IT Automation and Quality Engineer II - Remote Opportunity!

About the Role

As an IT Automation and Quality Engineer II, you will be responsible for supporting successful sprint delivery through effective testing, automation, and quality assurance practices. This includes designing, developing, and executing manual and automated tests for web applications, APIs, and backend systems, as well as supporting CI/CD and release activities. Your expertise will be invaluable in identifying and mitigating delivery risks, ensuring timely resolution of defects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous quality improvements.

KinderCare's commitment to early childhood education and its impact on families and communities makes this role not only challenging but also highly rewarding. The company's recognition with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award is a testament to its dedication to creating a positive work environment that fosters growth, innovation, and teamwork.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, and execute manual and automated tests for UI, API, functional, regression, smoke, and integration testing to ensure comprehensive test coverage.
• Develop test strategies, risk-based test plans, and quality metrics that align with business and technology objectives.
• Build, enhance, and maintain scalable automation frameworks, reusable test suites, and Gherkin feature files.
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to improve delivery speed, reliability, and quality.
• Analyze test results, investigate failures, document and prioritize defects, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive timely resolution and continuous quality improvements.
• Support software releases by performing validation, issue triage, and post-release verification while proactively identifying delivery risks.
• Collaborate with developers, product owners, and stakeholders throughout the Agile software development lifecycle.
• Participate in sprint planning, test reviews, retrospectives, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure high-quality, customer-focused solutions.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement mitigation strategies for identified risks.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standards for testing and quality assurance.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, including manual and automated testing across web applications, APIs, and enterprise software in Agile development environments.
• Proficiency in Java, C#, JavaScript, or similar programming/scripting languages.
• Experience developing, maintaining, and optimizing automated test frameworks and reusable test suites.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing UI, API, functional, regression, smoke, and integration test automation.
• Working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, Git/Bitbucket, branching strategies, and pull request workflows.
• Strong understanding of SQL and relational databases, with the ability to validate data integrity, perform backend testing, and troubleshoot complex application issues.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage testing activities, prioritize defects, assess risk, and deliver high-quality results within Agile sprint timelines.

Nice to Have

• Experience testing content-managed (CMS-driven) websites.
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies and their application in software development.
• Certification in software testing or a related field.
• Experience with cloud-based technologies and platforms.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package.
• Opportunity to work remotely and contribute to a company that makes a positive impact on early childhood education.
• Comprehensive health insurance package.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones and schedules.

• Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in Agile environments, automation scalability, and risk-based testing.
• Prepare examples of your work, especially in designing and executing automated tests, to showcase during interviews.
• Research KinderCare's technology stack and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their existing and future projects.
• Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and your experience with CI/CD pipelines and version control systems.
• Be prepared to ask informed questions about the role, the team, and the company's approach to quality engineering and digital transformation.
• Show enthusiasm for the education sector and how your skills can contribute to making a positive impact on early childhood education.
• Discuss your approach to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in software testing and quality assurance.