Test Automation Engineer

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's IT & Digital Team is seeking a Test Automation Engineer in Durham, NC. This role will partner closely with engineering teams to design and implement scalable test automation solutions that support non-functional testing, including performance, security, and usability.

The Test Automation Engineer enables the development and execution of automated data and API testing to ensure system integrity, seamless integration, and alignment with business requirements. Working cross-functionally with development, operations, and business teams, this role helps embed automated testing into the software development lifecycle while fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment. The individual will analyze test results, drive issue identification and resolution, and support the delivery of high-quality digital and data solutions. Additionally, this role contributes to the evaluation and adoption of modern testing tools and methodologies, promotes reusable testing frameworks, and continuously applies best practices to enhance overall testing effectiveness.

Accountabilities:

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of test automation frameworks to ensure they remain reliable, scalable, and aligned with project requirements.
• Execute assigned test automation activities with accuracy, helping ensure appropriate test coverage and adherence to quality expectations.
• Support the setup and maintenance of test data and test environments, helping protect data integrity and ensuring they are available for testing needs.
• Assist in integrating automated regression tests into CI/CD pipelines by maintaining scripts, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with development teams.
• Document defects clearly and help prioritize them by collaborating with developers to support timely issue resolution.
• Follow established security testing practices and contribute to maintaining the organization's security posture through diligent test execution.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to refine automation approaches, tools, and processes.

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to investigate issues and contribute to effective testing solutions.
• Solid understanding of software testing fundamentals, including test design techniques, defect lifecycle, and automation basics.
• Clear communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective work with developers, product owners, and engineering teams.
• Ability to manage assigned testing tasks and maintain organized, reliable work outputs in a dynamic engineering environment.
• Commitment to staying current with modern testing tools and automation practices, continuously developing technical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Understanding of data validation and test data management, including basic SQL for database checks.
• Hands‑on experience with API testing tools or frameworks (e.g., Postman, REST Assured, SuperTest) and familiarity with CI/CD pipeline concepts.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in test automation, focusing on designing, maintaining, and executing automated tests for backend services and APIs.
• Practical experience with automation frameworks and tools (e.g., Selenium, Cucumber, Postman, REST Assured, SuperTest), including enhancing or extending existing frameworks.
• Working knowledge of CI/CD tools and practices, including running automated tests within pipelines and troubleshooting failures.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language used for test automation, such as JavaScript or Java, with experience writing maintainable test code and utilities.

Critical Technical, Professional, and Personal Capabilities

• Strong skills in developing and maintaining automated tests for backend and API workflows, with the ability to implement solutions using established frameworks and guidance from senior engineers.
• Proficient working knowledge of SQL and familiarity with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) to support test data creation, validation, and analysis.
• Ability to identify defects, troubleshoot issues methodically, and recommend practical improvements to enhance test coverage and automation reliability.
• Solid understanding of version control workflows (e.g., Git), including branching, committing, reviewing, and collaborating on code in team environments.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with developers, peers, and stakeholders to clarify requirements and ensure high-quality deliverables.

Critical Leadership Capabilities

• Demonstrates strong ownership of assigned testing activities by following best practices and contributing to the adoption of consistent standards across the team.
• Shows initiative in identifying opportunities to improve test automation workflows, tools, or coverage, and actively contributes ideas that support continuous improvement.
• Ability to understand team goals and align day-to-day testing tasks to support broader quality objectives set by senior engineers or engineering leadership.
• Effectively manages personal workload, meets commitments, and communicates proactively about risks, progress, or support needed to ensure high-quality, on-time deliverables.
• Collaborates well with team members, offering constructive feedback, sharing knowledge, and helping create a positive and quality-focused team environment.

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

WL: 4A

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