Quality Analyst – SDET (UI + API Automation)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Quality Analyst – SDET (UI + API Automation)

Company: American Express Global Business Travel

Location: Bangalore, India

Job Type: Full time

Category: Quality Engineering / Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level (8-12 years total QA, 4+ years automation)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end quality assurance strategy, encompassing functional, UI automation, API automation, regression, and integration testing within Agile/Scrum frameworks.

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable automation frameworks for both UI and API layers, ensuring robust and efficient test coverage.

• Integrate automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines to enable continuous testing and rapid feedback loops for development teams.

• Act as a key quality advocate, collaborating closely with Product, BA, and Engineering teams to ensure comprehensive test coverage and minimal production defect leakage.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a Senior Quality Analyst with a strong focus on SDET responsibilities, indicating a need for deep technical automation skills coupled with strategic quality planning and governance. The emphasis on framework design, CI/CD integration, and reducing manual regression points to a proactive approach to quality engineering within a fast-paced Agile environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute comprehensive test strategies, including the development of release-level test plans, quality gates, and an automation roadmap.

• Oversee the health and effectiveness of the Selenium automation framework, continuously improving automation coverage and aiming to significantly reduce manual regression efforts.

• Ensure robust REST API automation coverage using preferred tools like REST Assured, validating backend functionality and data integrity.

• Seamlessly integrate automation suites into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, Azure DevOps) to support automated builds and deployments.

• Proactively identify and address flaky tests to improve overall test suite stability and reliability.

• Ensure complete test coverage for complex business workflows and integration flows, maintaining strong requirement-to-test traceability (RTM).

• Support System Integration Testing (SIT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and production validation activities.

• Lead defect triage meetings, analyze defect trends to identify systemic issues, and ensure minimal production defect leakage.

• Define and implement risk mitigation strategies for high-impact releases, ensuring business continuity.

• Serve as the primary QA point of contact for Product, Business Analysis (BA), and Engineering teams, fostering strong cross-functional relationships.

• Generate and present quality metrics and dashboard reports to stakeholders, providing clear insights into product quality and test execution status.

• Collaborate closely with DevOps teams to optimize CI/CD processes and enhance the efficiency of automated testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on automation development and strategic quality leadership. The role is expected to not only execute but also define quality processes, manage risks, and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders, demonstrating a senior-level contribution to the overall quality engineering function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 8-12 years of overall Quality Assurance (QA) experience in enterprise or product-based environments.

• Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience in designing, developing, and maintaining automated test frameworks for both UI and API layers.

• 2+ years of experience in leading or mentoring QA teams, demonstrating leadership and coordination capabilities. Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency with Selenium WebDriver for UI automation.

• Extensive experience in REST API automation testing, with a preference for REST Assured.

• Proven experience in designing and implementing scalable automation frameworks.

• Hands-on experience with CI/CD tools and concepts, such as Jenkins or Azure DevOps.

• Proficiency in SQL for backend data validation and database querying.

• Experience using JIRA for defect tracking and project management, and Confluence for documentation.

• Solid understanding and practical application of Agile and Scrum methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability in defect management, including leading triage meetings and analyzing trends.

• Strong understanding of Quality Engineering principles and best practices. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within a Travel Management Company (TMC) environment.

• Understanding of booking lifecycle platforms, mid-office/back-office systems, and financial reconciliation processes.

• Familiarity with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) integrations such as Amadeus, Sabre, or Travelport.

• Experience with other automation tools or programming languages relevant to test automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in UI and API automation, coupled with leadership experience and domain knowledge in the travel industry. The explicit mention of specific tools like Selenium, REST Assured, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, JIRA, and Confluence indicates the expected technology stack and workflow tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and implementing robust, scalable, and maintainable automation frameworks for both UI and API layers.

• Showcase examples of integrating automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines, highlighting the impact on release cycles and efficiency.

• Provide case studies or examples of how you improved test coverage, reduced manual regression, or enhanced test stability in previous roles.

• Include evidence of contributions to defining test strategies, test plans, and quality gates for complex projects or releases.

• Present examples of effective defect management and risk mitigation strategies implemented to minimize production issues. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to designing and documenting automated testing processes, including framework architecture and maintenance strategies.

• Be ready to explain how you would document the implementation of automation into CI/CD pipelines and the associated workflows.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document test execution results, defect trends, and quality metrics for various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be explicitly requested, candidates should prepare to articulate their experience through detailed project examples and discussions, focusing on their contributions to process optimization, automation implementation, and measurable quality improvements. This aligns with the senior SDET nature of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the experience level (8-12 years QA, 4+ years automation) and location (Bangalore, India), a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior SDET/Quality Analysts in Bangalore, the estimated annual salary could range from ₹12,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 per annum, depending on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Flexible benefits: Tailored to the country, starting from day one, including health and welfare insurance plans.

