QA Lead - Test Automation | Playwright | Selenium | AI Testing

About CodeNinja

CodeNinja is a next-generation technology consulting firm specialising in AI-powered transformation, enterprise software delivery, and Quality Engineering. Headquartered in the Gulf region and operating across the MENA, South Asia, and global markets, CodeNinja partners with Tier-1 banks, government entities, and large enterprises to design, build, and run mission-critical technology programs.

With deep expertise in QA transformation, test automation, DevOps modernisation, and AI/ML engineering, CodeNinja's teams combine global delivery standards with in-market contextual knowledge — ensuring outcomes that are compliant, scalable, and commercially aligned with client objectives.

For the Client's Test Management Enablement & Automation engagement, CodeNinja brings a dedicated 12-person specialist team spanning Test Management, Automation Engineering, AI/ML, and Performance Testing — all governed under a structured 20-week program delivery framework.

About the Role

The QA Lead (Offsite) owns the automation framework architecture, governs code quality and peer reviews, oversees sprint-level delivery, coordinates Client-Jira integration, and leads the AI-enabled test capability rollout. This is a senior technical leadership role driving the offsite automation engine of the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and own the modular automation framework (UI, API, service layer) using Page Object Model design.
• Govern code quality through mandatory peer reviews, coding standards, and reusable component libraries.
• Oversee sprint-level delivery of 420–520 automated test scenarios across varying complexity tiers.
• Coordinate Client-Jira/Xray two-way integration for test plans, execution results, and defect traceability.
• Lead the rollout of AI-enabled testing capabilities including self-healing locators and risk-based regression optimisation.
• Manage the offsite automation team and coordinate with the onsite QA Lead for SIT/UAT alignment.
• Track automation coverage KPIs and publish real-time dashboards.
• Ensure all automated scripts comply with the client's security and data governance policies.

Requirements

• 
  13+ years of QA experience with at least 6 years leading automation teams.
• Expert-level proficiency in Playwright, Selenium WebDriver, and REST Assured.
• Strong framework architecture skills: modular design, data-driven execution, centralised configuration.
• Experience integrating automation with Jira/Xray via REST APIs.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-assisted test generation and self-healing automation concepts.
• Proficiency in Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD pipeline configuration for automated test execution.
• Experience delivering automation programmes for banking or regulated financial institutions.
• Preferred Certifications: ISTQB Test Automation Engineer, Certified Selenium Professional, AWS Solutions Architect Associate.

Why Join CodeNinja?

• Work on high-impact, flagship banking transformation programs with a Tier-1 Saudi financial institution.
• Be part of a team that's shaping the future of AI-enabled test automation in the MENA region.
• Collaborate with world-class QA professionals across onsite and offsite delivery models.
• Access to continuous upskilling — certifications, AI/ML tooling, and emerging QA methodologies.
• Competitive compensation with performance-linked incentives and career progression pathways.
• A culture that values technical excellence, ownership, and innovation without bureaucracy.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role at the time of posting. It is not exhaustive and may evolve in line with business needs and project requirements. CodeNinja reserves the right to modify role scope as the engagement progresses.

All candidates will be subject to standard background verification. Onsite positions require compliance with the client's site access, security, and NDA policies. CodeNinja is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background.