Automation Test Lead with Playwright & GenAI
About the role
As an Automation Test Lead, you will make an impact by driving an AI‑first approach to quality engineering, leveraging Playwright, headless automation, and GenAI‑powered testing agents. You will be a valued member of the Quality Engineering team and work collaboratively with engineering, product, DevOps, and architecture stakeholders.
In this role, you will:
• Build and enhance a headless testing layer using Playwright’s API and automation capabilities
• Design, deploy, and optimize AI/GenAI‑based testing agents for validating business logic, APIs, and service contracts
• Establish and implement standards for automation frameworks
• Lead initiatives for generative test-data creation and ETL validation agents to produce high-entropy, production‑like datasets at scale
• Integrate agent-driven quality signals into CI/CD pipelines for real-time, event-driven quality observability
• Review automation code and mentor team members on AI‑first QE practices
• Continuously evaluate new AI-driven testing tools and frameworks and recommend improvements
• Implement AI/GenAI-enabled testing techniques, including:
• AI-assisted test case generation and maintenance
• Intelligent test data creation
• Automated defect analysis and root-cause insights
Work model: Remote
We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in Des Moines, Iowa. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project, business, or client needs. We will always be transparent about expectations.
What you need to have to be considered
• Expert level proficiency in Playwright for both UI and API automation
• Expert in Creation of Automation frameworks
• Expertise in implementing LLM-powered self-healing automation to proactively detect application changes and eliminate manual maintenance through autonomous agent refactoring
• Strong understanding of GenAI concepts and hands on with creating testing agents.
• Strong programming experience in TypeScript / Node.js or Python
• Deep understanding of headless testing, API validation, and service level automation
• Solid knowledge of microservices, distributed systems, and event driven design
• Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD pipelines
These will help you stand out
• Experience with AI-driven quality engineering tools and emerging QE frameworks
• Background in developing production‑scale test data generators
• Ability to mentor teams on GenAI-led quality transformation
• Strong ability to evaluate new tools and influence testing strategy
• Experience working in highly scalable distributed environments
Compensation
Applications will be accepted until March 16, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $71,100 – $112,500, depending on experience and other qualifications.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of applicable plans.
Benefits:
Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to eligibility requirements:
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
401(k) plan and contributions
Long-term and Short-term Disability
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Cognizant will only consider applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
This role does not offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.
The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
- We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
- We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
- We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.
About us:
Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Disclaimer:
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.