Test Lead – Data Validation & Integration Testing

We are seeking an experienced Test Lead – Data Validation & Integration Testing to lead end-to-end testing activities for complex enterprise applications within the payments and customer service ecosystem. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in backend data validation, API and integration testing, payment systems, automation frameworks, and test leadership. This role requires hands-on involvement in validating data synchronization across multiple platforms, ensuring data integrity throughout the transaction lifecycle, and supporting Agile delivery teams.

In this role, you will:

• Lead end-to-end testing activities, including test planning, execution, reporting, defect management, and coordination with onsite and offshore teams.

• Perform backend data validation, source-to-target reconciliation, and data synchronization testing across customer service, payment, fraud, and downstream applications.

• Validate Data Lake and data-processing workflows using advanced SQL queries and data verification techniques.

• Conduct integration, API, and web application testing using tools such as Postman, SoapUI, and Thunder Client.

• Validate payment transaction processing using ISO 8583 standards, including MTIs, bitmaps, data elements, and payment interchange protocols.

• Perform packet and protocol testing using Soap Sonar, WSDL Weaver, or similar tools to ensure data integrity during transmission.

• Execute, maintain, and enhance automation frameworks using BDD/Cucumber, Selenium, Playwright, REST Assured, or Robot Framework, and support CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and Git.

• Leverage Kafka, Splunk, Argo, and knowledge of microservices architectures to analyze logs, troubleshoot issues, support root-cause analysis, and ensure overall system quality in Agile environments.

Work model:

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Alpharetta, GA . Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. These may change based on the project you are engaged in, as well as evolving business and client requirements. We will always be transparent about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• 10+ years of experience in backend data validation, SQL querying, and source-to-target data reconciliation in testing environment.

• Expertise in integration testing and data synchronization across enterprise applications and downstream systems.

• Hands-on experience with REST/SOAP API testing using Postman, SoapUI, Thunder Client, or similar tools.

• Solid understanding of ISO 8583 message formats, payment processing, and interchange protocols.

• Experience in packet and protocol testing, including validation of data transmission and message integrity.

• Proficiency in automation testing using Selenium, Playwright, Cucumber/BDD, REST Assured, or Robot Framework.

• Knowledge of CI/CD tools, microservices architecture, Kafka, Git, and Jenkins.

• Strong troubleshooting, defect management, log analysis (Splunk/Argo), and Agile testing experience.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $ 71,100 to $ 112,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.