Lead - Test Engineer ESS

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Lead - Test Engineer ESS based in India.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Test Engineer to drive quality assurance for enterprise HR and Payroll solutions supporting global business operations. In this role, you will analyze project requirements, design comprehensive test strategies, execute functional and integration tests, and validate backend processes to ensure reliable, production-ready systems. You will work extensively with cloud-based HR and Payroll platforms, custom web applications, Oracle databases, SQL, and automated testing tools. Partnering closely with development teams and stakeholders across HR, Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, Recruiting, and Digital Technology, you will help identify defects, resolve issues, and continuously strengthen testing practices. You will also contribute to automation initiatives, standardized QA documentation, and process improvements across multiple projects and workstreams. This hybrid opportunity is ideal for a technically strong QA professional who combines deep HR and Payroll domain knowledge with analytical thinking, ownership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions on schedule.

Accountabilities

• Analyze project requirements: Review business and technical requirements for HR and Payroll solutions, identify testing needs, and develop appropriate test strategies and plans.

• Design and document test cases: Create comprehensive test cases, test data, execution procedures, and expected results covering functional, integration, and backend testing scenarios.

• Execute testing activities: Perform test execution across cloud-based HR and Payroll systems, custom web applications, and associated integrations, ensuring solutions meet business and technical requirements.

• Manage defects and resolutions: Identify, document, track, and report defects in Jira; collaborate with development teams to investigate issues, validate fixes, and document defect closure.

• Perform backend and database testing: Validate data processing and system behavior using SQL queries, PL/SQL analysis, Oracle databases, database schemas, schema objects, and related backend technologies.

• Test HR and Payroll business processes: Validate workflows such as hiring, job changes, transfers, leave of absence, time off, terminations, promotions, one-time payments, incentives, awards, and benefits processing.

• Support integration and file-based testing: Test data exchanges, file processing, file comparisons, and file transfers to ensure accuracy and consistency across connected systems.

• Contribute to test automation: Identify suitable automation opportunities and develop or improve automated test cases using Selenium and other relevant testing tools.

• Improve QA processes: Collaborate with the quality assurance team to refine testing methodologies, develop reusable templates and checklists, establish standard work practices, and incorporate lessons learned.

• Coordinate across projects: Manage testing activities across multiple projects and workstreams, including HR, Payroll, and Benefits, while prioritizing tasks according to project schedules and business requirements.

• Communicate progress and risks: Participate in daily project stand-ups, provide updates on testing progress, report blockers and defects, and maintain accurate project information in Jira.

• Deliver testing artifacts on time: Ensure test plans, execution records, defect reports, status updates, and other QA deliverables meet agreed timelines, particularly for high-visibility projects.

• Maintain data security and privacy: Follow applicable data protection and information security requirements throughout testing, test data handling, and documentation activities.

• Collaborate with business and technical teams: Work with HR, Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, Recruiting, Learning Management, and Digital Technology stakeholders to clarify requirements and ensure solutions meet operational needs.

Requirements

• Professional experience: Typically, at least six years of quality assurance experience, supported by a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience. Candidates with an advanced degree and at least four years of related experience may also be considered.

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related STEM discipline.

• HR and Payroll domain expertise: Strong knowledge of HR and Payroll processes, including hiring, job changes, transfers, leave of absence, time off, terminations, promotions, one-time payments, incentives, awards, and benefits processing.

• Enterprise application testing: Experience testing cloud-based HR and Payroll platforms or custom HR and Payroll web applications.

• Relevant platform experience: Familiarity with ADP Enterprise, Workday, and custom applications built using technologies such as .NET and VB.NET.

• Software development lifecycle knowledge: Experience working across the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and post-implementation validation.

• Test planning and documentation: Demonstrated ability to develop and document test strategies, test plans, test cases, test data, execution results, defect reports, and test status reports.

• Testing tools: Proficiency with Jira and experience using quality assurance tools such as Quality Center and Selenium.

• SQL and PL/SQL skills: Strong ability to write SQL queries, analyze PL/SQL code, validate database records, and investigate backend processing issues.

• Oracle database expertise: Extensive knowledge of Oracle databases, schemas, schema objects, and database jobs.

• Backend and integration testing: Practical experience testing integrations, file processing, file comparison, file transfers, and data consistency across systems.

• Supporting technical tools: Familiarity with Linux Cron Jobs, Toad for Oracle, SQL Developer, Microsoft Excel, and text editors such as Notepad++.

• Analytical problem-solving: Strong attention to detail and the ability to investigate defects, identify root causes, evaluate risks, and recommend effective solutions.

• Organization and prioritization: Ability to manage concurrent projects and multiple testing workstreams while meeting delivery schedules and maintaining high quality standards.

• Communication and collaboration: Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with developers, QA colleagues, business stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.

• Process improvement mindset: Interest in identifying automation opportunities, improving testing efficiency, standardizing QA practices, and applying lessons learned.

• Data privacy awareness: Understanding of the importance of data security, confidentiality, and appropriate data handling throughout the testing lifecycle.

• Adaptability and ownership: Ability to work independently, take responsibility for deliverables, and contribute effectively to high-visibility projects in a global organization.

• Work arrangement: Willingness to work in a hybrid arrangement in Bengaluru, with regular onsite and offsite work as determined with the manager. Occasional travel may be required.

Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement: A combination of onsite and offsite work, with the onsite schedule determined in coordination with the manager.

• Full-time employment: An opportunity to contribute to enterprise-level HR and Payroll technology initiatives within a global organization.

• Technical career development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in enterprise testing, Oracle databases, SQL, integration testing, and automated quality assurance.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work with global teams across HR, Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, Recruiting, Learning Management, and Digital Technology.

• High-impact projects: Contribute to visible technology initiatives that support essential business processes and enterprise systems.

• Continuous improvement opportunities: Participate in automation initiatives, QA standardization, testing process enhancements, and knowledge-sharing activities.

• Inclusive workplace: An equal employment opportunity environment that considers qualified candidates without discrimination on legally protected grounds.