Senior Automation Engineer - UI & API | Playwright | Selenium

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: CodeNinja

Location: Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Quality Engineering / Test Automation

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site (with potential for remote collaboration)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and maintenance of robust UI and API automated test scripts, leveraging cutting-edge tools like Playwright and Selenium WebDriver.

• Drive the execution of critical test cycles, including regression, smoke, and risk-based testing, directly within Client SIT/UAT environments.

• Champion automation best practices, including reusable component design (e.g., Page Object Model) and data-driven testing strategies, to enhance test efficiency and maintainability.

• Integrate automated test suites seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins/GitLab) to enable continuous integration and rapid feedback loops.

• Act as the primary onsite automation execution anchor, closely collaborating with client QA teams for environment access, test data conditioning, and efficient defect triage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily onsite in Riyadh, the Islamabad location listed and the mention of "global markets" and "offsite delivery models" suggest a hybrid approach to team collaboration, with potential for remote interaction with a distributed team. The emphasis on "direct access to the Client's SIT/UAT environments" and "onsite presence in Riyadh" strongly indicates that the Islamabad location might refer to the candidate's location for remote work arrangements with the possibility of travel to Riyadh, or it could be a secondary operational hub for CodeNinja. Given the "Onsite" AI tag, the expectation is likely that the candidate will be present in Riyadh for the core execution phases.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated test scripts for both UI (Playwright/Selenium) and API (REST Assured) layers, ensuring comprehensive test coverage of client applications.

• Design and implement reusable test automation frameworks, including Page Object Model (POM) libraries and data-driven testing components, to promote code reusability and maintainability.

• Execute various types of automated test suites, such as regression, smoke, and risk-based selective test suites, onsite within System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environments.

• Proactively coordinate with the Client's QA teams to secure necessary environment access, condition test data effectively, and participate in efficient defect triage processes.

• Integrate automated test scripts into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins or GitLab, establishing quality gates to ensure consistent code quality and deployment readiness.

• Lead the onsite execution of complex end-to-end and cross-system automated scenarios that require direct network access and deep understanding of client infrastructure.

• Conduct peer code reviews, enforce established automation coding standards, and provide mentorship to client team members on automation best practices and tool utilization.

• Debug and troubleshoot test failures onsite by analyzing application logs, utilizing monitoring tools, and collaborating with the Client's infrastructure and development teams.

• Document automation processes, framework designs, and execution results clearly and concisely for stakeholder review and knowledge transfer.

• Continuously evaluate and recommend improvements to the test automation strategy, tools, and methodologies to enhance overall quality engineering efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on, execution-focused role with significant client interaction and responsibility for critical test phases. The "onsite presence in Riyadh" coupled with the Islamabad location implies a potential dual-location dynamic or a need for flexibility. The mentorship aspect suggests a senior individual contributor role with leadership potential.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 7+ years of hands-on experience in test automation engineering, with a proven track record of developing and implementing effective automation solutions.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in UI automation tools, specifically Playwright and/or Selenium WebDriver, using either Java or JavaScript as the programming language.

• Strong capabilities in API automation testing using REST Assured or equivalent frameworks, including experience with request/response validation and schema testing.

• Deep understanding and practical application of design patterns essential for automation, such as the Page Object Model (POM), data-driven testing, and centralized configuration management.

• Hands-on experience integrating automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins or GitLab, including setting up build triggers and quality gates.

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

• Experience in defect triage and management, including detailed defect logging, reproduction steps, and collaboration with development teams for resolution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in automating applications within the banking or financial services industry is a significant advantage, demonstrating domain-specific knowledge.

• Familiarity with other automation tools and technologies that complement UI and API testing, such as performance testing tools or security scanning tools.

• Experience with cloud-based testing platforms or infrastructure.

• Knowledge of BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) frameworks like Cucumber.

• Understanding of containerization technologies like Docker for test environment setup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly favor candidates with deep technical expertise in specific automation tools and a strong understanding of software engineering principles applied to quality assurance. The preference for banking domain experience highlights a key industry focus for CodeNinja's clients.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase successful projects demonstrating the implementation of end-to-end test automation solutions for complex applications.

• Provide detailed examples of how you have designed and implemented reusable automation frameworks (e.g., POM, data-driven) that improved efficiency and maintainability.

• Include case studies that illustrate your ability to integrate automation into CI/CD pipelines and enforce quality gates.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting automation framework architectures, including setup guides, usage instructions, and best practices.

