JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Test Automation Leadto define and govern enterprise automation strategy in support of Ford's SAP transformation programs. This role is accountable for aligning automation with enterprise testing governance, release readiness, and cross-system integration quality, while driving innovation through scalable frameworks and AI-enabled capabilities.
The position operates at the intersection of testing, integration, and release governance, ensuring automation is effectively embedded across Product Driven Organizations (PDOs) and contributes directly to Go/No-Go decisioning and program outcomes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Enterprise Automation Strategy & Governance
- Define and govern the enterprise automation strategy, ensuring alignment with Ford's testing standards, entry/exit criteria, and overall quality framework
- Establish and enforce automation guidelines, design standards, andrepository governanceto ensure scalability, reusability, and maintainability
- Standardize automation practices across PDOs and programsto drive consistency and reduce duplication
Release Readiness & Integration Quality
- Integrate automation into release and cutover planning, supporting validation of end-to-end business processes across SAP and connected systems
- Provide inputs into release readiness, defect risk, and Go/No-Go decisioningbased on automation insights and execution metrics
- Ensure automation strategy supports integration testing maturity and dependency management
Cycle Time Optimization & Test Data Strategy
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks across the testing lifecycle to reducecycle time and improve execution efficiency
- Define and implement scalable Test Data Management (TDM) strategiestosupport repeatable, reliable automated execution
- Enable unattended execution through CI/CD pipelines and distributedexecution models
AI-Driven Testing & Innovation
- Evaluate and implement AI-enabled testing capabilities(e.g., self-healing automation, impact analysis, autonomous test generation)
- Drive adoption of AI solutions to improve regression scope optimization andexecution efficiency
- Align innovation efforts with enterprise priorities and measurable business outcomes
Tool Strategy & Governance
- Lead evaluation and execution of Proof of Concepts (PoCs)for emerging tools and capabilities
- Navigate Ford's architecture, security, and procurement governance processesfor tool onboarding
- Ensure tools integrate effectively into the broader enterprise testing and delivery ecosystem
PDO & Vendor Alignment
- Partner with PDO teams to embed automation into delivery pipelinesand ensure adoption of enterprise standards
- Govern and oversee System Integrator (SI) / vendor delivery qualityrelated to automation
- Serve as the escalation point for automation quality, coverage gaps, and execution risks
Metrics, Reporting & Transparency
- Define and track key metrics including:
- Automation coverage and effectiveness
- Defect leakage and quality trends
- Cycle time reduction
- Automation ROI
- Provide transparent, executive-level reportingto support program and leadership decision-making
Team Leadership & Capability Development
- Lead and mentor automation engineers, driving capability uplift and best practice adoption
- Establish a scalable operating model for automationacross programs and delivery teams
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in software testing and quality engineering, with significant focus on automation
- Strong experience designing and governing enterprise test automation frameworks
- Hands-on experience with automation tools such as Tricentis Tosca or equivalent model-based testing tools
- Experience with API/Web Services testing (REST/SOAP)
- Working knowledge of SAP ecosystem (S/4HANA, Fiori, integration patterns, business processes)
- Experience driving enterprise tool evaluations and PoCs through governance processes
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with AI-driven testing or impact analysis tools
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices
- Experience operating in large-scale SAP transformation programs
- Proven ability to work across cross-functional teams and complex delivery organizations
