Senior API Test Automation Engineer-Bank

We have an urgent requirement for Senior API Test Automation Engineer is required for our banking client in Abu Dhabi, UAEHands on leading API automation initiatives, building frameworks from scratch, integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines, mentoring teams, and ensuring quality across microservices-based enterprise platforms.--Must Ability to build automation frameworks from scratch.--MustHands-on with JMeter, k6, LoadRunner, and Gatling for load and stress testing.--MustStrong coding experience (Java (Preferred) ,Python ,JavaScript/TypeScript)--MustStrong expertise (Rest Assured ,Karate Framework,Postman + Newman,TestNG/JUnit,PyTest)--MustPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Senior API Test Automation Engineer to lead API quality assurance initiatives across enterprise applications and microservices. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in API testing, test automation framework development, CI/CD integration, and quality engineering practices. The role requires hands-on automation skills, deep technical knowledge of REST/SOAP APIs, and the ability to drive testing strategies across complex systems.The candidate will work closely with Development, DevOps, Product Owners, Architects, and QA teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and secure API solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesAPI Testing & Quality AssuranceDesign, develop, and execute comprehensive API testing strategies.Validate RESTful and SOAP API services for functionality, reliability, performance, and security.Review API specifications, Swagger/OpenAPI documents, and business requirements to create robust test plans and test scenarios.Perform positive, negative, regression, integration, end-to-end, and data validation testing.Validate API contracts, request/response payloads, authentication, authorization, and data consistency.Ensure compliance with enterprise quality standards and testing best practices.Automation TestingDesign and develop scalable API automation frameworks from scratch.Automate API test suites using frameworks such as:Rest AssuredKaratePostman/NewmanSelenium + API IntegrationPyTestCypress API TestingPlaywright API TestingDevelop reusable automation components and utilities to improve testing efficiency.Integrate automated API tests into CI/CD pipelines.Execute automated regression suites and analyze failures.Drive shift-left testing practices within Agile teams.CI/CD & DevOps IntegrationIntegrate automated test execution into:JenkinsAzure DevOpsGitHub ActionsGitLab CI/CDParticipate in release validation activities.Configure automated test reporting and quality dashboards.Support continuous testing methodologies throughout the software development lifecycle.Security & Performance TestingTest APIs using:OAuth 2.0JWTAPI KeysBasic AuthenticationSAMLConduct security validation of authentication and authorization flows.Collaborate with security teams to identify API vulnerabilities.Perform API performance and load testing using:JMeterk6LoadRunnerGatlingAnalyze response times, throughput, scalability, and bottlenecks.Database & Backend ValidationValidate backend data using SQL queries.Verify data integrity across APIs, databases, and third-party integrations.Work with relational and NoSQL databases.Troubleshoot data synchronization and integration issues.Leadership & MentorshipLead API testing initiatives across multiple projects.Mentor junior and mid-level QA engineers on automation best practices.Conduct code reviews for automation scripts.Establish test automation standards and governance.Provide effort estimations and contribute to test planning activities.Drive quality engineering practices within Agile delivery teams.Required Technical SkillsAPI TestingStrong experience with:REST APIsSOAP Web ServicesGraphQL APIsExpert understanding of:HTTP/HTTPS protocolsStatus CodesHeadersCookiesRequest MethodsRate LimitingAPI VersioningHands-on experience with:PostmanSwagger/OpenAPISoapUIInsomniaAutomation SkillsMandatoryMinimum 5+ years of API automation experience.Strong coding experience in:Java (Preferred)PythonJavaScript/TypeScriptExperience developing test automation frameworks from scratch.Strong expertise in:Rest AssuredKarate FrameworkPostman + NewmanTestNG/JUnitPyTestPreferredSelenium WebDriverPlaywrightCypressBDD Frameworks (Cucumber, SpecFlow)Contract Testing (Pact)DevOps & CI/CDJenkinsAzure DevOps PipelinesGitHub ActionsGitLab CI/CDDockerKubernetes (preferred)Git Version ControlDatabase SkillsStrong SQL expertise.Experience with:SQL ServerOraclePostgreSQLMySQLWorking knowledge of NoSQL databases:MongoDBCassandraCloud & MicroservicesUnderstanding of microservices architecture.Experience testing distributed systems.Exposure to cloud environments:Microsoft AzureAWSGoogle Cloud PlatformQualificationsBachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent.ISTQB Certification (Preferred).API Testing Certification or Automation Certification is a plus.Experience5-10+ years of Quality Assurance experience.5+ years of API Automation Testing experience.Experience building enterprise-level test automation frameworks.Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.Experience in Banking, Financial Services, FinTech, Insurance, Telecommunications, or large-scale enterprise applications preferred.Key CompetenciesStrong leadership and mentoring capabilities.Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.Strong stakeholder communication.Ability to drive quality initiatives independently.Strong problem-solving mindset.Risk-based testing approach.Continuous improvement mindset.Nice to HaveContract Testing using Pact.Service Virtualization tools (WireMock, MockServer).Kafka/Event-Driven Architecture testing.Test data management tools.AI-enabled test automation tools.Experience with API monitoring tools such as Splunk, Dynatrace, or AppDynamics.Skills: testing,automation,api