IT Automation and Quality Engineer II - Remote Opportunity!

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with theGallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it’s KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.At KinderCare Learning Companies, you’ll use your skills and expertise to support the work (and fun) that happens in our sites and centers every day. From marketers and strategists to financial analysts and data engineers, and so much more, we’re all passionate about crafting a world where children, families, and organizations can thrive.KinderCare’s Quality Engineering team is seeking an IT Automation and Quality Engineer II to advance quality initiatives across a diverse product portfolio. In a fast-paced Agile environment, this role supports successful sprint delivery through effective testing, automation, and quality assurance practices. You will design, develop, and execute manual and automated tests for web applications, APIs, and backend systems while supporting CI/CD and release activities. The position requires a strong focus on risk-based testing, automation scalability, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve product quality, reliability, and user experience.Responsibilities:Align Quality Engineering (QE) initiatives with business and technologyobjectivesby developing test strategies, risk-based test plans, and quality metrics that support successful product deliveryDesign, develop, execute, andmaintainmanual and automated tests for UI, API, functional, regression, smoke, and integration testing, ensuring comprehensive test coverage across front-end and back-end applicationsBuild, enhance, andmaintainscalable automation frameworks, reusable test suites, and Gherkin feature files; integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to improve delivery speed, reliability, and qualityAnalyze test results, investigate failures, document and prioritize defects, and collaborate with engineering teams to drivetimelyresolution and continuous quality improvementsSupport software releases by performing validation, issue triage, and post-release verification while proactivelyidentifyingdelivery risks and partnering with cross-functional teams to implement mitigation strategiesCollaborate with developers, product owners, and stakeholders throughout the Agile software development lifecycle byparticipatingin sprint planning, test reviews, retrospectives, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure high-quality, customer-focused solutionsQualifications:Bachelor'sin Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred; experience testing content-managed (CMS-driven) websites is a plus4+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, including manual and automated testing across web applications, APIs, and enterprise software in Agile development environmentsProficiencyin Java, C#, JavaScript, or similar programming/scripting languages, with experience developing,maintaining, andoptimizingautomated test frameworks and reusable test suitesHands-on experience designing and executing UI, API, functional, regression, smoke, and integration test automation, with working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, Git/Bitbucket, branching strategies, and pull request workflowsStrong understanding of SQL and relational databases (e.g., SQL Server), with the ability tovalidatedata integrity, perform backend testing, and troubleshoot complex application issuesDemonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage testing activities, prioritize defects, assess risk, and deliver high-quality results within Agile sprint timelinesOur benefits meet you where you are. We’re here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life: - Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits.- Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!). - Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs. - Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.- … and much more.We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exc