Quality Engineer (AI & Test Automation)

About the Role

Cognizant’s Quality Engineering & Assurance team is the innovative engine at our company. We are a dedicated group of builders and problem-solvers responsible for the most critical, customer-facing platforms. Within this team, the Quality practice is not a downstream function but a fully integrated partner in development. Our mission is to embed quality into every stage of the lifecycle. As a Quality Engineer, you will be on the front lines of this effort, moving beyond traditional QA to dive into AI-driven testing and help build and maintain robust quality standards for mission-critical intelligent applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain test automation frameworks using Java and Python.
• Write clean, efficient, and scalable automation scripts for new features to ensure robust test coverage across all deliverables.
• Perform API testing: understand API concepts, develop and execute functional tests, interpret Swagger YAML files, and validate endpoints using Postman or Rest Assured automation frameworks.
• Conduct database testing: write and execute SQL queries to retrieve, update, and delete data, ensuring database integrity and reliability.
• Own quality for assigned features and components: collaborate with product managers and developers on requirements analysis, create detailed test cases, execute comprehensive test suites (functional, integration, regression), and provide final quality sign-off.
• Track and report testing progress: use tools such as JIRA, ADO, or ALM for defect logging and reporting, ensuring transparency of feature quality to the team and stakeholders.
• Implement and execute test plans for AI/ML applications: support QA activities and certify the quality of AI-powered systems, including hands-on testing of chatbots for intent recognition, conversational flow, response accuracy, and edge case handling.
• Leverage modern AI tools to enhance workflow: utilize AI code assistants like GitHub Copilot to accelerate test script development and explore generative AI for tasks such as test data creation and bug report summarization.
• Ensure AI reliability and fairness: execute test cases to identify issues related to bias, fairness, and model robustness, contributing to the overall trustworthiness of AI systems.
• Develop and maintain test automation scripts and frameworks using Java and Python.
• Have proficiency with test and defect management tools, particularly JIRA or similar tools.
• Understand and apply CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 0 – 1 years of professional experience in a Quality Assurance or Quality Engineering role.
• Hands-on experience developing and maintaining test automation scripts and frameworks using Java and Python.
• Basic understanding of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) and practical experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment.
• A keen interest in or prior experience testing AI-powered applications, such as chatbots or other AI/ML-based systems.
• Hands-on experience with Hybrid Automation frameworks.
• Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions).
• Exposure to performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, Gatling).
• Basic knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization (Docker).
• A passion for learning and staying up to date with the latest trends in AI and software testing.

Location

New hires will be hired to work at the Cognizant office in Plano, TX, alongside other experienced associates delivering technology solutions. Applicants must be willing to relocate to this geographic area. While we attempt to honor candidate location preferences, business needs and position availability will determine the final location assignment.

Start Date

New hires will start in January 2026. While we will attempt to honor candidate start date preferences, business need and position availability will determine the final start date assignment. The exact start date will be communicated with enough time for you to plan effectively.

Pay

The annual salary for this position is $65,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Work Authorization

Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant cannot provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization (including participation in a CPT/OPT program) for this role.