Lead Automation Tester in Java

We are seeking a Lead Automation Tester in Java to define and lead the test automation strategy for our squad, ensuring high-confidence releases across backend services, integrations and UI flows. The role involves building and maintaining automated test suites, mentoring functional QAs to adopt automation practices, and promoting quality engineering best practices across the delivery lifecycle, while leveraging Microsoft Copilot to accelerate automation development and improve test coverage. Responsibilities Own and evolve the squad's test automation strategy, including test pyramid, automation coverage targets, risk-based approach, and quality gates Define and enforce Definition of Done quality criteria, including automation expectations, regression scope, and non-functional checks Establish and monitor quality KPIs such as automation pass rate, flaky tests, defect leakage, and trend reporting Design, implement, and maintain automated tests for RESTful APIs, executed with JUnit Validate API contracts, versioning, backward compatibility, negative/error scenarios, and authorization patterns where applicable Create robust integration test coverage for microservices and integration flows, including retries, error handling, and data consistency Validate persistence and data integrity using SQL against Microsoft SQL Server Implement and maintain reliable UI automation for critical user journeys Debug API/UI interaction issues in collaboration with engineers Design and execute performance/load tests, including workload models, baselines, and throughput/latency measurements Integrate automated suites into CI/CD pipelines, including PR checks, regression stages, and scheduled runs Mentor functional QAs to adopt automation through pairing, code reviews, training sessions, and clear contribution paths Requirements 5+ years of experience as an Automation QA, including ownership of automation delivery in a squad/team Strong Java test automation skills using JUnit Strong API automation experience with RestAssured or Karate UI automation experience with Playwright and CI execution best practices Performance testing experience using Apache JMeter, including test plans, execution, and analysis CI/CD experience with Git and Azure DevOps, including pipeline integration, gating, and reporting Solid SQL skills and experience validating data in Microsoft SQL Server Strong mentoring and collaboration skills, with the ability to raise QA maturity across functional and technical testing Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot or similar AI-assisted engineering tools Proficiency in English and Greek