Test Automation Engineer (Contract)

Why You’d Like It
If you are a seasoned automation specialist who enjoys the "detective work" of auditing frameworks as much as the "craft" of building them, this contract offers a rare level of technical influence. You won’t just be a cog in a machine; you’ll be the subject matter expert tasked with taking a two-year-old Playwright framework and elevating it to a world-class standard. It is a chance to work on a sophisticated ecosystem where your code interacts with physical hardware and cloud infrastructure, providing a variety of challenges that go far beyond standard web-app testing.

The Story
This team is at an exciting inflection point. They have a solid foundation and a tight-knit culture, but they are ready to move from manual-first processes to a mature, automated-led environment. As they navigate 2–3 month development cycles, there is a clear need for a contractor to come in, audit the current state of play, and bridge the gap. This isn't just about writing scripts; it’s about mentorship and setting the pace for a team eager to upskill.

Company Profile
Based in Hamilton, this organisation is a global heavyweight in the security innovation space. They don’t just build software; they create integrated ecosystems that include mobile apps, Java-based microservices, and high tech physical hardware used to protect people and assets worldwide. Despite their global reach, the local engineering culture feels like a community: collaborative, high-performing, and deeply proud of the "tangible" products they ship.

Your Role 

• Framework Audit: Conducting a deep-dive review of the existing Playwright setup to identify bottlenecks and implement scalable enhancements.
• Automation Transition: Moving manual end-to-end (E2E) tests into robust, maintainable automated suites.
• Hybrid Testing: Executing rigorous testing across a complex stack, including Java microservices, APIs, and AWS-hosted infrastructure.
• Hardware Integration: Getting "on-desk" with physical devices to ensure software triggers and firmware responses are perfectly aligned.
• Mentorship: Acting as the go-to expert to coach the permanent QA team, fostering a culture of technical excellence in Playwright.

Your Fit 

• Playwright Mastery: You haven’t just used it; you’ve architected or audited frameworks from the ground up.
• Technical Breadth: Strong experience testing Java-based microservices and working within AWS environments.
• Hands-on Attitude: You are comfortable working with physical hardware and firmware, not just pixels on a screen.
• Coaching Ability: A natural knack for explaining the "why" behind the "how" to help peers grow.
• Bonus Points: If you have experience with mobile automation or legacy Selenium transitions, you'll hit the ground running.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. If you are not a NZ Citizen, you must have the right of permanent residence or a valid work visa.

Does this sound like it could be the next role for you? Get in touch with Henry for a confidential discussion: email [email protected] or call on 0274991187.