Lead QA Automation Architect (embedded)

Description

Summary: This role involves leading the transformation of automated testing for international Passenger Information Systems, focusing on modernizing QA automation through strategic planning and framework implementation. Highlights: 1. Lead QA Automation Architecture for international Passenger Information Systems 2. Strategic role in modernizing client's QA automation approach 3. Combine software architecture, embedded systems, and technical leadership N\-iX is a global software development service company that helps businesses across the globe create next\-generation software products. Founded in 2002, we unite 2,400\+ tech\-savvy professionals across 40\+ countries, working on impactful projects for industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies. Our expertise spans cloud, data, AI/ML, embedded software, IoT, and more, driving digital transformation across finance, manufacturing, telecom, healthcare, and other industries. Join N\-iX and become part of a team where your ideas make a real impact. We are looking for a **Lead QA Automation Architect** to join our team and lead the transformation of automated testing for an international leader in **Passenger Information Systems** for the public transportation industry. The client is a global provider of intelligent passenger information and transit solutions with offices across the US and Europe. Their software powers real\-time communication systems for buses, trams, trains, stations, and airports worldwide. Due to years of acquisitions, the platform supports over **20 heterogeneous embedded hardware configurations** from multiple manufacturers while maintaining a single hardware\-agnostic application layer. As part of this engagement, you will play a strategic role in modernizing the client's QA automation approach. You will begin with an **on\-site discovery phase in Europe**, evaluating the existing testing landscape, aligning stakeholders across multiple engineering teams, and defining the long\-term automation strategy. You will then lead the implementation of a scalable automation framework, working closely with embedded, application, and infrastructure teams. This is a unique opportunity to combine software architecture, embedded systems, automation engineering, and technical leadership while shaping the testing strategy for a complex enterprise\-scale product deployed globally. **Responsibilities:** * Lead the initial discovery phase by analyzing the current testing ecosystem, identifying bottlenecks, and defining a long\-term automation strategy. * Design and implement a scalable automated testing framework for embedded Passenger Information Systems operating across multiple hardware platforms. * Define a comprehensive testing strategy, including application\-level testing, hardware validation, smoke testing, and regression suites. * Build automated validation above the MQTT\-PIS communication layer using Python, Pytest (or similar frameworks), mocks, simulators, and virtualization techniques. * Integrate automated testing into Azure DevOps and Jenkins CI/CD pipelines, including Hardware\-in\-the\-Loop (HIL) environments. * Collaborate closely with embedded, OS, hardware, and application engineering teams to establish clear testing boundaries and improve test reliability. * Troubleshoot complex embedded environments using debuggers, protocol analyzers, DAQ devices, and hardware validation tools. * Mentor and provide technical leadership to a Senior QA Automation Engineer, establishing engineering standards, code quality practices, and automation governance. * Present technical recommendations, roadmaps, and progress updates to engineering leadership and client stakeholders. **Requirements:** * 7\+ years of experience in QA Automation, Test Architecture, or Principal Quality Engineering roles. * Proven experience designing and building automation frameworks from scratch for complex systems. * Strong proficiency in Python and Pytest (or equivalent automation frameworks). * Hands\-on experience with Azure DevOps and Jenkins CI/CD pipelines. * Strong understanding of Linux\-based embedded environments. * Experience working with embedded communication interfaces such as UART, I2C, GPIO, MQTT, and proprietary communication protocols. * Practical experience with Hardware\-in\-the\-Loop (HIL) testing or other embedded hardware validation environments. * Experience using hardware debugging and validation tools such as debuggers, protocol analyzers/sniffers, DAQ devices, or emulator\-based testing (e.g. QEMU). * Excellent system design, analytical, and troubleshooting skills. * Strong communication skills with experience facilitating technical workshops and collaborating with distributed engineering teams. * Upper\-Intermediate English or higher. **We offer\*:** * Flexible working format \- remote, office\-based or flexible * A competitive salary and good compensation package * Personalized career growth * Professional development tools (mentorship program, tech talks and trainings, centers of excellence, and more) * Active tech communities with regular knowledge sharing * Education reimbursement * Memorable anniversary presents * Corporate events and team buildings * Other location\-specific benefits * not applicable for freelancers