Senior Automation Engineer - UI & API | Playwright | Selenium

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: CodeNinja

Location: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan (Onsite in Riyadh, KSA required)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Quality Engineering / Test Automation

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Onsite (Riyadh, KSA)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical component of a dedicated 12-person specialist team focused on Test Management Enablement & Automation for a Tier-1 bank.

• The Senior Automation Engineer will be the primary executor of automated UI and API test scripts directly within the client's SIT/UAT environments.

• This position requires a strong hands-on approach to developing robust automation frameworks and ensuring seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines.

• The role demands close coordination with the client's internal QA teams for environment access, test data management, and efficient defect triage processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job is posted with a Pakistan location, the explicit requirement for "Onsite presence in Riyadh required (Sun–Thu, KSA business hours)" indicates this is a role based in Saudi Arabia, not Pakistan. The Pakistan location might be for administrative or HR purposes, but candidates must be prepared for relocation and working in Riyadh. This role falls under Quality Engineering, a subset of Operations focused on ensuring software quality through automation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated test scripts for both UI (Playwright/Selenium) and API (REST Assured) layers, ensuring direct access and functionality within the client's System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environments.

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

• Execute various test suites, including regression testing, smoke testing, and risk-based selective test execution, directly onsite across SIT and UAT environments.

• Act as the primary point of contact for the Client's QA teams, coordinating meticulously for environment access, test data conditioning, and efficient defect triage procedures.

• Integrate developed automation scripts into Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD pipelines, ensuring the enforcement of quality gates for continuous integration and delivery.

• Lead the onsite execution of complex end-to-end and cross-system automated scenarios that necessitate direct client network access and intricate environment configurations.

• Participate actively in peer code reviews, uphold stringent automation coding standards, and provide mentorship to the Client's team members on adopting and implementing automation best practices.

• Debug test failures onsite by leveraging access to application logs, monitoring tools, and the Client's underlying infrastructure to quickly identify root causes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a "hands-on" approach with direct client environment interaction, indicating a significant operational aspect of ensuring test execution stability and immediate issue resolution. The emphasis on CI/CD integration and quality gates points to a DevOps-oriented quality engineering function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in automation engineering.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Playwright and/or Selenium WebDriver, with strong experience in either Java or JavaScript as the programming language.

• Robust API automation skills, with hands-on experience using REST Assured or equivalent frameworks.

• Proven experience with architectural patterns like Page Object Model (POM), data-driven testing, and implementing centralized configuration management.

• Proficiency in integrating automation scripts into CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD.

• Familiarity with test reporting frameworks, specifically Allure Reporting or similar tools, to provide clear execution summaries.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience automating applications within the banking or financial services domain is a significant advantage.

• Familiarity with other automation tools and frameworks that complement UI and API testing.

• Understanding of cloud-based testing environments and execution strategies.

• Experience with performance testing tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years and expert-level skills in specific tools like Playwright and Selenium, combined with API automation expertise, positions this as a senior individual contributor role with significant technical leadership expectations within the automation domain. The preference for banking experience suggests the client's industry, which is crucial context for operations candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement robust automation frameworks from scratch or significantly enhance existing ones.

• Case studies showcasing the development of reusable test automation components, such as POM libraries, utility classes, and data providers.

• Examples of successful integration of automation suites into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD), including configured triggers and quality gates.

• Documentation or examples of how test data was managed and conditioned for automated test execution, particularly for complex scenarios.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase documentation for the automation framework architecture, clearly outlining design patterns, dependencies, and integration points.

• Provide examples of workflow diagrams or process maps illustrating the automation execution lifecycle, from code commit to report generation.

• Detail the methodology used for defect triage and escalation within an automated testing context, including collaboration with development teams.

• Illustrate the process for maintaining and updating automation scripts to adapt to application changes and evolving test requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior automation engineer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list skills but demonstrate tangible results. Candidates should be prepared to walk through code, explain design choices, and articulate the business impact (e.g., reduction in testing time, improved defect detection rate) of their automation work. The emphasis on client environment access and defect triage suggests the need to demonstrate collaboration and problem-solving skills in a client-facing context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Performance-linked incentives.

• Opportunities for career progression pathways.

• Access to continuous upskilling, including certifications and AI/ML tooling.

• Exposure to cutting-edge QA methodologies and technologies.

• Work on high-impact, flagship banking transformation programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard Saudi Arabian business hours (Sunday to Thursday).

• While not explicitly stated, a typical full-time role would involve approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during critical SIT/UAT cycles or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior technical roles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, considering the specialized skill set and industry focus. Benefits are drawn directly from the "Why Join CodeNinja?" section, tailored to highlight aspects attractive to operations professionals seeking growth and development. The working hours are inferred from the "Sun-Thu" mention.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, AI-powered Transformation, Enterprise Software Delivery, Quality Engineering. The client is a Tier-1 bank in Saudi Arabia.

