Test Automation Engineer

Opportunity Overview 

Northramp is seeking a Test Automation Engineer to join the team supporting the client's Cloud BPA Bridge program — a mission-critical effort to consolidate, modernize, and operate the client's enterprise cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments under FedRAMP High authorization. 

You will design and operate automated testing frameworks that validate the reliability, performance, and security posture of the client's cloud-hosted applications and infrastructure. The role is embedded within the DevOps delivery pipeline, ensuring test automation is a first-class part of every software release and infrastructure change. 

This role is part of Northramp’s integrated delivery model, where engineers and advisors work as one team to bring sound judgment, disciplined execution, and deep federal experience to high-stakes modernization programs.  

Location & Work Arrangement 

Hybrid, based in the Washington, DC metro area. On-site presence at designated client locations is expected on a cadence aligned to program needs. Remote work is supported around mission and security requirements. This role is not open to candidates outside the DC region. 

The Ideal Candidate 

You write test automation that actually catches bugs, you’ve integrated frameworks into CI/CD pipelines in production federal environments, and you understand the difference between coverage that looks good on a dashboard and testing that gives teams real confidence to ship. You’re precise, collaborative, and you treat flaky tests as a problem to be fixed, not tolerated. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks for functional, regression, integration, performance, and security testing of cloud-hosted applications and APIs. 

• Integrate automated test suites into Harness and other CI/CD pipelines, enforcing quality gates that block deployments on test failure. 

• Build and maintain API test automation using tools such as Postman, REST-assured, or Karate; develop UI automation using Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress. 

• Develop performance and load test plans and scripts using tools such as JMeter, Gatling, or k6; analyze results and drive remediation of performance bottlenecks. 

• Collaborate with security engineers to embed DAST and vulnerability scanning into the test pipeline using tools such as OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite. 

• Maintain test environments and test data management practices aligned to FedRAMP High data handling requirements. 

• Track and report on test coverage, defect trends, and quality metrics; communicate risks clearly to engineering leads and program management. 

• Participate in requirements and design reviews to ensure testability is built in from the start. 

• Develop and maintain test documentation including test plans, test cases, and traceability matrices to support ATO and SELC review processes. 

• Mentor developers and junior QA staff on test automation best practices and shift-left quality principles. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• 3 to 6 years of progressive experience in software quality engineering with a significant focus on test automation development. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. Relevant professional experience may substitute. 

• Strong programming skills in at least one of Python, Java, or JavaScript for test automation development. 

• Hands-on experience with UI automation frameworks (Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress) and API testing tools (Postman, REST-assured, or Karate). 

• Experience building and integrating test automation into CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Harness, or equivalent). 

• Familiarity with performance testing tools (JMeter, Gatling, or k6) and interpreting load test results. 

• Understanding of security testing concepts and exposure to DAST tooling (OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite). 

• Knowledge of containerized test execution environments using Docker and Kubernetes. 

• Understanding of FISMA, FedRAMP, and NIST 800-53 compliance requirements as they affect software testing and documentation. 

• Experience with test management tools (Jira/Xray, TestRail, or equivalent) and defect tracking workflows. 

• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DHS suitability / Public Trust clearance. 

Desired Qualifications 

• ISTQB certification (Foundation or Advanced level). 

• AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud practitioner or associate-level certification. 

• Security+ or equivalent certification. 

• Experience with Section 508 / accessibility testing (axe, WAVE, or equivalent). 

• DHS, or other federal program QA or test engineering experience. 

• Active Public Trust or higher clearance. 

Clearance 

DHS suitability and a Public Trust background investigation are required for this role. Active Public Trust or higher clearance is preferred. Selected applicants will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to controlled or classified information. 

About Northramp 

Northramp is a federal consulting firm that helps agencies modernize and operate mission-critical systems with sound judgment, disciplined execution, and deep federal experience. We specialize in high-stakes digital transformation in highly regulated environments where failure is not an option. Our integrated delivery model brings engineers and advisors together as one team, combining technical depth with an operator’s mindset to move organizations from strategy to execution with confidence. 

We hold high standards because our clients’ missions demand it, and we support our people in meeting them. Northramp is where you are challenged, trusted, and supported — a place for people who take pride in their work, value clarity and follow-through, and want to make a meaningful impact through technology. 

Equal Opportunity 

Northramp is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Northramp participates in E-Verify. 

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Wellness Resources
• Employee Bonus Programs