UI & API Automation Testing Developer - Assistant Vice President

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI & API Automation Testing Developer - Assistant Vice President

Company: Citi

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Quality Assurance / Testing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-12T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 years (Assistant Vice President level inferred)

Remote Status: Hybrid (based on location type and company context)

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and maintain robust automation scripts and framework libraries for both UI and API testing, focusing on efficiency and scalability.

• Drive in-sprint automation initiatives to ensure continuous integration and rapid feedback loops within feature delivery teams.

• Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams (QA, Development, Product) to conduct impact analysis, define test plans, and ensure high-quality product delivery.

• Perform detailed root cause analysis of defects, manage the fix and retest cycles, and ensure timely resolution for sign-off.

• Generate comprehensive test reports to communicate delivery health and automation coverage to key stakeholders, mitigating roll-out risks through thorough runbook reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Vice President" title suggests a mid-to-senior level role within Citi's technology function, implying significant responsibility for automation strategy, framework development, and team mentorship. The hybrid work arrangement is inferred from the "TELECOMMUTE" location type combined with the typical practices of large financial institutions in India.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation scripts and framework libraries for UI and API testing using languages like Java, C#, or Python.

• Actively participate in Delivery Feature Teams, contributing to impact analysis of design and implementation from a testing perspective.

• Define comprehensive test plans, test cases, and automation strategies for functional, integration, and end-to-end testing scenarios.

• Champion automation best practices and drive in-sprint automation for feature deliveries, ensuring alignment with development cycles.

• Conduct thorough root cause analysis of identified defects, manage the defect lifecycle, and collaborate with development teams for timely resolution.

• Produce regular, clear, and concise test reports, including automation coverage, defect trends, and readiness assessments for key stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional and global teams, including QA engineers, developers, and product managers, to ensure seamless product delivery.

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the QA and development teams, focusing on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, complex, and global matrix environment, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities.

• Mitigate roll-out risks by actively participating in runbook reviews and ensuring comprehensive documentation for deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of hands-on technical execution (script development, root cause analysis) and strategic contribution (test planning, process improvement, stakeholder reporting), typical for an AVP-level QA automation role in a large enterprise like Citi.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance, with a strong focus on test automation.

• Proven track record of developing and implementing robust automation frameworks for both UI and API testing.

Required Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience in QA automation for both UI and API testing is mandatory.

• Medium to advanced programming skills in Java are essential for script development and framework enhancement.

• Extensive hands-on experience automating tests with Selenium WebDriver and Playwright using Java, C#, or Python.

• Proficient in using Git for version control, including branching, merging, and pull requests.

• Proven active contribution to Cucumber automation frameworks, including feature file development and step definition implementation.

• Experience with enterprise-level tools such as ALM, Zephyr, Jira, and Confluence for test management and documentation.

• Familiarity and hands-on experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or similar platforms for continuous integration and deployment.

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to perform detailed root cause analysis of defects.

• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a global, cross-functional team environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of the Karate testing framework is a significant advantage for API test automation.

• Experience with test management tools like Zephyr for comprehensive test case management and reporting.

• Familiarity with Actimize tools or platforms, particularly for test design and execution within financial services contexts.

• A solid understanding of financial services, compliance, or risk domains, enabling more effective test strategy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level is inferred from the Assistant Vice President title, which typically aligns with this range in large financial institutions. The emphasis on Java, Selenium, Playwright, Git, Cucumber, and CI/CD tools points towards a modern, agile QA automation role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and maintaining scalable automation frameworks for UI and API testing.

• Showcase examples of automation scripts written in Java, Selenium WebDriver, and Playwright, highlighting best practices in code structure and maintainability.

• Include case studies or project examples where you successfully drove in-sprint automation and contributed to CI/CD pipelines.

• Provide evidence of defect analysis, root cause identification, and successful resolution cycles managed through tools like Jira/Zephyr.

Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of test plans and test case creation, emphasizing how automation fits into the overall testing strategy.

• Evidence of contribution to or development of feature files and step definitions within a BDD framework like Cucumber.

• Examples of test reports generated, illustrating communication of delivery health, automation coverage, and defect trends to stakeholders.

• Documentation of contributions to CI/CD pipeline setup or maintenance, showcasing integration of automated tests.

• Experience with runbook creation and review to mitigate deployment risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an AVP-level role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just technical capability but also strategic thinking in automation framework design, process integration, and stakeholder communication. The emphasis on financial services context and specific tools like Actimize suggests a need for domain-specific examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents.

• Retirement savings plans and provident fund contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Employee assistance programs for mental and physical well-being.

• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to Citi's global network and employee resource groups.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The role operates within a hybrid model, requiring a balance of on-site presence at the Chennai office and remote work. Specific office days will be determined by team needs and management.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate global team collaboration and critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in Chennai, India, considering the Assistant Vice President title and the specialized technical skills required. It is crucial for candidates to verify the exact compensation with the hiring team.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking & Technology)

Company Size: Citi is a global financial services corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a large, structured, and complex organizational environment. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career paths.

Founded: 1812. Citi has a long-standing history, suggesting a culture that values tradition, stability, and long-term growth, while also adapting to technological advancements and market changes.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Technology division, specifically in Applications Development, focusing on QA Automation.

• The team is likely composed of dedicated QA Automation Engineers, Developers, and potentially Test Leads, working within agile feature delivery teams.

Methodology:

• Operations are driven by Agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, continuous integration, and rapid feedback.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making through thorough testing, defect analysis, and reporting.

• Focus on process improvement and automation best practices to enhance efficiency, quality, and speed of delivery.

• Collaboration is key, with a matrix environment requiring effective partnership across various departments and geographies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's reputation as a global financial institution implies a culture that prioritizes security, compliance, and robust processes, alongside innovation in technology. The "Assistant Vice President" title suggests a role with leadership potential and a need to embody company values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Assistant Vice President (AVP) - This level signifies a senior individual contributor or a team lead role, with significant experience and responsibility. In QA Automation, this typically involves leading automation efforts, mentoring junior team members, contributing to strategy, and ensuring the effectiveness of automation frameworks.

Reporting Structure: The AVP will likely report to a Vice President or Director within the Technology or QA organization. They will also work closely with Product Owners, Project Managers, and Development Leads within their assigned feature teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the quality, stability, and release velocity of Citi's software products. By developing and maintaining robust automation, the AVP contributes to reducing production defects, accelerating release cycles, and improving overall customer experience, which directly supports Citi's business objectives in the financial services sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced automation techniques, new testing tools, performance testing, or security testing.

• Leadership Development: Progress to roles such as Vice President, leading larger teams, managing global automation initiatives, or defining enterprise-wide QA strategies.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into roles within development, product management, or project management within the financial technology domain.

• Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in financial services, compliance, or risk management, becoming a subject matter expert in these critical areas.

• Mentorship & Training: Lead training sessions, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the development of the broader QA community within Citi.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AVP title at Citi suggests a strong career trajectory. Growth opportunities will likely involve increasing scope of responsibility, people management, and strategic input into the company's technology roadmap, particularly in areas of quality and automation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment. This role is based in Chennai, India, at a Citi office location (TRIL INFO PARK, LITTLEWOOD TOWER), but allows for a combination of on-site work and remote work.

Office Location(s): TRIL INFO PARK, LITTLEWOOD TOWER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. This is a major IT hub, indicating a modern office infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with global teams through virtual channels and with local colleagues on-site.

• Access to robust IT infrastructure, including high-speed internet, development workstations, and necessary software licenses for testing and development tools.

• The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, typical of the financial technology sector, requiring adaptability and efficiency.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• While the role is hybrid, specific days in the office may be required for critical meetings, team collaboration, or project milestones.

• Flexibility may be needed to overlap with global teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in a large corporate setting like Citi suggests a structured approach to office attendance, likely with designated days for in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or

Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Multiple rounds focusing on:

  • Coding Proficiency: Live coding exercises in Java, Selenium, or Playwright to assess problem-solving and scripting skills.
  • Automation Concepts: In-depth questions on framework design, best practices, API testing strategies, and CI/CD integration.
  • Problem-Solving: Scenario-based questions to evaluate root cause analysis and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Domain Knowledge: Questions related to financial services testing if applicable.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion on experience, career aspirations, team fit, and understanding of the AVP role.

• Panel Interview (Potentially): May involve senior team members or stakeholders to assess broader impact and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Showcase 2-3 significant projects that highlight your strongest skills in UI and API automation, framework development, and CI/CD integration.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (automation approach), the tools used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., reduction in testing time, increase in defect detection rate, improved release stability).

• Demonstrate Code Quality: Be prepared to walk through code snippets, explaining design choices, maintainability, and adherence to coding standards.

• Highlight Framework Contributions: If you've designed or significantly contributed to an automation framework, be ready to explain its architecture, extensibility, and reusability.

• Showcase CI/CD Integration: Provide examples of how your automation scripts were integrated into Jenkins or similar tools for continuous testing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on data structures, algorithms, and Java. Be prepared for live coding sessions.

• Automation Scenarios: Think through how you would automate complex UI interactions or various API scenarios (e.g., authentication, data manipulation, error handling).