Company Size: CodeNinja operates across MENA, South Asia, and global markets. The specific engagement involves a dedicated 12-person specialist team for the client's project, suggesting a significant but focused operational unit within the larger firm.

Founded: CodeNinja is a "next-generation technology consulting firm," implying a modern, agile, and forward-thinking approach. The founding date is not specified but suggests a company with established expertise but also a focus on innovation.

Team Structure:

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

• This team includes specialists in Test Management, Automation Engineering, AI/ML, and Performance Testing.

Methodology:

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

• Emphasis on AI-powered transformation, DevOps modernization, and Quality Engineering.

• Combines global delivery standards with in-market contextual knowledge.

• Focus on delivering outcomes that are compliant, scalable, and commercially aligned.

Company Website: https://www.codeninjaconsulting.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: CodeNinja positions itself as a modern, AI-focused tech consultancy. The client is a major financial institution, meaning compliance, security, and robust processes are paramount. The team structure is collaborative, involving both CodeNinja specialists and the client's internal teams, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills. The 20-week framework suggests a project-driven, outcome-oriented delivery model.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Automation Engineer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant technical expertise and the ability to mentor others. The role is an individual contributor with potential for technical leadership within the automation domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Automation Engineer will report to a Test Management Lead or Program Manager within the CodeNinja team. They will also work closely with the Client's QA leads and potentially development managers.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the quality and timely delivery of critical banking transformation programs. By ensuring robust UI and API automation, the engineer contributes to faster release cycles, reduced production defects, and improved user experience for the client's customers. This directly supports revenue generation and operational efficiency for the client.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced features of Playwright, Selenium, and API testing, potentially exploring related areas like performance testing or security testing automation.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior automation engineers and client team members, leading specific automation initiatives within projects.

• AI/ML in QA: Gain exposure to and training in AI/ML tooling and methodologies for test automation, aligning with CodeNinja's core specialization.

• Domain Expertise: Develop in-depth knowledge of banking and financial services applications, a highly valued skill in the MENA region.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Work within a structured program delivery framework, collaborating with diverse teams (Test Management, AI/ML, DevOps) across different delivery models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are tied to CodeNinja's strategic focus on AI and the client's industry. For an operations professional, this means continuous learning in advanced automation techniques and potential exposure to AI-driven quality assurance, which is a significant career differentiator. The emphasis on client collaboration and structured delivery also builds valuable project management and stakeholder communication skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly Onsite in Riyadh, KSA. This implies working within the client's banking premises or a dedicated CodeNinja project office within Riyadh. The environment will likely be professional, secure, and adherence to client policies will be mandatory.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Specific location details would be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

• A professional, corporate environment within the Saudi financial sector.

• Direct access to client's SIT/UAT environments, including necessary network access and infrastructure.

• Collaboration will be key, involving close interaction with the client's QA teams and fellow CodeNinja specialists.

• Access to necessary tools, development environments, and potentially specialized testing hardware.

Work Schedule:

• Sunday to Thursday, aligning with the standard business week in Saudi Arabia.

• Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during critical SIT/UAT phases as project demands dictate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "onsite" nature is critical. Candidates must be prepared for relocation to Riyadh and adherence to client-specific security protocols and working hours. The "without bureaucracy" statement suggests an agile and efficient operational environment, which can be attractive to professionals looking to avoid excessive red tape.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application for essential skills and experience (Playwright, Selenium, API Automation, 7+ years).

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on automation frameworks, coding practices, problem-solving scenarios, and tool proficiency. This may include live coding exercises or code review discussions.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and walkthrough of selected automation projects from the candidate's portfolio. Focus will be on design choices, implementation details, challenges faced, and achieved results (e.g., efficiency gains, defect reduction).

• Client Engagement Discussion: Assessment of understanding of the banking domain, client interaction skills, and ability to work onsite in a client environment.

• Final Interview: May involve discussions with senior management or client stakeholders to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those showcasing UI and API automation, framework design, and CI/CD integration.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced regression testing time by 60%", "Increased test coverage by 30%", "Identified X critical defects before production").

• Code Walkthrough: Be prepared to share snippets of your code (or explain key sections) to demonstrate coding standards, design patterns (POM, data-driven), and problem-solving approaches.

• Explain Design Choices: Articulate why you chose specific tools, patterns, or architectural decisions. Discuss trade-offs and alternatives considered.

• CI/CD Integration: Clearly demonstrate how your automation was integrated into a CI/CD pipeline, including examples of triggers, reporting, and quality gates.

• Client Context: If possible, tailor your examples to demonstrate experience or understanding relevant to financial services, even if it's a personal project or academic work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for coding challenges that test your proficiency in Playwright/Selenium and API automation (e.g., writing a test for a specific UI element, automating an API endpoint, implementing a POM structure).

