Software Quality Engineering Manager

We are seeking an experienced Software Quality Engineering (SQE) / SDET Manager to lead and drive quality strategy, test automation, and product qualification efforts. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in test automation and quality engineering, coupled with proven leadership experience managing QA/SDET teams. This role requires close collaboration with Development, Product Management, and Program Management teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and scalable software solutions. Roles & Responsibilities * Lead and manage a team of QA Engineers, SDETs, and Qualification Engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance coaching. * Define and execute the overall quality engineering, test automation, and qualification strategy. * Drive end-to-end testing activities, including functional, integration, system, regression, and end-to-end validation. * Develop and enhance scalable test automation frameworks and integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality is built into the software development lifecycle. * Monitor quality metrics, drive defect prevention initiatives, and ensure release readiness. * Identify opportunities to improve productivity through automation, tooling, and AI/GenAI-assisted testing solutions. * Drive continuous process improvements and establish best practices for software quality and qualification. * Be willing to work in a techno-managerial role, with significant hands-on technical contributions (~60% technical and ~40% people management responsibilities). Qualifications * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field. * 12+ years of overall experience in Software Quality Assurance, Software Qualification, SDET, or related quality engineering roles. * Minimum 2-3 years of experience managing QA/SDET/Qualification teams. * Hands-on experience with automation tools such as Selenium, Playwright, and unit testing frameworks such as TestNG. * Strong understanding of API, Integration, System, Regression, and End-to-End testing. * Experience with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or equivalent platforms. * Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments. * Excellent communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Good to Have * Familiarity with cloud/cloud native technologies around containers & orchestrations technologies such as dockers & Kubernetes. * Exposure to AI/GenAI-based testing and quality engineering solutions. ## Qualifications ### Education: Bachelor's Degree ### Skills ### Certifications: ### Languages: ### Years of Experience: 7 - 10 Years ### Work Experience: ## Additional Information ### ### Shift: Day (India) ### ### Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time ### ### Relocation Eligible: Yes ### Referral Payment Plan: Employee Referral (Standard) Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.