Lead QA Automation Architect (embedded)

N-iX is a global software development service company that helps businesses across the globe create next-generation software products. Founded in 2002, we unite 2,400+ tech-savvy professionals across 40+ countries, working on impactful projects for industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies. Our expertise spans cloud, data, AI/ML, embedded software, IoT, and more, driving digital transformation across finance, manufacturing, telecom, healthcare, and other industries. Join N-iX and become part of a team where your ideas make a real impact.

We are looking for a Lead QA Automation Architect to join our team and lead the transformation of automated testing for an international leader in Passenger Information Systems** for the public transportation industry.

The client is a global provider of intelligent passenger information and transit solutions with offices across the US and Europe. Their software powers real-time communication systems for buses, trams, trains, stations, and airports worldwide. Due to years of acquisitions, the platform supports over 20 heterogeneous embedded hardware configurations** from multiple manufacturers while maintaining a single hardware-agnostic application layer.

As part of this engagement, you will play a strategic role in modernizing the client's QA automation approach. You will begin with an on-site discovery phase in Europe, evaluating the existing testing landscape, aligning stakeholders across multiple engineering teams, and defining the long-term automation strategy. You will then lead the implementation of a scalable automation framework, working closely with embedded, application, and infrastructure teams.

This is a unique opportunity to combine software architecture, embedded systems, automation engineering, and technical leadership while shaping the testing strategy for a complex enterprise-scale product deployed globally.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the initial discovery phase by analyzing the current testing ecosystem, identifying bottlenecks, and defining a long-term automation strategy.
• Design and implement a scalable automated testing framework for embedded Passenger Information Systems operating across multiple hardware platforms.
• Define a comprehensive testing strategy, including application-level testing, hardware validation, smoke testing, and regression suites.
• Build automated validation above the MQTT-PIS communication layer using Python, Pytest (or similar frameworks), mocks, simulators, and virtualization techniques.
• Integrate automated testing into Azure DevOps and Jenkins CI/CD pipelines, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.
• Collaborate closely with embedded, OS, hardware, and application engineering teams to establish clear testing boundaries and improve test reliability.
• Troubleshoot complex embedded environments using debuggers, protocol analyzers, DAQ devices, and hardware validation tools.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to a Senior QA Automation Engineer, establishing engineering standards, code quality practices, and automation governance.
• Present technical recommendations, roadmaps, and progress updates to engineering leadership and client stakeholders.

Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in QA Automation, Test Architecture, or Principal Quality Engineering roles.
• Proven experience designing and building automation frameworks from scratch for complex systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python and Pytest (or equivalent automation frameworks).
• Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps and Jenkins CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong understanding of Linux-based embedded environments.
• Experience working with embedded communication interfaces such as UART, I2C, GPIO, MQTT, and proprietary communication protocols.
• Practical experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing or other embedded hardware validation environments.
• Experience using hardware debugging and validation tools such as debuggers, protocol analyzers/sniffers, DAQ devices, or emulator-based testing (e.g. QEMU).
• Excellent system design, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication skills with experience facilitating technical workshops and collaborating with distributed engineering teams.
• Upper-Intermediate English or higher.

We offer:*

• Flexible working format - remote, office-based or flexible
• A competitive salary and good compensation package
• Personalized career growth
• Professional development tools (mentorship program, tech talks and trainings, centers of excellence, and more)
• Active tech communities with regular knowledge sharing
• Education reimbursement
• Memorable anniversary presents
• Corporate events and team buildings
• Other location-specific benefits

*not applicable for freelancers