Lead Application Test Engineer

ApplyDescriptionJob Title- Lead Application Test EngineerDepartment- Systems & TechnologyReports to- VP, Software EngineeringLocation- Plano, TXWho we are-Founded in 1995, Elevate Aviation Group is the parent organization uniting Elevate Jet, Private Jet Services (PJS), and Elevate MRO under one standard of aviation excellence. We operate in the space between small operators and faceless corporations - large enough to deliver global capability, yet agile enough to provide true personal service. As we enter our fourth decade, we're revolutionizing how we approach the market, combining decades of operational expertise with modern technology to deliver certainty, safety, and seamless experiences across every stage of private aviation - from charter to acquisition, management, and maintenance.Summary of positionElevate Aviation Group is seeking a Lead Application Test Engineer to join our technology team in a role that blends strategic quality leadership with hands-on testing execution. This position is ideal for an experienced QA professional who wants to shape testing strategy while actively building automation frameworks in a fast-paced aviation technology environment. You'll work directly with our engineering teams to establish robust testing standards for our software and mobile applications, while simultaneously mentoring team members and driving continuous improvement in our quality practices. As both a testing strategist and active contributor, you'll have the opportunity to see the immediate impact of your automation work on application reliability and user experience. This role offers a rare combination of technical leadership and execution, perfect for someone who wants to be more than a checkbox tester-you'll be a quality architect, technical mentor, and critical partner in delivering software that keeps our software running smoothly.Essential duties & responsibilitiesLead Testing Strategy & ExecutionDesign and implement comprehensive test strategies for web and mobile applications across iOS and Android platformsDevelop and maintain automated test frameworks to improve efficiency and coverageExecute functional, regression, integration, and user acceptance testingIdentify, document, and track defects through resolution, ensuring clear communication with development teamsEstablish quality metrics and KPIs to measure application health and testing effectivenessDrive Quality StandardsCreate and maintain test plans, test cases, and testing documentationDefine and enforce testing best practices, standards, and processes across the organizationConduct thorough release testing and sign-off procedures for production deploymentsPerform exploratory testing to uncover edge cases and usability issuesCollaborate with Product and Engineering teams to integrate quality early in the development lifecycleTechnical LeadershipEvaluate and implement testing tools and technologies (Selenium, Appium, JUnit, TestNG, etc.)Lead API testing efforts using tools like Postman, REST Assured, or similarOversee performance and load testing to ensure application scalabilityChampion continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practicesCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Product Managers to understand requirements and acceptance criteriaWork closely with developers to reproduce issues and validate fixesCommunicate testing progress, risks, and quality concerns to stakeholdersParticipate in sprint planning, standups, and retrospectives in an Agile environmentRequirementsKnowledge, Skills & Abilities-Required QualificationsProven expertise testing both web applications and native/hybrid mobile apps (iOS and Android)Strong knowledge of test automation frameworks and toolsExperience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and sprint-based development cyclesSolid understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and testing methodologiesProficiency with bug tracking tools (Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar)Experience with API testing and understanding of RESTful servicesBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)Preferred QualificationsExperience with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, CircleCI)Coding/scripting skills in languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript, or similarFamiliarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Experience with performance testing tools (JMeter, LoadRunner)Knowledge of accessibility testing standards (WCAG)ISTQB certification or similar quality assurance certificationsExperience in aviation, transportation, or regulated industriesEducation & Experience-* A bachelor's degree in computer science, data analytics, software engineering, information technology, or related field or equivalent experience.* 7+ years of experience in software testing with at least 3 years in a lead or senior capacitySchedule & Travel-* Standard business hours are expected in this role.* Ability to travel as required up to 10%Miscellaneous-FLSA Status- ExemptLifting requirements- Up to 20 lbsU.S. work authorization is a precondition of employment. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S., both now and at all future times. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.