• Provide examples of clear and concise test execution reports, highlighting key metrics, failure analysis, and recommendations.

• Showcase your ability to document API testing strategies, including endpoint coverage, request/response schemas, and error handling validation.

• Include documentation related to test data management strategies and conditioning processes for automated test execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will be the primary means of demonstrating practical application of skills. Candidates should focus on projects that highlight their ability to build robust, scalable, and maintainable automation solutions, with a clear emphasis on efficiency and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Performance-linked Incentives: Opportunities for bonuses and rewards tied to individual and team performance, directly impacting project success.

• Career Progression Pathways: Clear routes for advancement within CodeNinja, offering opportunities for leadership and specialization.

• Continuous Upskilling: Access to ongoing learning and development programs, including training in AI/ML tooling and emerging QA methodologies.

• Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications to enhance skills and career growth.

• Access to AI/ML Tooling: Opportunities to work with and gain expertise in advanced AI and Machine Learning tools within the quality engineering domain.

• Health and Wellness Programs: Comprehensive benefits package often includes health insurance and other wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are likely to align with Saudi business hours (Sunday-Thursday) given the client engagement in Riyadh, potentially translating to 40 hours per week. However, given the "TELECOMMUTE" location type and the nature of CI/CD integration, some flexibility may be expected, especially for critical deployments or urgent defect resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on a general understanding of the Pakistani IT market for senior-level automation engineers. Localized research for Islamabad/Riyadh tech salaries would provide a more precise range. The benefits highlight CodeNinja's commitment to employee growth and development, which is a significant draw for senior talent in the operations and engineering space.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Quality Engineering, AI-Powered Transformation, Enterprise Software Delivery. CodeNinja operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and business transformation, serving Tier-1 banks and government entities. This implies a culture that values precision, security, and compliance, especially given the financial services focus.

Company Size: CodeNinja operates across MENA and South Asia, suggesting a medium to large-sized firm with a global delivery model, likely employing hundreds to a few thousand professionals. This size offers the stability of a larger organization with the agility often found in consulting firms.

Founded: Founded in a recent era of technological advancement (exact date not provided, but implied by "next-generation" and AI focus), CodeNinja has established itself as a key player in specialized tech consulting.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a dedicated 12-person specialist team for a specific client engagement, focusing on Test Management Enablement & Automation. This team is structured to deliver within a defined 20-week program framework.

• This specialist team likely includes roles in Test Management, Automation Engineering (this role), AI/ML, and Performance Testing.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: CodeNinja emphasizes AI-powered transformation, suggesting a strong reliance on data analytics to drive insights and decision-making in quality engineering.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The 20-week program delivery framework indicates a structured approach to project management and workflow optimization, aiming for efficient and predictable outcomes.

• Automation & Efficiency: A core focus on test automation and DevOps modernization points to a culture that prioritizes efficiency, speed, and continuous improvement through technological solutions.

Company Website: https://codeninjaconsulting.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: CodeNinja's positioning as a "next-generation" firm implies a forward-thinking, innovative culture. The emphasis on partnering with "Tier-1 banks, government entities, and large enterprises" suggests a professional, results-oriented environment where quality, security, and client satisfaction are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior Automation Engineer," indicating an individual contributor role with significant technical expertise and a leadership component in guiding junior team members and client staff. It sits above a standard Automation Engineer and below a Lead or Architect.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Automation Engineer will report to a Test Lead or Manager within the CodeNinja engagement team. They will also work closely with client-side QA leads and development teams, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the quality and efficiency of software delivery for CodeNinja's clients, particularly a Tier-1 Saudi financial institution. By ensuring robust test automation, the engineer contributes to faster release cycles, reduced defect leakage, and improved customer satisfaction, which are critical for business success in the financial sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Playwright, Selenium, API automation, and CI/CD integration, potentially exploring advanced techniques like performance testing or security automation.

• Industry Specialization: Gaining in-depth experience in the banking and financial services domain, a high-demand and high-value sector for QA professionals.

• Leadership Development: Mentoring client team members and potentially leading specific automation initiatives within projects, paving the way for future lead or architect roles.

• AI/ML Integration: Exposure to AI/ML engineering within QA, offering a pathway to specialize in the future of test automation.

