Overview
Senior Manager, Quality Engineering (Hybrid)
Location: Hybrid (Chicago or Houston)
Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours
Travel: Up to 10%
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Compensation:
- Contract: ~$90+/hour
- Conversion Salary Range: ~$150,000–$180,000
About the Role
A technology organization is seeking a Senior Manager of Quality Engineering to lead enterprise-wide testing strategy and elevate quality practices across large-scale, mission-critical applications. This role oversees multiple QA teams and works closely with engineering, business partners, and senior leadership to ensure high-quality software delivery.
It’s an ideal position for a technical leader who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys strengthening teams, and is passionate about building modern, scalable testing programs.
Top Skills Required
- Leadership of multi-team or distributed QA groups
- Enterprise-level test automation strategy and implementation
- Experience with automation tools such as Selenium, Rest Assured, SQL, or performance testing frameworks
- Ability to manage large software programs with complex interdependencies
- Strong technical depth for guiding teams and making architectural decisions
Nice to Have
- Experience with GenAI testing or AI-driven validation
- Background in high-volume or consumer-facing industries (e-commerce, hospitality, fintech, etc.)
- Experience leading testing across cloud, mobile, and legacy platforms
- Proven ability to develop technical leaders and build strong talent pipelines
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and grow high-performing Quality Engineering teams
- Build a culture centered on quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement
- Develop long-term talent strategies, training pathways, and performance plans
- Scale and modernize test automation infrastructure to support rapid development cycles
Quality Delivery & Innovation
- Define the organization’s testing vision across business and technical ecosystems
- Guide validation of complex and emerging solutions, including AI-driven systems
- Maintain high quality standards while navigating fast timelines and evolving priorities
- Support teams in resolving architectural challenges and technical bottlenecks
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to align quality goals with broader organizational objectives
- Partner with engineering, DevOps, and product teams to optimize CI/CD workflows
- Champion advanced testing practices and automation strategies across teams
Governance & Operational Excellence
- Establish QA best practices and delivery standards for enterprise programs
- Oversee department budgets, resource planning, and investment strategies
- Deliver regular roadmap updates, KPIs, and program metrics to senior leadership
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
- 5+ years of management experience in Quality Engineering or technical leadership
- 3+ years implementing enterprise-grade automation or performance testing frameworks
- Demonstrated success managing medium to large-scale software programs
- Ability to operate independently while driving outcomes across multiple teams
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–10 years of progressive leadership experience in Quality Engineering
- Experience with GenAI testing technologies or automation for AI workflows
- Background in high-volume or customer-facing industries
- Strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and customer focus