Senior Automation Engineer - UI & API | Playwright | Selenium

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer - UI & API | Playwright | Selenium

Company: CodeNinja

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Quality Engineering / Test Automation

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and maintenance of robust UI and API automated test scripts, leveraging advanced tools like Playwright and Selenium WebDriver.

• Act as the primary onsite automation execution anchor, ensuring seamless integration with client environments and direct access for testing.

• Spearhead the implementation of CI/CD pipelines for automated test execution, enforcing quality gates and operational efficiency.

• Foster a culture of technical excellence through peer code reviews, mentorship, and the enforcement of automation coding standards.

• Contribute to mission-critical technology programs for Tier-1 banks and government entities, directly impacting quality and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Automation Engineer, implying a need for not only technical proficiency but also leadership and mentorship capabilities within the client's QA team. The "onsite execution anchor" responsibility highlights a critical need for on-the-ground presence and direct engagement with client systems and personnel, differentiating it from purely remote automation roles. The focus on "AI-powered transformation" and "Quality Engineering" within CodeNinja's broader context suggests an environment where cutting-edge automation practices are highly valued.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated test scripts for both UI (using Playwright or Selenium WebDriver) and API (using REST Assured) layers, with direct access to the client's SIT/UAT environments.

• Design and implement reusable Page Object Model (POM) libraries and data-driven test components to enhance test script maintainability and scalability.

• Execute comprehensive regression, smoke, and risk-based selective test suites onsite across System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environments.

• Actively coordinate with the client's QA teams to secure necessary environment access, manage test data conditioning, and facilitate efficient defect triage processes.

• Integrate automated test scripts into Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD pipelines, ensuring robust quality gate enforcement and streamlined deployment processes.

• Lead the onsite execution of complex end-to-end and cross-system automated scenarios that require direct client network access and intricate integration points.

• Participate actively in peer code reviews, uphold stringent automation coding standards, and provide mentorship to client team members on automation best practices and tool utilization.

• Debug and resolve test failures onsite, leveraging direct access to application logs, monitoring tools, and the client's infrastructure for rapid issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize hands-on development and execution, with a strong focus on direct client interaction and environment access. The mention of "complex end-to-end and cross-system automated scenarios" suggests a need for deep understanding of system architecture and integration testing principles. The mentorship aspect is crucial for knowledge transfer and upskilling the client's internal teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Professional certifications such as ISTQB Advanced Test Analyst, Playwright Certified, or Selenium Certified are highly advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 7+ years of hands-on experience in test automation engineering, with a proven track record of developing and implementing automated testing solutions.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in UI automation frameworks, specifically Playwright and/or Selenium WebDriver, with strong command over Java or JavaScript.

• Solid experience in API automation testing using REST Assured or equivalent tools, demonstrating the ability to test complex API services.

• Deep understanding and practical application of design patterns like the Page Object Model (POM), data-driven testing techniques, and centralized configuration management.

• Proven experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD, including setting up build jobs and quality gates.

• Familiarity with test reporting frameworks, such as Allure, to generate comprehensive and insightful test execution reports.

• Experience in defect triage and debugging, with the ability to analyze application logs and monitoring tools to identify root causes of failures.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience automating applications within the banking or financial services industry, understanding the unique challenges and compliance requirements.

• Familiarity with other automation tools or scripting languages that complement the core stack.

• Knowledge of performance testing principles and tools.

• Experience with cloud-based testing environments.

• Understanding of Agile methodologies and their application in test automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7+ years" requirement for hands-on experience, combined with the "Senior" title, indicates that candidates are expected to be self-sufficient, capable of leading technical initiatives, and able to mentor others. The preference for banking/financial services experience is a significant differentiator, suggesting that domain knowledge will be highly valued for understanding client needs and application complexities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of complex UI automation frameworks built using Playwright or Selenium, showcasing POM implementation and maintainability.

• Case studies or code samples of robust API automation suites developed with REST Assured, highlighting test coverage and integration capabilities.

• Evidence of CI/CD pipeline integration for automated testing, including configurations for Jenkins or GitLab, demonstrating automated execution and reporting.

• Examples of test data management strategies and data-driven testing implementations within automated test suites.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs for test automation development lifecycle, from script creation to maintenance and execution.

• Documentation of CI/CD integration processes, including steps for pipeline setup, trigger mechanisms, and quality gate configurations.