• Retirement programs: Comprehensive plans to support long-term financial planning.

• Parental leave: Generous provisions to support new parents.

• Adoption assistance: Support for employees pursuing adoption.

• Wellbeing resources: Programs and tools to promote employee health and wellness.

• Travel perks: Access to weekly deals from major travel providers on flights, hotels, cruises, and car rentals.

• Learning & Development: Access to over 20,000 courses on the company's learning platform, leadership courses, and internal job opportunities.

• Inclusion Groups: Opportunities to connect with colleagues through global INclusion Groups.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, with the requirement to work in 2nd shifts (approximately 3:00 PM IST to 12:00 AM IST) and occasional weekends as needed to support global operations and release cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on current market data for similar roles in Bangalore, India, factoring in the specified experience levels and the technical demands of the position. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Amex GBT's commitment to employee well-being and professional development. The shift work requirement is a critical factor for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Travel Services / Technology. American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) is a leading player in the global business travel industry, leveraging technology to provide comprehensive travel management solutions.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. Amex GBT is a significant global organization, offering stability and opportunities for large-scale project involvement.

Founded: 2014 (as a joint venture, later acquired by a private equity firm). The company has a history rooted in established travel services, now operating with a modern, technology-driven approach.

Team Structure:

• The Quality Analyst will likely be part of a dedicated Quality Engineering or SDET team, working within cross-functional Agile pods focused on specific product areas or features.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a QA Lead or Engineering Manager, with close collaboration with Product Managers, Business Analysts, and Software Engineers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, requiring close interaction with DevOps for CI/CD integration and with other business units for domain understanding and testing support. Methodology:

• The team operates within Agile/Scrum methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation.

• Data analysis is crucial, with a focus on metrics for test coverage, defect trends, and release readiness to inform decision-making.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, particularly in automating processes and streamlining the testing lifecycle.

• Automation and efficiency are core principles, driving the adoption of advanced testing tools and practices.

Company Website: https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Amex GBT's focus on technology within the travel sector suggests a dynamic environment where innovation in QA processes and tools is valued. The large enterprise structure implies a structured approach to quality assurance and potential for career growth within a global framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Quality Analyst / SDET position. It signifies a level of expertise where individuals are expected to not only execute but also lead, mentor, and strategically influence quality engineering practices. The scope includes designing frameworks, integrating with CI/CD, and managing quality for complex releases.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a QA Manager or Engineering Lead, with direct interaction and collaboration with Product Owners, Business Analysts, and development teams. The candidate will also be expected to mentor junior QA engineers.

Operations Impact: The Quality Analyst plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of Amex GBT's travel technology platforms. By reducing defect leakage and improving test automation, they directly contribute to a stable user experience, efficient operational processes, and ultimately, the company's revenue and reputation in the competitive business travel market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific automation tools, performance testing, security testing, or cloud-based testing environments.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a QA Lead, Test Architect, or Management role, focusing on team leadership, strategic planning, and process improvement.

• Domain Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in the travel domain (TMC, GDS, booking lifecycles), enabling more impactful quality contributions.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles within engineering, product management, or DevOps, leveraging a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression from a hands-on SDET to a more strategic quality engineering leadership position. The emphasis on technical skills combined with domain knowledge and leadership potential provides a well-rounded growth trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the Bangalore office, indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Bangalore, India. Specific details about the office facilities and amenities would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to foster collaboration, with opportunities for face-to-face discussions with Product, BA, and Engineering teams, which is crucial for effective test planning and defect resolution.

• Access to necessary operations tools, testing environments, and development infrastructure will be provided to support efficient work.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions in the office, promoting a balanced approach to productivity. Work Schedule:

• While a standard work week is implied, the role explicitly mentions the willingness and ability to work in 2nd shifts (3:00 PM IST to 12:00 AM IST) and occasional weekends. This is essential for supporting global teams and ensuring continuous testing coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model combined with specific shift requirements indicates a company that values flexibility while ensuring operational continuity and global team support. Candidates must be comfortable with the shift work requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews focused on automation skills, framework design, API testing, SQL, and problem-solving. This may include coding exercises or scenario-based questions.

• SDET/Automation Deep Dive: A dedicated session focusing on your experience with Selenium, REST API automation, CI/CD integration, and framework development. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and technical challenges.

• Behavioral & Leadership Interview: Questions assessing your leadership capabilities, team collaboration, stakeholder management, and approach to defect and risk management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm understanding of the role's requirements, including shift work and hybrid expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, the solution you implemented (e.g., framework design, automation strategy), and the measurable results (e.g., % increase in automation coverage, reduction in regression time, decrease in production defects).

• Technical Depth: Be ready to walk through your automation framework architecture, explain design choices, and discuss how you handle test data, reporting, and parallel execution.

• Process & Strategy: Highlight your contributions to defining test strategies, implementing CI/CD integrations, and improving overall quality processes.

