Principal Automation Test Engineer (Desktop Application)

We are on the lookout for a visionary Principal Automation Engineer to lead our automation excellence. As a key technical leader, you will drive strategic innovation and hands-on engineering efforts to elevate our automation initiatives. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping scalable, robust solutions for desktop applications and systems, ensuring we stay at the forefront of technological advancement. Join us to spearhead transformative automation capabilities that empower our future. Key Responsibilities • Lead the design and architecture of advanced automation frameworks tailored for desktop applications, focusing on scalability, maintainability, and adaptability across diverse platforms. • Mentor and guide the automation team, fostering technical growth and promoting best practices in automation engineering. • Develop and refine automation strategies that encompass desktop, API, and database layers, integrating these into CI/CD pipelines to uphold continuous quality standards. • Collaborate with subject matter experts, architects, infrastructure, and project management teams to ensure automation efforts are aligned with both business objectives and technical requirements. • Evaluate and enhance manual testing processes for desktop software, identifying opportunities for automation to improve efficiency and reliability. • Maintain and optimize proprietary automation frameworks to ensure seamless operation across various desktop environments and configurations. • Drive root cause analysis and troubleshooting, working cross-functionally to resolve defects and improve system reliability. • Provide comprehensive estimates, solution designs, and automation strategies for upcoming desktop-focused projects. Required Qualifications • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in designing, developing, and maintaining test automation frameworks, with a strong emphasis on desktop application testing (Windows, .NET, or similar). • Demonstrated expertise in automation framework architecture and design patterns, including modular, component-based, and data-driven methodologies. • In-depth knowledge of desktop UI automation tools (such as WinAppDriver, White, Pywinauto, FlaUI, TestStack, or similar). • Experience automating APIs and both packaged and custom desktop applications. • At least 7 years’ experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, QA, and business functions to deliver enterprise-level automation solutions. • Proficiency in programming or scripting languages (Python, .NET, C#, Java, Bash, etc.) for building automation tools and integrating frameworks. • Strong command of SQL, including query writing, database interaction, and basic schema design to support automation needs. • Hands-on experience with CI/CD processes, enabling autonomous execution of desktop automation within build and deployment workflows. • Comfortable operating in Windows and Linux environments to support cross-platform automation. • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with Tosca or other enterprise-level automation platforms. • Background in the utility, energy, or other large-scale operational sectors. • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline. Benefits • 401(k). • Dental Insurance. • Health insurance. • Vision insurance. • We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity, equality, inclusion, and respect for people. • The salary will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant education, qualifications, experience, technical skills, and business needs. Additional Responsibilities • Participate in OP monthly team meetings, and participate in team-building efforts. • Contribute to OP technical discussions, peer reviews, etc. • Contribute content and collaborate via the OP-Wiki/Knowledge Base. • Provide status reports to OP Account Management as requested. About Us OP is a technology consulting and solutions company, offering advisory and managed services, innovative platforms, and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields — including AI, cyber security, enterprise architecture, and beyond. Our most valuable asset is our people: dynamic, creative thinkers, who are passionate about doing quality work. As a member of the OP team, you will have access to industry-leading consulting practices, strategies & and technologies, innovative training & education. An ideal OP team member is a technology leader with a proven track record of technical excellence and a strong focus on process and methodology