• Process flows for defect triage and resolution, emphasizing collaboration with development and QA teams.

• Methodologies for test data conditioning and management within automated testing scenarios.

• Standards and guidelines for automation code reviews and mentorship programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Automation Engineer role, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase not just working scripts, but well-architected frameworks, clear documentation of their processes, and evidence of their impact on quality and efficiency. The emphasis on CI/CD integration and defect triage points to the need for candidates to demonstrate an understanding of the broader software development lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Automation Engineers with 7+ years of experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and considering the specialized skills in Playwright, Selenium, and API automation, an estimated annual salary range of SAR 250,000 - SAR 350,000 is anticipated. This estimate accounts for the demand for skilled automation professionals in the region and the complexity of the client's projects.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package with performance-linked incentives, rewarding successful project outcomes and individual contributions.

• Clear career progression pathways, offering opportunities for advancement within CodeNinja and on client engagements.

• Access to continuous upskilling through certifications, advanced AI/ML tooling, and training in emerging QA methodologies.

• Exposure to high-impact, flagship banking transformation programs with a Tier-1 Saudi financial institution.

• Collaborative work environment with world-class QA professionals, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically Sunday to Thursday, aligning with KSA business hours. The role is onsite, requiring full-time commitment during these periods, with potential for occasional flexibility based on project demands and critical SIT/UAT cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of similar roles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, considering experience level, required technical skills (Playwright, Selenium, API Automation), and the industry sector (banking/financial services). Benefits are extracted from the "Why Join CodeNinja?" section and tailored for relevance to operations professionals. The working hours are clarified as standard KSA business hours for an onsite role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, specializing in AI-powered transformation, enterprise software delivery, and Quality Engineering. The client is a Tier-1 bank in Saudi Arabia, indicating a highly regulated and complex financial services environment.

Company Size: CodeNinja operates globally with a significant presence in the MENA region, employing teams that combine global delivery standards with in-market contextual knowledge. The specific engagement involves a dedicated 12-person specialist team for the client's Test Management Enablement & Automation.

Founded: CodeNinja is a next-generation technology consulting firm, implying a modern, agile, and innovation-focused approach. The client is a "Tier-1 bank," suggesting a long-established institution with significant market presence and a focus on digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a dedicated 12-person specialist team focused on Test Management Enablement & Automation for a specific client.

• This team likely includes roles such as Test Managers, Automation Engineers (like this position), AI/ML specialists, and Performance Testers.

Methodology:

• CodeNinja employs a structured 20-week program delivery framework for client engagements.

• Emphasis is placed on AI-powered transformation, DevOps modernization, and advanced Quality Engineering practices.

• The approach combines global delivery standards with localized expertise to ensure compliance, scalability, and commercial alignment.

Company Website: https://codeninjaconsulting.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at CodeNinja appears to be focused on technical excellence, innovation, and delivering high-impact solutions. The collaboration with a Tier-1 bank suggests a professional, results-oriented environment that prioritizes quality, security, and compliance. The team structure implies a dedicated project-based approach with cross-functional expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior Automation Engineer role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the Quality Engineering domain. It requires significant technical expertise, independent problem-solving, and the ability to guide and mentor junior team members and client personnel. The role is critical for ensuring the quality of complex software delivery programs.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Automation Engineer will likely report to a Test Manager or a Lead Automation Engineer within the CodeNinja team assigned to the client. Direct coordination with the client's QA leads and development teams is also a core part of the role.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is ensuring the high quality, reliability, and stability of mission-critical banking applications through robust automation. By identifying defects early and enabling faster release cycles via CI/CD, this engineer directly contributes to reducing operational risks, improving customer experience, and supporting the client's digital transformation initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Playwright, Selenium, API automation, and explore advanced topics like AI/ML in testing or performance engineering.

• Leadership Development: Transition into roles such as Lead Automation Engineer, Test Lead, or Test Manager, taking on greater responsibility for team management and strategic test planning.

• Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in the financial services industry, becoming a go-to expert for automation within banking transformations.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience with DevOps practices, cloud technologies, and other areas within CodeNinja's broader transformation consulting services.

