QA Automation Engineer with Java Experience - Chicago, IL (Onsite) - Contract

QA Automation Engineer With Java ExperienceLocation: Chicago, IL – Onsite from day 1 Long Term ContractWe are seeking a skilled QA Automation Engineer with strong proficiency in Java-based automation frameworks. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in developing and maintaining automated test scripts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring high-quality delivery of software applications.Key Responsibilities:Design, develop, and maintain robust automated test scripts using Java and automation tools/frameworks such as Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, etc.Perform functional, regression, integration, and end-to-end testing for web-based and backend applications.Work closely with developers, BAs, and product owners to understand requirements and ensure complete test coverage.Develop and execute test strategies, test plans, and test cases based on business and technical requirements.Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI, etc.).Identify, log, and track bugs using tools like JIRA or Azure DevOps.Participate in Agile ceremonies and provide QA input during planning and retrospectives.Maintain and update existing automation frameworks and scripts as needed.Required Skills:8-10+ years of experience in QA Automation, with strong hands-on skills in Java programming.Expertise in automation frameworks: Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, JUnit, Cucumber.Experience testing RESTful APIs using tools like Postman, RestAssured, or similar.Familiarity with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, Maven, Git, Docker.Good knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies.Solid understanding of QA processes, test methodologies, and best practices.Excellent troubleshooting and debugging skills.Strong communication and team collaboration abilities.Nice to Have:Experience with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, Gatling).Exposure to cloud environments (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).Experience with test reporting tools like Allure or ExtentReports.Knowledge of database querying (SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL).