quality ownership within delivery teamsEstablish “definition of done” inclusive of quality gatesCoach teams on risk-based and lean testing approaches Test Strategy & OversightDesign and implement a scalable QA framework tailored to organizational needsDefine QA standards, processes, templates, and governance practicesDevelop testing strategies across unit, integration, system, regression, and UAT supportDefine testing strategies across: integrated systems (APIs, middleware, SaaS platforms), data pipelines and transformations and downstream reporting impactsEstablish data validation frameworks (reconciliation, completeness, accuracy)Ensure end-to-end test coverage across system boundariesDefine release readiness criteria and quality gatesEstablish entry/exit criteria for each testing phaseIntroduce testability standards for requirementsApply lean testing principles: eliminate redundant testing; prioritize high-risk areas; and optimize test coverage vs effortContinuously evaluate ROI of testing activitiesIntroduce best practices in risk-based testing and test coverage Test Planning & ExecutionEnsure appropriate test design and coverage aligned to risk and business criticalityOversee defect lifecycle and quality signal integrityIdentify, document, and track defects through resolutionDefine and enforce automated-first testing strategyEnsure appropriate coverage at unit, API, and integration layersMinimize manual regression through automation and risk-based testing Test AutomationEstablish and expand automated test coverageSelect and implement appropriate automation tools and frameworksIntegrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines where applicableDefine automation standards and maintain test suitesDrive toward automation-first testing modelEnsure critical paths are fully automatedContinuously reduce manual regression footprint Collaboration & Stakeholder EngagementEscalate quality risks proactively to leadershipCommunicate testing progress, risks, and quality metrics to stakeholdersOwn and drive UAT planning and executionHold teams accountable for meeting quality standardsChallenge incomplete or untestable requirementsEnforce adherence to QA and release standardsAct as final quality authority for release readiness, including the ability to block releases that do not meet defined criteria Quality Governance & StandardsOwns and enforces enterprise quality standardsEstablishes mandatory quality gates for all releasesEstablishes audit/compliance mechanismsConducts periodic quality audits across teamsDefine controls for validating data integrity across environments (test vs production)Owns release quality sign-off Continuous ImprovementIntroduce metrics and KPIs to measure quality and testing effectivenessConduct root cause analysis on defects and recommend improvementsPromote a quality-first mindset across teamsKeep QA processes lightweight while maintaining discipline and rigorQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field5+ years of experience in software QAExperience building or maturing QA processesSkills & CompetenciesStrong understanding of modern quality engineering practices (automation, CI/CD, shift-left)Experience defining quality strategy in complex system environmentsExperience with enterprise systems (ERP, SaaS platforms, integrations, and data platforms)Experience with automated testing frameworks (e.g., Playwright, Selenium, etc.)Experience with API and integration testingUnderstanding of SDLC and Agile methodologiesStrong analytical and investigative skillsExcellent communication and stakeholder coordination skillsHighly independent and self-motivatedPreferredExperience implementing QA in growing or transforming organizationsFamiliarity with CI/CD tools2+ years in a lead or senior QA roleISTQB or equivalent certificationSuccess Factors Increases release confidence and predictabilityImproves system reliability and uptimeReduces production defects and incident severityDecreases cycle time for testing and release validationImproves early defect detection (shift-left effectiveness)Establishes measurable quality KPIs tied to business outcomes, including:Defect leakage rateEscaped defects (production)Test coverage by layer (unit/API/UI)Release readiness scoreMean time to detect defects% automation coverage of critical workflowsImproves defect detection early in the lifecycleEnsures testing effort is aligned to business and technical riskBenefits Of EmploymentECPI University provides a comprehensive benefits program designed to help our faculty and staff stay healthy, feel supported, and maintain a work/life balance. To learn more about benefits at ECPI University, click HERE.Committed to excellence and innovation, ECPI University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.