Principal QA Engineer

Job Requisition ID #26WD98638Position Overview Autodesk is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal QA Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team in Bengaluru, India. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking quality engineering leader who is passionate about building scalable automation solutions, leveraging AI to transform software quality practices, and driving engineering excellence in a cloud-native environment. As a Principal QA Engineer, you will lead the quality strategy for complex applications, champion automation-first practices, and collaborate closely with globally distributed teams. You will play a critical role in shaping quality processes, mentoring engineers, and ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance across our products. This role requires deep expertise in modern automation frameworks, strong technical leadership, and hands-on experience applying Generative AI and AI-assisted development tools across the software testing lifecycle. This is a hybrid role reporting to the Software Engineering ManagerResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end quality engineering initiatives for cloud-native and distributed applications, including the adoption of AI-driven quality engineering practicesDefine and drive the overall test automation strategy across UI, API, integration, and backend systemsDesign, develop, and maintain scalable, reusable, and reliable automation frameworksCollaborate with global cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutionsEstablish and continuously improve QA processes, standards, metrics, and best practices across teamsOwn test planning, execution, defect management, quality reporting, and release readiness activitiesDrive automation-first, shift-left quality practices integrated into CI/CD pipelines to improve release velocity and reliabilityMentor and guide QA engineers and developers on automation practices, test architecture, quality strategies, AI-assisted test generation, and modern AI-enabled QA methodologiesParticipate in architecture, design, and code reviews to ensure scalability, testability, and maintainabilityDefine best practices for responsible and effective usage of AI tools within software quality engineering workflowsMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field9+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Software Testing, including 3+ years in a technical leadership roleStrong expertise in designing and scaling automated testing solutions across UI, API, backend, and microservices architectures using frameworks such as Playwright, Cypress, PyTest, REST Assured, or equivalentProficiency in programming/scripting languages such as Java, JavaScript, or PythonHands-on experience with API automation frameworks such as REST Assured, Cucumber, or similar toolsDeep understanding of RESTful APIs, distributed systems, microservices architecture, and cloud-native technologiesExperience with containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker and KubernetesExperience testing applications hosted on cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, or GCPSolid understanding of CI/CD pipelines and tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub ActionsExperience with performance, scalability, and load testing methodologies and toolsExperience building AI-native testing frameworks or autonomous testing solutionsProven ability to drive AI adoption initiatives and influence modernization of QA practices leveraging tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT, or equivalent AI engineering platforms for test development and productivity accelerationStrong understanding of Agile/Scrum development methodologies and experience working with globally distributed teamsExcellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skillsDemonstrated ability to influence engineering practices and drive quality initiatives across teamsAbility to work independently, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience implementing quality engineering practices for SaaS platformsFamiliarity with AI governance, responsible AI practices, and testing AI/ML-enabled applicationsExposure to observability and monitoring tools such as Grafana, Prometheus, or DatadogKnowledge of security testing and reliability engineering practicesExperience leveraging AI/ML-based testing solutions or intelligent test automation platforms#LI-KS2Learn MoreAbout AutodeskWelcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software – from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk – it’s at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.When you’re an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!Salary transparencySalary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.Diversity & BelongingWe take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/diversity-and-belongingAre you an existing contractor or consultant with Autodesk? Please search for open jobs and apply internally (not on this external site).