Mainframe Testing Lead

* Lead end-to-end mainframe testing initiatives across multiple projects, including test planning, design, execution, and closure for applications built on COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and DB2.
* Define and implement comprehensive test strategies for functional, regression, integration, and system testing in mainframe environments, ensuring coverage of business-critical scenarios.
* Analyze and validate complex data structures in VSAM files and DB2 databases, designing test data and queries to ensure data integrity and accurate processing.
* Review and optimize JCL used in test environments, coordinating with development and operations teams to schedule, execute, and troubleshoot batch jobs.
* Drive CI/CD-based quality practices by integrating test suites into pipelines, enabling early defect detection and continuous feedback to development teams.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams (developers, business analysts, product owners) to understand requirements, clarify test scenarios, and align on acceptance criteria.
* Lead defect management activities, including triage, root cause analysis, prioritization, and coordination of fixes with development teams.
* Mentor and guide junior testers on mainframe testing techniques, standards, and tools, fostering a culture of quality and knowledge sharing.
* Prepare and present test reports and metrics to stakeholders, highlighting test coverage, defect trends, risks, and recommendations for improvement.
* Ensure adherence to quality standards and compliance with organizational processes, documentation norms, and audit requirements for mainframe systems.

Good to have skills:
Agile methodologies, Test automation frameworks, Performance testing tools, Service virtualization, Release management
Locations: Hyderabad, Pune, Vizag, Noida/Gurgaon

Education: Graduation in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
* 5-20 years of hands-on experience in software testing, with significant exposure to mainframe environments.
* Strong expertise in Mainframe Testing, including test case design, execution, and defect management for COBOL/JCL-based applications.
* Solid working knowledge of VSAM file structures, utilities, and validation techniques for test data creation and verification.
* Proficiency in JCL for executing, monitoring, and troubleshooting batch jobs in test environments.
* Practical experience with DB2 for writing queries, validating data, and supporting end-to-end test scenarios.
* Exposure to CI/CD practices and tools, with the ability to integrate and execute tests within automated pipelines.
* Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and business stakeholders.

As a Quality Engineering Lead specializing in Mainframe Testing, you will be at the heart of ensuring reliability, stability, and performance for critical enterprise systems. In this role, you will guide teams across the testing lifecycle, champion best practices, and help modernize quality processes through CI/CD and automation. You'll collaborate closely with developers, architects, and business stakeholders to translate complex requirements into robust test strategies that safeguard high volume, high impact applications.
This opportunity is ideal for professionals who enjoy combining deep mainframe expertise with leadership and mentoring. You will have the freedom to influence testing standards, introduce innovative approaches, and drive continuous improvement in a supportive, collaborative environment. If you are passionate about quality, eager to solve complex problems, and motivated to help others grow, this role offers a platform to make a visible impact on mission critical systems and the teams that build them.