• Domain Relevance: If you have travel domain experience, be sure to showcase how it informed your testing approach.

• Conciseness: Prepare a concise overview of 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice coding problems related to test automation, data structures, and algorithms, particularly in Java or another relevant language.

• API Testing Scenarios: Be prepared to design API test cases, discuss request/response structures, and handle authentication/authorization.

• Framework Design Discussion: Think about how you would design an automation framework for a new application, considering scalability, maintainability, and reporting.

• CI/CD Integration Scenarios: Discuss how you would integrate your automation suites into Jenkins or Azure DevOps pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their technical proficiency through practical examples and articulate their strategic contributions to quality engineering. The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing both technical depth and leadership potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI Automation: Selenium WebDriver (Java is likely the primary language).

• API Automation: REST Assured (or similar Java-based REST client libraries).

• Programming Languages: Java (highly probable), potentially Python or other scripting languages.

• Version Control: Git.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CI/CD Platforms: Jenkins, Azure DevOps.

• Test Reporting Tools: ExtentReports, Allure Reports, or custom reporting solutions integrated with automation frameworks.

• Metrics Dashboards: Tools like Grafana, or built-in reporting from CI/CD platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Test Management & Defect Tracking: JIRA, Confluence.

• Database Interaction: SQL clients for backend validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Selenium and REST Assured is non-negotiable. Experience with CI/CD tools and SQL for backend validation is also critical. Familiarity with Git, JIRA, and Confluence is standard for this type of role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality First: A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and stable software solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly enhance processes, tools, and methodologies for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnership.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing metrics and analytics to inform testing strategies, identify risks, and measure success.

• Customer Focus: Understanding the impact of quality on the end-user experience and business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working closely with development teams in sprints, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing progress, risks, and findings with Product Managers, BAs, and Engineers.

• Feedback Culture: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to improve team performance and product quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing best practices, and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values proactive individuals who can drive quality initiatives, collaborate effectively across teams, and are committed to continuous learning and improvement within an Agile framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Automation & Manual Testing: Effectively managing the transition from manual to automated testing, ensuring comprehensive coverage without compromising on exploratory testing where needed.

• Maintaining Test Suite Stability: Addressing and reducing flaky tests in a complex and evolving application landscape.

• Integrating with Global Teams: Working effectively with development and operations teams across different time zones and potentially diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new automation tools, frameworks, and testing methodologies.

• Domain Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of the travel domain, including booking lifecycles, GDS integrations, and financial reconciliation processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Opportunities to explore performance testing, security testing, and advanced framework design patterns.

• Cloud & DevOps Integration: Deepen expertise in cloud platforms and DevOps practices related to continuous testing.

• Travel Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge of the business travel industry, enhancing strategic contributions.

• Leadership Training: Access to leadership development programs for aspiring team leads or managers.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in QA, automation, or Agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex technical challenges in automation and CI/CD, while also offering significant growth in leadership and domain expertise within the dynamic travel technology sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to designing a scalable UI automation framework. What are the key components and considerations?"

• "How would you design an API automation strategy for a complex booking system? What tools and techniques would you use?"

• "Walk me through how you would integrate automated tests into a CI/CD pipeline (e.g., Jenkins). What are the benefits and challenges?"

• "How do you approach reducing flaky tests and improving the reliability of an automation suite?"

• "Describe a time you had to manage quality for a high-risk release. What steps did you take?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Amex GBT and the travel industry?"

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration with development and product teams in an Agile environment?"

• "Describe your experience with defect triage. How do you prioritize and communicate defects?"

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in Quality Engineering and test automation?"

• "Are you comfortable with working in 2nd shifts and a hybrid work model?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the context, your specific role and actions, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Visuals: If possible, use diagrams to illustrate framework architecture, CI/CD flows, or test execution results.

• Metrics Focus: Emphasize how your work impacted key metrics like automation coverage, regression time, defect leakage, and release stability.

• Problem/Solution: Clearly articulate the problem you were solving and how your technical skills and strategic thinking provided the solution.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating technical solutions with measurable results, demonstrating leadership potential, and confirming alignment with the role's specific requirements, including shift work and hybrid expectations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Selenium, REST API automation (especially REST Assured), CI/CD integration (Jenkins/Azure DevOps), SQL, JIRA, Confluence, and Agile methodologies. Quantify your achievements with metrics wherever possible (e.g., "Increased automation coverage by 40%," "Reduced regression cycle time by 2 days").

• Portfolio Preparation: Prepare to discuss 2-3 key projects that showcase your expertise in framework design, automation implementation, CI/CD integration, and impact on quality metrics. Be ready to explain your technical decisions and the results achieved.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common SDET and behavioral interview questions. Be ready to discuss your experience with shift work and the hybrid model.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Amex GBT's services, values, and recent news to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their business context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.