• Global Exposure: Working within a global consulting firm provides exposure to diverse projects and delivery models, enhancing career versatility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation and the specific responsibilities suggest that this role is a significant step for an experienced automation engineer looking to refine their technical skills, gain domain expertise, and develop leadership capabilities within a reputable consulting firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work will be "Onsite" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the client engagement. However, the listed location is Islamabad, Pakistan, and the job type is "TELECOMMUTE," suggesting a hybrid model where the candidate is based in Islamabad but expected to travel to Riyadh or work remotely while collaborating with an onsite team. This implies a flexible but demanding work environment.

Office Location(s):

• Client Site: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (primary focus for onsite work).

• Candidate Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (as per the listing).

• CodeNinja Hubs: MENA and South Asia (indicating potential for collaboration with colleagues in various locations).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands close collaboration with both CodeNinja's internal QA specialists (Test Management, AI/ML, Performance Testing) and the client's QA and development teams. This necessitates strong communication and teamwork.

• Technology Access: Access to client SIT/UAT environments, application logs, monitoring tools, and potentially secure network access will be critical for effective debugging and execution.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with developers, QA testers, and potentially business analysts will be part of the daily routine, requiring effective interpersonal skills.

Work Schedule:

• The role specifies "Sun–Thu, KSA business hours" for onsite presence in Riyadh. Given the "TELECOMMUTE" nature for the Islamabad location, the candidate should expect to align with KSA business hours for core collaboration and critical task execution, potentially requiring flexibility for international team interactions or urgent issues. A standard 40-hour work week is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment, with an Islamabad base and mandatory onsite presence in Riyadh, requires careful consideration of travel expectations and work-life balance. The emphasis on collaboration indicates a team-oriented culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess alignment with the core requirements, especially experience with Playwright, Selenium, and API automation.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your automation engineering skills, framework design capabilities, experience with CI/CD integration, and debugging methodologies. Expect scenario-based questions and potentially live coding exercises.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your previous automation projects. This is where you'll showcase your problem-solving skills, framework architecture, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to walk through specific examples of UI and API automation scripts, explain your design choices, and detail the results achieved.

• Client Interaction / Cultural Fit: Depending on the stage, you might interact with client representatives to assess your ability to collaborate effectively and understand their specific needs. This also evaluates your fit with CodeNinja's client-centric and professional culture.

• Final Offer: Based on the successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your expertise in UI and API automation, framework design, and CI/CD integration.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge: What problem were you solving? (e.g., slow manual testing, high defect rate, complex integration).
  • Your Solution: How did you design and implement the automation framework? Detail the tools (Playwright, Selenium, REST Assured), languages (Java/JS), and design patterns (POM, data-driven) used.
  • The Implementation: Describe the CI/CD integration process and any challenges overcome.
  • The Results: Quantify the impact with metrics such as reduced test execution time, increased test coverage, defect reduction percentage, or faster release cycles.

• Code Samples: Be prepared to share snippets of your code (if permissible) to illustrate your coding standards, framework design, and problem-solving approach. Focus on clarity and best practices.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with the specific tools mentioned (Playwright, Selenium, REST Assured, Jenkins, GitLab, Allure).

• Domain Relevance: If you have banking or financial services experience, highlight it and how it informed your automation strategy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Automation Scenario Design: Practice designing an automation strategy for a given application scenario, considering UI and API layers, test data, and CI/CD integration.

• Debugging Exercises: Be prepared to analyze logs or code snippets to identify and explain test failures.

• Framework Design Discussion: Articulate your thought process behind choosing specific design patterns and architectural decisions for automation frameworks.

• CI/CD Integration: Understand the steps involved in integrating automated tests into Jenkins or GitLab pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and practical demonstration of skills is a hallmark of senior engineering roles. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing compelling case studies that highlight their technical depth and business impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• API Automation: REST Assured or equivalent frameworks for automating RESTful APIs. This includes understanding HTTP methods, request/response structures, and assertion libraries.

• Programming Languages: Java and/or JavaScript are the primary languages for scripting and framework development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Frameworks: Familiarity with Allure or similar tools for generating comprehensive and visually appealing test execution reports. This aids in communicating test results to stakeholders.

• CI/CD Integration: Jenkins or GitLab for continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines, enabling automated test execution as part of the build and deployment process.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Git is implicitly required for managing automation code, especially when integrated with CI/CD pipelines.