• Mentorship & Training: Lead training sessions for client teams, honing communication and teaching skills, which are essential for leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation suggests a path towards leadership. Growth opportunities are framed around advancing technical skills, moving into management roles, and leveraging the unique industry experience gained. The emphasis on "AI-powered transformation" and "Quality Engineering" implies continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is strictly an "Onsite" position, requiring the engineer to be physically present at the client's location in Riyadh. This suggests a traditional office environment within a corporate setting, likely a Tier-1 bank's headquarters or a dedicated project facility.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. This location provides access to a major economic and technological hub in the MENA region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close daily interaction with the client's QA teams, developers, and potentially business analysts. This fosters a dynamic, collaborative workspace focused on shared goals.

• Technology Access: Expect access to necessary client infrastructure, development tools, testing environments, and potentially specialized monitoring or debugging tools required for onsite troubleshooting.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct communication and problem-solving with both CodeNinja colleagues and client personnel, facilitating agile decision-making and rapid issue resolution.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is aligned with KSA business hours (Sunday to Thursday). As an onsite role, punctuality and consistent presence are expected. While the standard hours are defined, critical project phases or SIT/UAT cycles might necessitate occasional overtime or adjusted schedules, with appropriate communication and planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The onsite requirement is a key characteristic of this role, emphasizing direct physical presence and interaction within the client's operational environment. This suggests a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to integrate seamlessly into the client's team dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience alignment, and domain knowledge.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on automation principles, specific tool expertise (Playwright, Selenium, REST Assured), framework design, CI/CD integration, and problem-solving scenarios. Expect live coding exercises or code review discussions.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, showcasing key projects, automation frameworks, and your role in achieving specific quality or efficiency outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and solutions.

• Client Engagement Interview: An opportunity to interact with key client stakeholders to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and your understanding of their business needs and environment.

• Final Offer: Based on the collective assessment of technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and potential impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Framework Architecture: Clearly articulate the design principles (e.g., POM, data-driven) and benefits of the automation frameworks you've built. Use diagrams or architectural overviews if possible.

• Showcase Impact with Metrics: Quantify your achievements. Instead of just saying "automated tests," provide data on test execution time reduction, defect detection rates, increased test coverage, or reduced manual effort.

• Demonstrate CI/CD Integration: Provide examples or explanations of how your automation scripts are integrated into Jenkins or GitLab pipelines, including how quality gates are enforced.

• Explain Problem-Solving: For any complex challenges faced, clearly explain the problem, your approach to solving it, and the lessons learned. This demonstrates critical thinking and resilience.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your portfolio that directly align with the requirements of this Senior Automation Engineer role, particularly UI/API automation, Playwright/Selenium, REST Assured, and banking domain experience if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Be prepared for practical coding exercises focusing on writing efficient and maintainable test scripts in Java or JavaScript using Playwright or Selenium. Practice common automation tasks like element interaction, waits, and handling dynamic web elements.

• API Testing Scenarios: Practice designing and implementing API tests using REST Assured, covering various HTTP methods, request/response validation, and data parameterization.

• Framework Design Questions: Anticipate questions about designing scalable and maintainable automation frameworks, including considerations for modularity, reusability, and reporting.

• CI/CD and DevOps Concepts: Refresh your understanding of CI/CD principles and how automation fits into the DevOps pipeline. Be ready to discuss integration strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical application of automation skills and the ability to articulate process and impact. A well-prepared portfolio is not just recommended but essential for demonstrating the required senior-level capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI Automation: Playwright, Selenium WebDriver (Java or JavaScript). Proficiency in at least one is critical, with Playwright being a strong focus.

• API Automation: REST Assured (or equivalent Java/JavaScript libraries) for testing RESTful APIs.

• Version Control: Git, with platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket for code management and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Frameworks: Allure Reporting or similar tools for generating comprehensive and visually appealing test execution reports.

• Logging & Monitoring: Familiarity with application logging mechanisms and monitoring tools for debugging test failures.

CRM & Automation:

• CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD for automating test execution as part of the build and deployment pipeline.

• Project Management/Tracking: Tools like Jira or similar for defect tracking, test case management, and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is clearly defined, with Playwright, Selenium, REST Assured, and CI/CD tools being paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these specific technologies and how they have leveraged them to improve quality and efficiency in previous roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality code, robust automation frameworks, and staying abreast of the latest automation technologies and best practices.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for the quality of the software delivered, from script development to defect resolution and CI/CD integration.

