Intermediate Software Tester (QA Automation)

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Intermediate Software Tester (QA Automation) to join our Mining Software Development Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the quality, stability, and reliability of software products through the development and execution of automated testing frameworks and regression test suites.

This role requires close collaboration with frontend and backend development teams to validate new features, identify defects, and support high-quality software releases within a mature CI/CD environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in test automation, continuous integration practices, and modern software development methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Test Automation Development

• Design, develop, and maintain automated end-to-end and integration test suites using Playwright.
• Create scalable and reusable testing frameworks to support ongoing product development.
• Continuously improve automation coverage and testing efficiency.

CI/CD Integration

• Integrate automated test suites into Jenkins pipelines.
• Support continuous integration and continuous deployment practices by ensuring automated test execution within release workflows.
• Monitor and maintain automated testing processes within the CI/CD environment.

Regression Testing

• Develop and maintain comprehensive regression test suites.
• Ensure that new releases, enhancements, and changes do not impact existing functionality.
• Execute automated and manual regression testing as required.

Release Quality Assurance

• Validate software releases, hotfixes, and production updates.
• Conduct verification testing before deployment to production environments.
• Provide sign-off recommendations on release readiness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Angular frontend developers and Python backend engineers to understand requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Participate in sprint planning, refinement sessions, and testing discussions.
• Identify edge cases and potential risks during feature development.

Database Testing & Validation

• Write and execute PostgreSQL queries to validate application data, backend processing, and data integrity.
• Verify system state changes and database transactions during testing activities.
• Identify, reproduce, isolate, document, and track software defects.
• Work collaboratively with developers to investigate root causes and validate fixes.
• Ensure defects are appropriately prioritized and resolved.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 3 to 5 years' experience in Software Quality Assurance and Test Automation.
• Proven experience designing and building automated test frameworks from scratch.
• Strong practical experience using Playwright for test automation.
• Experience working within Agile software development environments.

Technical Skills

• Test Automation
• Automated End-to-End Testing
• Integration Testing
• Regression Testing
• CI/CD & DevOps
• Automated Build and Release Testing
• Application Testing
• Experience testing modern Single Page Applications (SPAs).
• Experience testing REST APIs and backend services.
• Familiarity with Angular-based applications is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with Python backend environments is advantageous.

Database Testing

• PostgreSQL query writing and data validation.
• Data integrity and backend process verification.

Software Development Methodologies

• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery best practices.
• Automated regression testing.
• Defect identification and root-cause analysis.
• Release validation and quality assurance.
• Database testing and verification.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation abilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced development environment.

Success Measures (KPIs)

• Automated test coverage across critical application functionality.
• Reduction in escaped defects reaching production.
• Quality and stability of software releases.
• Timely execution and maintenance of regression test suites.
• Accuracy and clarity of defect reporting.
• Contribution to CI/CD testing efficiency.
• Collaboration and responsiveness within Agile development teams.

Full-time position.

Strictly office-based.

No remote or hybrid work option available.

Candidates must be able and willing to commute to the Stellenbosch office daily.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a proactive and technically capable QA Automation professional who enjoys building robust automated testing frameworks and working closely with development teams. They possess strong Playwright and Jenkins experience, are comfortable validating both frontend and backend functionality, and have a passion for delivering high-quality software within an Agile, CI/CD-driven environment.