Senior QA Automation Engineer

Senior QA Automation EngineerThe AreaThe Morningstar Indexes Team leverages its expertise in equity research, manager research, asset allocation, and portfolio construction to create innovative investment solutions. The team uses Morningstar's intellectual property to develop indexes that empower investors to achieve their goals throughout the investment lifecycle, including market monitoring, benchmarking, and asset allocation. The business offers a comprehensive suite of global equity, bond, commodity, and asset allocation indexes.The RoleWe are seeking a Senior QA Automation Engineer who will collaborate closely with technology and business teams to build and enhance technology solutions for Morningstar's Indexes applications.In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing test automation frameworks and strategies across multiple applications. You will analyze existing systems, understand enterprise-level complexities, and drive modern automation practices to improve product quality, efficiency, and reliability.The ideal candidate is a hands-on automation professional with strong technical expertise, a passion for quality engineering, and the ability to contribute independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.ResponsibilitiesDefine and establish automation testing strategies, frameworks, and processes.Analyze and understand Indexes applications and design appropriate automation testing solutions.Gather requirements and develop comprehensive automation test cases and test suites.Work independently as an Individual Contributor while driving quality initiatives.Coordinate testing activities for application enhancements and technology operations with business and technology stakeholders.Collaborate effectively with development, business analysis, and operations teams to ensure high-quality software delivery.Participate actively in Agile ceremonies including daily stand-ups, iteration planning meetings, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.Identify, document, track, and communicate defects throughout the software development lifecycle.Support Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities and contribute to bug resolution efforts.Ensure test automation coverage across backend integrations, databases, APIs, and user interfaces.Continuously improve automation frameworks, testing processes, and quality engineering practices.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.ExperienceMinimum 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance Automation Testing.Technical SkillsTest AutomationHands-on experience implementing and maintaining large-scale, cross-functional automation frameworks.Strong understanding of automation testing approaches including:Keyword-Driven TestingData-Driven TestingBehavior-Driven Development (BDD)Hybrid Automation FrameworksExperience in automation across:Backend Integration TestingDatabase TestingUser Interface TestingCI/CD and DevOpsExperience integrating automation frameworks into CI/CD pipelines.Knowledge of end-to-end SDLC automation practices.Familiarity with cloud-based test execution environments.Experience with reporting and test management tools such as:JiraALMTesting ToolsHands-on experience with automation testing tools including:SeleniumSoapUIQTPJUnitNUnitProgramming and DevelopmentStrong experience with:JavaC# (preferred or equivalent experience)Solid understanding of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts.Knowledge of software design principles and best practices.Database and Data TestingExperience with:SQLDatabase TestingETL TestingAbility to write, optimize, and understand SQL queries, stored procedures, and database validations.QA MethodologiesProven understanding of:White Box TestingGrey Box TestingBlack Box TestingStrong knowledge of software testing principles and quality assurance methodologies.Source Control and Configuration ManagementExperience working with source control systems and configuration management practices.Familiarity with version control tools and release management processes.Soft SkillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to ensure high-quality software delivery across projects.Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.Strong self-learning and independent research skills.Ability to work effectively in Agile environments and collaborate with distributed teams.Good to HaveHands-on experience with Cloud Testing.Understanding of cloud platforms and cloud-based test automation.Exposure to modern DevOps practices and automated deployment pipelines.Experience working with enterprise-scale applications in financial services or investment technology domains.Experience LevelSenior-Level Individual Contributor (IC)This role is suited for experienced QA Automation professionals who can independently lead automation initiatives, design testing frameworks, drive quality improvements, and contribute to enterprise-scale software delivery.Equal Opportunity EmployerMorningstar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are valued and respected, and where diversity of thought, experience, and background is welcomed.