QA Automation Lead / Architect

We are seeking a highly accomplished QA Automation Lead / Architect for an enterprise-level contract opportunity based in Mississauga. In this role, you will take on a premier quality engineering and architecture leadership capacity, specializing in evaluating, modernizing, and scaling the QA automation practice for a complex desktop application environment.

As a principal QA automation lead, you will bridge the gap between quality engineering teams, software developers, and business stakeholders. Operating within a hybrid work model, you will evaluate existing testing methodologies, identify automation gaps, construct a practical improvement roadmap, and build scalable automation frameworks from scratch. This position demands a proactive, hands-on technical leader who can mentor team members, introduce best practices using tools like TestComplete and qTest, write robust scripts in Python and C#, and drive continuous, measurable quality improvements across the organization.

Location: Mississauga, ON

Assignment Type: Hybrid (2 days per week onsite)

Contract Duration: 12-month contract

Advantages
Strategic Modernization Scope: Lead the architectural transformation and modernization of a complex desktop application QA automation practice.

Framework Architecture: Build robust, scalable automation frameworks from scratch using Python, C#, SQL, TestComplete, and qTest.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Establish automation best practices, mentor QA team members, and demonstrate solutions through working examples.

Proactive & Collaborative Culture: Work within an environment that values high self-initiative, active engagement, and clear technical communication.

Balanced Hybrid Structure: Enjoy a flexible working model combining collaborative onsite teamwork in Mississauga with remote work.

Responsibilities
Perform end-to-end assessments of the existing test automation architecture, identify technical gaps, and establish a practical modernization roadmap.

Design, architect, and build scalable, maintainable test automation frameworks from scratch for desktop applications.

Write, optimize, and execute automated test scripts using Python, C#, SQL, and specialized tools such as TestComplete.

Manage, organize, and trace test assets, execution cycles, and defect reporting utilizing qTest and enterprise test management tools.

Drive hands-on implementation by creating working proof-of-concept (PoC) scripts and demonstrating technical solutions to engineering teams.

Mentor and train QA team members on modern automation standards, coding practices, and efficient troubleshooting techniques.

Perform deep analytical problem-solving and root-cause analysis to resolve technical issues and automation bottlenecks.

Collaborate proactively across multi-disciplinary squads, explaining complex automation concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Monitor performance metrics and evaluate framework effectiveness to deliver continuous, measurable improvements in testing speed and coverage.

Qualifications
Core Requirements & Automation Architecture
Desktop Application Automation: Minimum 2 years of dedicated hands-on experience designing and executing test automation specifically for complex desktop applications.

Framework Design: Proven track record of designing, building, and scaling automated testing frameworks from scratch.

Programming & Database Proficiency: Strong hands-on coding skills in Python, C#, and SQL for scripting, test data generation, and backend validation.

QA & Test Management Tools: Demonstrated expertise using TestComplete for desktop automation and qTest (or equivalent) for test lifecycle management.

Process Improvement: Proven ability to review current QA practices, identify automation coverage gaps, and implement practical improvement roadmaps.

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes
Proactive Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with a high level of self-initiative and an actively engaged, collaborative mindset.

Mentorship & Coaching: Demonstrated ability to mentor junior/intermediate team members and lead best-practice adoption through hands-on demonstration.

Analytical Problem Solving: Superior diagnostic and critical thinking skills to analyze complex technical architectures and resolve intricate software defects.

Summary
If you're interested in the "QA Automation Lead / Architect" role based in Mississauga, we encourage you to apply online at www.randstad.ca.
Only qualified candidates will be contacted for the next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!

Randstad Canada is committed to fostering a workforce reflective of all peoples of Canada. As a result, we are committed to developing and implementing strategies to increase the equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace by examining our internal policies, practices, and systems throughout the entire lifecycle of our workforce, including its recruitment, retention and advancement for all employees. In addition to our deep commitment to respecting human rights, we are dedicated to positive actions to affect change to ensure everyone has full participation in the workforce free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise, especially equity-seeking groups who are usually underrepresented in Canada's workforce, including those who identify as women or non-binary/gender non-conforming; Indigenous or Aboriginal Peoples; persons with disabilities (visible or invisible) and; members of visible minorities, racialized groups and the LGBTQ2+ community.

Randstad Canada is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that all job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by sending an email to accessibility@randstad.ca to ensure their ability to fully participate in the interview process.