Senior Automation Engineer: SLS: RA: Sanlam Risk & Savings: Bellville

What will you do?

Test Automation Engineering

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable test automation frameworks.
• Build and execute automated functional, regression, integration, API, and end-to-end test suites.
• Develop automation solutions using Python and modern automation tools.
• Implement browser-based and cross-platform automation using Selenium and Playwright.
• Contribute to continuous integration and continuous testing pipelines.
• Improve test coverage, reliability, and execution efficiency across applications.
• Support shift-left testing practices and quality engineering initiatives.

AI-Driven Quality Engineering

• Leverage AI technologies to improve test case generation, test data management, defect analysis, and test execution.
• Build and maintain solutions utilizing LangChain, AutoGen, and emerging AI agent frameworks.
• Explore opportunities to integrate Generative AI into the software testing lifecycle.
• Develop intelligent automation solutions using Large Language Models (LLMs).

Data & Analytics

• Write and optimize complex SQL queries for test validation, data verification, and reporting.
• Validate data integrity across multiple systems and databases.
• Work with Vector Databases to support AI-driven testing solutions and knowledge-based automation.
• Utilize Graph Databases to model relationships, dependencies, and application data flows.
• Perform root cause analysis using application logs, database queries, and monitoring tools.

Agile Delivery

• Participate actively in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, stand-ups, refinement sessions, and retrospectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Work closely with DevOps teams to integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines.
• Promote continuous improvement, automation adoption, and engineering excellence.

Leadership & Coaching

• Mentor and support junior automation engineers and testers.
• Drive adoption of test automation best practices, frameworks, and standards.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging testing technologies, AI solutions, and automation strategies.
• Contribute to the Quality Engineering Community of Practice.

Reporting & Administration

• Provide regular quality metrics and reporting.
• Track automation coverage, defect trends, and quality indicators.
• Support governance, compliance, and audit requirements where applicable.
• Perform administrative and ad-hoc duties as required.

What will make you successful in this role?

The incumbent will join an Agile delivery team responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining innovative test automation solutions that ensure the quality, stability, performance, and reliability of digital products and services.

The QA Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with Developers, Product Owners, Business Analysts, DevOps Engineers, and fellow Quality Engineers to implement automated testing frameworks and quality engineering best practices across multiple squads.

The role will also focus on next-generation AI-driven testing capabilities, leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI frameworks, Vector Databases, Graph Databases, and advanced analytics to enhance software quality and delivery effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Relevant Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Certifications in Test Automation, Software Testing, Cloud Technologies, or AI technologies will be an advantage.
• ISTQB Foundation or Advanced Certification will be an advantage.
• Microsoft, AWS, Azure, or AI-related certifications will be an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience in Test Automation.
• Strong practical experience with Python.
• Strong experience with Selenium WebDriver.
• Strong experience with Playwright.
• Experience with API testing and automation.
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and automated testing practices will be an advantage.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in Software Testing and Quality Assurance will be an advantage.

Knowledge:

Programming

• Python (Intermediate)
• TypeScript (Advantageous)
• JavaScript (Advantageous)

Test Automation

• Selenium WebDriver
• Playwright
• PyTest
• Codeless automation tools
• Robot Framework
• API Testing Tools
• Performance Testing Tools

AI & Intelligent Automation

• LangChain
• AutoGen
• LLM Integration
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
• Prompt Engineering
• AI Agent Frameworks

Databases

• Advanced SQL
• Microsoft SQL Server
• PostgreSQL
• Oracle
• Graph Databases (Neo4j or equivalent)
• Vector Databases (Pinecone, Chroma, Weaviate, Azure AI Search, or equivalent)

DevOps & Tools

• Git
• Azure DevOps
• GitHub
• Jenkins
• Jira
• Confluence
• Docker
• CI/CD Pipelines

SDLC Knowledge

• Agile Methodologies
• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
• Test Lifecycle Management
• Continuous Testing
• DevOps Practices
• Quality Engineering Principles

Competencies:

• Technical leadership
• Communicates effectively
• Tech savvy
• Business insight
• Decision quality
• Analytical thinking
• Cultivates innovation
• Optimizes work processes
• Plans and aligns
• Concern for accuracy
• Customer focus
• Collaborates
• Team success
• Drives results
• Being resilient 

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping  our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. 

Closing Date: 21 August 2026.

Our commitment to transformation