Lead SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) - JS/TypeScript/Playwright

Company: EPAM Systems

EPAM is a leading global provider of digital platform engineering and development services. We are committed to having a positive impact on our customers, our employees, and our communities. We embrace a dynamic and inclusive culture. Here you will collaborate with multi-national teams, contribute to a myriad of innovative projects that deliver the most creative and cutting-edge solutions, and have an opportunity to continuously learn and grow. No matter where you are located, you will join a dedicated, creative, and diverse community that will help you discover your fullest potential.
We are seeking a Lead SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) to lead JavaScript/TypeScript and Playwright automation that safeguards product quality. You will collaborate with test managers, product owners, developers, and engineering teams to design and grow automated coverage across functional, non-functional, API, component, and performance testing, with robust CI/CD integration and traceability.
Responsibilities
* Collaborate with test managers and product owners to align on test plans and strategies for new and existing features
* Analyze requirements, acceptance criteria, and technical documentation to deliver clear, complete test scenarios and scripts
* Build, implement, and execute automated tests that address functional and non-functional quality attributes
* Establish and apply API testing strategies to validate endpoint correctness, security, reliability, and performance
* Sustain component-level test suites using appropriate mocks and contracts to verify modules in isolation and within the broader system
* Plan, execute, and interpret performance and load tests to assess scalability, responsiveness, and stability under varying conditions
* Report and communicate defects with clear reproduction steps, supporting logs, and evidence
* Collaborate with developers, DevOps, and other engineering teams to anticipate changes and validate upcoming updates
* Integrate automated test frameworks and scripts into CI/CD pipelines with quality gates to boost efficiency, coverage, and repeatability
* Engage proactively with stakeholders to clarify requirements, review designs, and confirm implementations
* Organize test assets and ensure traceability in Xray, Jira, Confluence, and Git, linking tests to requirements and acceptance criteria
* Participate actively in Agile ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives, and backlog grooming
Requirements
* Background in JavaScript/TypeScript test automation, including 5+ years in professional environments
* Expertise in Playwright for 3+ years, delivering stable end-to-end automation
* At least 1 year of relevant leadership experience
* Understanding of API testing, mocking, and contract validation using tools such as Supertest, WireMock, and Pact
* Skills in performance testing with k6 and working with analysis dashboards such as Grafana and Xray
* Knowledge of containerization and service isolation approaches using Docker Compose, Testcontainers, and LocalStack
* Proficiency in integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and maintaining traceability in test management tools
* Competency in Agile methodologies with effective cross-team communication habits
* Excellent command of written and spoken English (B2+ level)
Nice to have
* Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot in VS Code
* Knowledge of PostgreSQL and Kafka that supports component-level service isolation
* Understanding of Bruno and Swagger applied to API test design
We offer
* International projects with top brands
* Work with global teams of highly skilled, diverse peers
* Healthcare benefits
* Employee financial programs
* Paid time off and sick leave
* Upskilling, reskilling and certification courses
* Unlimited access to the LinkedIn Learning library and 22,000+ courses
* Global career opportunities
* Volunteer and community involvement opportunities
* EPAM Employee Groups
* Award-winning culture recognized by Glassdoor, Newsweek and LinkedIn

apply