• Project Management/Tracking: While not explicitly listed, experience with tools like Jira for defect tracking and test case management is common in such environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical stack is clearly defined. Candidates should be ready to discuss their practical experience and preferred methodologies for using these tools, particularly in the context of building robust and maintainable automation solutions for enterprise-level applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality code, robust frameworks, and effective automation strategies, driven by a passion for engineering best practices.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking full responsibility for the automation process, from development and execution to defect triage and reporting, ensuring project success.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as AI/ML in testing, to continuously improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Client Focus: Understanding and prioritizing client objectives, delivering solutions that align with business needs and contribute to their transformation goals.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a diverse team, both internally at CodeNinja and with client stakeholders, to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with Test Managers, AI/ML engineers, Performance Testers, and the client's QA and development teams. This requires open communication and a willingness to share knowledge.

• Process Review & Feedback: Actively participating in code reviews and process discussions, providing constructive feedback and being open to receiving it to foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Mentoring client team members and sharing best practices within the team to elevate the overall skill level and efficiency of the engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: CodeNinja's values suggest a performance-driven yet supportive environment. The emphasis on "innovation without bureaucracy" indicates a desire for agile and efficient operations, where individuals are empowered to contribute effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Client Environment Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of a Tier-1 bank's IT environment, including security protocols, legacy systems, and complex integrations, will require adaptability and problem-solving skills.

• Onsite vs. Remote Coordination: Effectively managing an onsite presence in Riyadh while being based in Islamabad and collaborating with a potentially distributed team will require strong communication and time management skills.

• Rapid Program Delivery: Working within a structured 20-week program delivery framework demands efficiency, focus, and the ability to deliver high-quality results under time pressure.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of automation tools and AI technologies requires continuous learning to stay at the forefront of quality engineering practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Automation Skills: Deepen expertise in Playwright, Selenium, API testing, and CI/CD, potentially exploring advanced concepts like visual regression testing or contract testing.

• Domain Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of the banking and financial services industry, which is highly valuable in the tech consulting space.

• AI/ML in Testing: Gain exposure to and training in AI/ML applications for quality engineering, positioning yourself for future roles in this cutting-edge area.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Opportunities to lead automation initiatives and mentor junior engineers and client staff, building essential leadership competencies.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB Advanced, Playwright Certified) to enhance professional credibility and skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in client-facing consulting, requiring both technical prowess and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly in specialized areas like AI/ML and domain expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe how you would approach automating a complex banking application's critical user journeys, considering both UI and API layers. What are the key considerations for test data management and environment setup?" (Focus on structured approach, tool selection rationale, risk assessment, and CI/CD integration).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How would you handle a situation where the client's QA team is resistant to adopting new automation practices or is experiencing frequent environment downtimes?" (Emphasize communication, empathy, data-driven persuasion, and collaborative problem-solving).

• Problem-Solving: "You've identified a persistent flaky test in your automation suite. Walk me through your process for debugging and resolving this issue, considering potential root causes from the application, environment, and test script itself." (Detail systematic debugging steps, log analysis, and hypothesis testing).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CodeNinja's focus on AI-powered transformation and quality engineering for financial institutions?" (Research CodeNinja's website, their case studies, and their mission).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a culture that values technical excellence and innovation without bureaucracy?" (Relate your work style and past experiences to these values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual aids (screenshots, diagrams, short video clips if appropriate) to illustrate your framework's architecture and test execution results.

• Quantify Impact: Always back up your achievements with metrics. Instead of saying "improved efficiency," say "reduced regression test execution time by 60%."

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions within each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Explain Technical Choices: Be ready to justify why you chose Playwright over Selenium, or how you structured your API tests, based on project requirements and best practices.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth flow, clear explanations, and a confident delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for senior roles should focus on demonstrating not just technical skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so candidates should treat it as a high-stakes demonstration of their capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Automation Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your experience with Playwright, Selenium WebDriver, REST Assured, Java/JavaScript, CI/CD integration (Jenkins/GitLab), and any relevant domain experience (banking/financial services). Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that showcase your UI and API automation expertise, framework design, and CI/CD integration. Be ready to discuss them in detail, focusing on challenges, solutions, and measurable results.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions, behavioral questions, and scenario-based problem-solving exercises. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, ensuring clarity on your contributions and impact.

• Research CodeNinja: Understand their services, client base (especially Tier-1 banks), and company culture. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their organization and this specific role.

⚠️ 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.