• Innovation: Embracing new approaches, tools, and methodologies, particularly in AI/ML-driven testing and automation, to drive transformation.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and actively mentoring client team members to build internal automation capabilities.

• Client Focus: Understanding and aligning with client objectives to deliver solutions that meet their specific needs and contribute to their business success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless integration with client QA teams, development teams, and project management to ensure alignment on testing strategies and defect resolution.

• Process Improvement Culture: Actively seeking opportunities to optimize existing processes, improve test efficiency, and enhance the overall quality engineering lifecycle.

• Knowledge Sharing: A proactive approach to sharing technical insights, best practices, and lessons learned through code reviews, team discussions, and formal/informal training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of technical rigor, proactive problem-solving, and strong interpersonal skills, crucial for an onsite role collaborating closely with a client. The values reflect a modern consulting firm's focus on innovation and client success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex System Integrations: Navigating and automating intricate end-to-end scenarios across multiple interconnected systems within a large enterprise environment.

• Environment & Test Data Management: Ensuring stable testing environments and readily available, correctly conditioned test data for reliable automated execution.

• Client Team Upskilling: Effectively mentoring and transferring knowledge to client team members who may have varying levels of automation expertise.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in automation tools, AI/ML applications in testing, and evolving client technology stacks.

• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and adhering to the strict compliance and security standards inherent in the banking and financial services industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tooling: Access to and training on cutting-edge AI/ML tooling relevant to test automation, enhancing efficiency and predictive capabilities.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue and obtain industry-recognized certifications (e.g., ISTQB Advanced, Playwright Certified, Selenium Certified).

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship from senior leaders within CodeNinja, guiding career progression and skill development.

• Exposure to Transformation Projects: Working on flagship transformation programs provides invaluable experience in large-scale enterprise change initiatives.

• Cross-domain Skill Development: Potential to gain exposure to adjacent areas like DevOps, performance testing, and AI/ML engineering, broadening skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of working in a large enterprise, particularly within a regulated industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on continuous learning, specialization, and career advancement within a dynamic consulting environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to designing a scalable and maintainable UI automation framework for a complex enterprise application. What key principles and patterns would you incorporate, and why?" (Focus on POM, modularity, data-driven aspects, and error handling).

• "How would you integrate automated API tests into a CI/CD pipeline to ensure rapid feedback on backend service quality? Walk me through the steps and tools you would use." (Discuss Jenkins/GitLab, build triggers, reporting, and quality gates).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "CodeNinja specializes in AI-powered transformation. How do you see AI/ML impacting the future of test automation, and how would you leverage these advancements in this role?" (Demonstrate awareness of AI in testing, e.g., self-healing tests, predictive analytics).

• "This role requires close collaboration with the client's QA team. Describe your experience mentoring junior engineers or client personnel on automation best practices. How do you ensure effective knowledge transfer?" (Highlight communication, patience, structured training, and empowering others).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project in your portfolio, clearly define the problem you solved, the solution you implemented (tools, framework, processes), the impact/results (quantified where possible), and your specific role.

• Focus on Senior-Level Contributions: Emphasize architectural decisions, problem-solving complexities, leadership, and mentorship aspects rather than just script writing.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be ready to dive into code examples, explain design choices, and articulate trade-offs. For CI/CD, show how you've configured pipelines and enforced quality gates.

• Quantify Value: Use metrics to showcase the ROI of your automation efforts – e.g., "Reduced regression testing time by 70%," "Increased defect detection rate by 25%," "Enabled daily deployments."

• Engage and Interact: Make your presentation interactive. Ask clarifying questions, and be prepared to discuss your work in detail, demonstrating confidence and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical prowess but also strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and mentor. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase tangible contributions and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of automation experience, specifically mentioning your expertise with Playwright, Selenium WebDriver, and REST Assured. Quantify achievements related to test execution speed, defect reduction, and CI/CD integration.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your strongest automation projects. Focus on well-architected frameworks, CI/CD integrations, and case studies that demonstrate problem-solving and impact. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Research CodeNinja and the Client: Understand CodeNinja's focus on AI-powered transformation and Quality Engineering. Research the client's position as a Tier-1 bank in Saudi Arabia to grasp the industry context and potential project complexities.

• Practice Interview Scenarios: Rehearse answers to common technical questions, behavioral questions related to leadership and collaboration, and be prepared to walk through your portfolio with confidence.

⚠️ 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.