Quality Engineering Lead (API & Integration)

About AirvantageWe build high-scale microservice platforms for telecom and fintech (handset rental, credit scoring, payments). Our R&D team runs frequent distributed deployments across regional clusters and follows formal SIT and UAT processes as part of all our deployments.Role summaryThis is a hands-on leadership role: You will engage with the Business Analysts during the development of the functional requirement specifications. You will internalise the different message flows and document your test approaches (manual testing/scripted testing). You will record these test plans in Qase and, at the time of SIT, commence execution, reporting, and engagement with the BA/PM and Team Leads.This team will grow, so leadership capabilities are a requirement.Key responsibilitiesDefine and own SIT/UAT strategy, entry/exit criteria and release readiness for projects.Work with BAs during FRS creation to convert requirements/acceptance criteria into traceable test cases.Author and manage test plans and test cases in Qase (shared steps, parameterised cases, test runs).Create reusable test scripts, test data strategies and environment setup runbooks for SIT/UAT.Build contract/consumer tests and smoke performance checks where appropriate.Integrate test results with observability (DataDog) and produce actionable quality metrics.Communicate risk and quality posture to stakeholders.Recruit, coach and scale a practical Testing Team; define QA standards and reusable frameworks.Required skills & experienceTertiary degree in computer science, information technology or engineering5+ years of testing experience with a strong emphasis on API/integration testing (REST)Hands-on experience authoring test plans in Qase or an equivalent test management tool.Proven ability to translate FRS/functional specs into testable acceptance criteria and full SIT/UAT plans.Practical automation skills: Python, Postman/Newman, pytest, REST-Assured, JMeter.Familiarity with microservices, Docker, containerised test environments and message systems (Kafka/RabbitMQ).Strong SQL skills for data verification and test data management.Clear communicator who can run triage sessions and produce concise release reports.AdvantageousTelecom/fintech domain experience (payments, KYC, handset rental, customer journeys, USSD flows).Behavioural qualitiesClear and concise communicator, with a strong collaborative approach.Able to set standards, document processes, and coach others.