• Troubleshooting Exercises: Prepare to explain how you would debug a failing automation script or diagnose an issue in a complex system.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for questions about teamwork, problem-solving, handling pressure, and dealing with ambiguity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the AVP title and the nature of the role, expect rigorous technical assessments and a strong emphasis on practical application of skills, particularly in coding and framework design. The portfolio is crucial for demonstrating tangible achievements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI Automation: Selenium WebDriver, Playwright (primary, with Java, C#, or Python)

• API Automation: Karate (preferred), potentially REST Assured or similar Java libraries.

• BDD Frameworks: Cucumber (essential for feature file development and step definitions).

• Version Control: Git (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Test Management: ALM, Zephyr, Jira (for test case management, defect tracking, and reporting).

• CI/CD: Jenkins (for build automation, test execution, and pipeline orchestration).

• Containerization/Orchestration: OpenShift (familiarity useful for understanding deployment environments).

• Data Analysis/Monitoring: Elastic (for log analysis and monitoring, potentially).

CRM & Automation:

• Project/Issue Tracking: Jira, Confluence (for collaboration, documentation, and workflow management).

• Data Validation: SQL (proficiency required for database validation).

📝 Enhancement Note: The stack is heavily focused on modern QA automation practices, with a strong emphasis on Java-based tools, BDD, and CI/CD integration. Familiarity with financial-specific tools like Actimize is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality First: A deep commitment to delivering high-quality software through rigorous testing and automation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse, global teams to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identifying and implementing enhancements to processes, tools, and methodologies.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Embracing new technologies and approaches to drive efficiency and optimize testing efforts.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks, deliverables, and driving issues to resolution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with development, product management, and other QA teams to ensure alignment and integrated testing strategies.

• Data-Driven Communication: Using data from test reports and defect analysis to inform discussions and drive decisions.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively participating in team meetings, providing feedback, and seeking input from peers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to a learning-oriented environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's culture likely emphasizes professionalism, adherence to compliance, and a strong work ethic, combined with a drive for technological advancement in the financial sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Financial Systems: Navigating and automating tests for intricate financial products, regulatory requirements, and legacy systems.

• Global Team Coordination: Effectively collaborating with teams across different time zones, cultures, and communication styles.

• Maintaining Automation Frameworks: Ensuring automation frameworks remain robust, scalable, and up-to-date with evolving application changes and technology stacks.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Accelerating delivery cycles through automation while maintaining high standards of quality and thoroughness.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Continuously learning and integrating new tools and techniques into the automation strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Opportunities to explore performance testing, security automation, or AI-driven testing solutions.

• Financial Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in specific financial services areas (e.g., banking, trading, compliance) to enhance testing relevance.

• Leadership Training: Develop skills in people management, project leadership, and strategic planning for QA initiatives.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications in software testing, agile methodologies, or specific technologies.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain insights into development, product management, and business operations within the financial sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior automation role in a large, regulated industry. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical depth and leadership progression within Citi's global structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI or API automation framework you designed or significantly contributed to. What were its key components, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Focus on architecture, reusability, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach test automation for microservices or complex integrations within a financial system?" (Highlight API testing strategies, contract testing, and data dependency management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Citi, and specifically in this QA Automation role?" (Research Citi's recent tech initiatives, values, and link them to your skills).

• "How do you ensure collaboration and effective communication when working with global, distributed teams?" (Provide examples of successful cross-cultural collaboration and communication strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use the STAR method or a similar problem-solution-result format. Clearly define the objective, your role, the technical approach, the tools used, and the measurable outcomes.

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

• Code Snippets: Be prepared to share and discuss well-commented code samples that demonstrate clean coding practices and efficient automation logic.

• Quantify Impact: Emphasize metrics like test execution time reduction, defect escape rate decrease, or increased automation coverage percentage.

• Tailor to Citi: Highlight experience with tools and domains relevant to Citi's financial services context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interviewers to probe deeply into your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to operate within a large, regulated enterprise. Demonstrating a strategic approach to automation and a strong understanding of the financial domain will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI & API Automation Testing Developer - Assistant Vice President position at Citi:

• Submit your application through Citi's official careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your extensive experience with Java, Selenium WebDriver, Playwright, Cucumber, Git, and CI/CD tools like Jenkins. Quantify your achievements with metrics related to automation efficiency, defect reduction, and release velocity.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio showcasing your strongest UI and API automation projects. Be ready to present specific examples of framework design, script development, root cause analysis, and CI/CD integration. Prepare to discuss your contributions and the impact of your work.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, including live coding exercises. Practice explaining complex automation concepts and project details clearly and concisely. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills and understanding of financial services testing requirements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Citi's mission, values, recent technological advancements, and its position in the global financial market. Understand the importance of quality assurance and automation within a large financial institution.

⚠️ 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.