Lead Developer in Test – Java, APIs & Engineering Quality

CloudMarc is seeking an exceptional Lead Developer in Test to provide hands-on technical leadership across a major enterprise digital program in Melbourne.

We are looking for a genuine software engineer and quality leader—not a traditional Test Lead who has only managed automation delivery.

You will remain deeply hands-on with Java, APIs, microservices and automation-framework development while providing technical direction, mentoring engineers and influencing quality practices across delivery teams.

The opportunity

You will lead the design and implementation of scalable quality-engineering solutions across complex applications, APIs, microservices and integrations.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Providing hands-on technical leadership for developers and Quality Engineers
- Designing and building Java-based automation frameworks from scratch
- Establishing engineering standards for automation architecture, clean code and maintainability
- Developing automated coverage across APIs, microservices, components, integrations and end-to-end journeys
- Defining effective testing approaches for distributed and cloud-native systems
- Reviewing automation code and providing detailed technical feedback
- Building reusable libraries, utilities and framework components
- Embedding automated quality checks into CI/CD pipelines
- Working directly with Engineering Managers, developers and architects
- Improving application testability and quality across the development lifecycle
- Leading defect investigation, debugging and root-cause analysis




- Supporting technical release-readiness decisions
- Mentoring engineers and lifting coding capability across the team
- Driving shift-left quality practices and continuous improvement

What we are looking for

You will have:

- Advanced hands-on Java coding capability
- A strong software-engineering or development background
- Deep experience with Maven
- Strong TestNG or JUnit experience
- Advanced REST API and microservices testing experience
- Proven experience designing automation frameworks from scratch
- A strong understanding of clean code, design patterns and framework architecture
- Experience leading code reviews and establishing technical standards
- Strong Git and collaborative development practices
- SQL, debugging and complex troubleshooting experience
- CI/CD experience using Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitLab CI or similar platforms
- Experience mentoring technical engineers
- The confidence to engage Engineering Managers and senior developers at a development and architecture level

Highly desirable

Experience in the following areas would be valuable:

- GraphQL
- Docker and Kubernetes
- Kafka or other event-driven and messaging platforms
- AWS or Azure
- Contract testing and service virtualisation




- Cloud-native application testing
- Performance, resilience or reliability engineering
- Cross-team or cross-squad technical leadership

The type of person we want Your current or recent title may be:

- Lead Developer in Test
- Lead SDET
- Principal SDET
- Software Development Engineer in Test Lead
- Java Test Automation Architect
- Technical Quality Engineering Lead
- Software Engineer specialising in quality

You must be comfortable remaining hands-on. This is not a coordination-only Test Lead position.

The successful person will be able to discuss Java, API architecture, microservices, framework design, coding approaches and engineering trade-offs confidently with experienced Engineering Managers.

About CloudMarc

CloudMarc is an Australian specialist consultancy delivering Quality Engineering, software development, test automation, cloud and digital-transformation services to major enterprise organisations.

We bring together experienced technology professionals who combine robust engineering capability with a practical focus on delivery quality and business outcomes.

Engagement details

- Initial six-month contract with potential extension
- Melbourne-based opportunity
- Hybrid working arrangement requiring three days onsite each week

If you are a hands-on Java engineering leader who specialises in building quality into complex software platforms, we would like to hear from you.

Apply with your updated CV or contact the CloudMarc Talent Team for a confidential discussion.

📌 Lead Developer in Test- Java (Melbourne)
🏢 CloudMarc
📍 Melbourne