• Prepare to discuss automation strategy for complex scenarios, including handling dynamic data, complex user flows, and cross-system dependencies.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely during technical assessments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills and portfolio demonstration. Candidates should prepare to articulate their technical decisions and demonstrate their ability to deliver results in a structured, client-facing environment. The "onsite in Riyadh" aspect will likely be a significant factor in the later stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI Automation: Playwright (Expert proficiency), Selenium WebDriver (Expert proficiency).

• API Automation: REST Assured (Strong proficiency) or equivalent Java/JavaScript-based API testing tools.

• Programming Languages: Java or JavaScript.

• Frameworks/Patterns: Page Object Model (POM), Data-Driven Testing, Centralized Configuration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Allure Reporting (Familiarity) or similar comprehensive test reporting frameworks.

• CI/CD Integration: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD (Proficiency).

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed, experience with version control systems like Git is assumed for CI/CD integration.

• Familiarity with defect tracking systems (e.g., Jira) is highly probable given the role's interaction with defect triage.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for operations candidates. The explicit mention of Playwright, Selenium, and REST Assured, along with Java/JavaScript, defines the core technical requirements. Proficiency in CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitLab is also a key operational component, highlighting the need for automation engineers to understand deployment pipelines.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on writing clean, efficient, and maintainable automation code.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for the automation process, from script development to execution and defect resolution.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, particularly AI/ML, to enhance testing processes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with both internal CodeNinja teams and the client's QA and development personnel.

• Efficiency: Driving faster release cycles and reducing manual effort through effective test automation.

• Compliance: Adhering to stringent security and quality standards, especially within the banking sector.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Test Management, AI/ML, and DevOps specialists within CodeNinja, as well as the client's QA and IT teams.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on progress, challenges, and results, particularly concerning environment access, test data, and defect status.

• Mentorship: Sharing knowledge and best practices with junior team members and client counterparts.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collaborative approach to debugging and resolving complex technical issues that arise during testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values of "technical excellence, ownership, and innovation without bureaucracy" suggest a results-driven, efficient, and forward-thinking environment. For operations professionals, this translates to a focus on delivering tangible improvements and utilizing modern tools and methodologies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Client Environment Complexity: Navigating and managing access to a Tier-1 bank's sensitive SIT/UAT environments, which can be complex and heavily regulated.

• Test Data Management: Ensuring accurate and timely provision of appropriate test data for diverse automated test scenarios.

• Defect Triage Efficiency: Effectively collaborating with the client's teams to quickly diagnose, report, and resolve defects found by automated tests.

• Integration with Legacy Systems: Potentially automating tests for systems that may have older architectures or limited automation support.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new automation tools and techniques, especially the advancements in AI/ML for QA.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Deep dive into Playwright's advanced features, API performance testing, and cross-browser/cross-platform automation strategies.

• AI/ML in QA: Access to training and hands-on experience with AI/ML tools and their application in test automation, a key differentiator for CodeNinja.

• Banking Domain Expertise: Gaining specialized knowledge of financial services applications, regulations, and common testing challenges.

• Certification Support: Potential for company sponsorship or support for preferred certifications (ISTQB, Playwright, Selenium).

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from experienced professionals within CodeNinja and potentially client-side senior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational realities of working in a regulated industry with complex client systems. The growth opportunities directly align with CodeNinja's stated focus on AI and the valuable domain expertise in financial services, offering a clear path for career development in specialized areas of operations and quality engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI automation framework you designed and implemented. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them? How did you ensure reusability and maintainability?" (Focus on POM, data-driven aspects, and code quality).

• "Walk me through an API automation scenario you handled. How did you approach test data management and response validation? How did you integrate it into a CI/CD pipeline?" (Focus on REST Assured, data handling, and CI/CD).

• "How would you approach defect triage for failures identified by automated tests in a client's environment? What information would you gather, and who would you involve?" (Focus on collaboration, debugging skills, and communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for CodeNinja, and specifically on a banking transformation project?" (Research CodeNinja's AI focus and the client's role in the MENA financial sector).

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in test automation and quality engineering?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar problem-solution-outcome structure.

• Visuals: Use diagrams for framework architecture, screenshots for UI elements, and logs/reports for results.

• Code Snippets: Be ready to show concise, impactful code examples that demonstrate best practices.

• Metrics: Quantify everything possible – time saved, defects found, coverage increased, etc.

• Client Focus: Frame your contributions in terms of business value and client impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical proficiency but also problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in a client-facing, high-stakes environment. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience, specific skills in Playwright, Selenium, REST Assured, Java/JavaScript, POM, and CI/CD integration. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your UI and API automation capabilities, framework design, and CI/CD integration. Be ready to discuss them in detail, focusing on impact and technical execution.

• Research CodeNinja: Understand their focus on AI-powered transformation and quality engineering. Also, research the general landscape of banking technology in the MENA region.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare to answer technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to complex automation challenges, client collaboration, and the banking domain.

⚠️ 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. Candidates must be prepared for an onsite role in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regardless of the initial job posting location.