Software Test Engineer

[Applicants: Be among the first 25 applicants | Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting | Type: Full-time | Level: Mid-Senior level] Lead SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)Chicago, IL (Hybrid - 2-3 days/week onsite from Day 1)Job ID: 84016-1 | 12-Month Contract (C2C) | Direct ClientLead a team of 5+ SDETs in building and maintaining test automation for CI/CD pipelines. Oversee API and UI testing while mentoring onshore/offshore engineers.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop/maintain API test frameworks using Java, Karate, BDD (Rest Assured/Selenium/Playwright).Lead technical mentoring, script creation, execution, and result analysis.Coordinate with product owners on issues/upgrades; perform exploratory testing.Use tools like JMeter; AWS familiarity a plus.Required Qualifications10+ years experience (22+ OK); Bachelor's degree.2-3 years leading 5+ team members.Hands-on API/UI automation expertise.Independent, proactive communicator.Nice-to-HavesAWS knowledge.Strong adaptability in complex environments.Interview Process2 rounds: Remote (Round 1) + Onsite (Round 2).Hands-on coding challenges on API/UI testing.Important NotesLocal to Chicago preferred; non-locals must relocate at own expense (noted on resume).No 100% remoteTeam: 20+ members in Chicago office.Apply if you thrive in hybrid settings and love leading test automation!