Lead Software Quality Test Engineer - Playwright

Power confident decisions at Cars.com

Cars.com is the marketplace millions of people trust to buy and sell cars with confidence.

More than 25 years ago, we started as a simple idea, connect buyers and sellers, and today we do a lot more: trusted reviews, transparent pricing, and real-time, proprietary data that cut through the noise of one of life's biggest purchases. Our scaled marketplace, paired with interconnected technology, data, and media, gives dealers and OEMs everything they need to sell more cars.

At Cars.com, we debate openly, decide fast, and deliver what we say we will. We solve real problems for car shoppers and dealers, simplify for speed, and focus on what matters most. We win together or not at all. Here, your work counts, your ideas can help shape what’s next, and you’ll build alongside people who have your back.

We’re in the middle of a real transformation, modernizing the company and investing in AI and data to move faster. You're joining the No. 1 brand people think of first when shopping for a car, at the exact moment it's being rebuilt for what's next. You help decide what that becomes. That kind of influence is rare, and it's exactly why this is a place worth building your career.

Don't just take our word for it, we're proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S.

Ready to help build the most trusted place to buy and sell a car? Join us.

Summary -

This position is for a Lead Sr. Software Development Engineers in Test to develop automation strategies and testing solutions for the Dealer Inspire product.

This is a role will participate and lead SDETs responsible to evaluate software functionality and design and execute test cases that exercise code under development. This will include testing code as it is being developed, automating tests, and executing on a variety of tests to include: functional tests, integration tests, system-wide testing, regression tests, security tests, and performance tests as applicable for the changes at hand. In the leadership portion, this person will mentor and lead other SDET(s) in the team, mentor and guide engineers who request support in building test automation, strategizing in how to continually build the breadth and depth of the software test automation function in DI for high efficiency and quality in our products.

This role is remote, with priority given to candidates based in Chicago (IL) or Austin (TX). Onsite interviews may be required.

About the Role

Join us in shaping a future of Automotive Commerce. Cars.com builds solutions for automotive dealerships, manufacturers, and consumers. Our driving force is to deliver a single platform that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars.

Our Websites Engineering Team drives our Dealer Inspire platform. We are embarking on a transformational journey, building innovative and integrated services that redefine how we deliver value to our customers. As a Lead Software Quality Test Engineer (Sr Lead Software Development Engineers in Test)  you will develop automation strategies and testing solutions for the Dealer Inspire product. Dealer Inspire provides innovative digital marketing and dealership management solutions for the automotive industry. It offers a range of solutions designed to help car dealerships optimize their online presence, increase sales, and improve customer experiences. 

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of our platform and drive meaningful change at scale, making a lasting impact within the automotive industry.

About You

You are an experienced, results-driven Lead Software Quality Test Engineer (using Playwright)  who loves blending deep technical skill with real product instinct.  You have  built and evolved Software Quality and Testing Systems.

As a Lead Quality Test Engineer (Sr. Lead Software Development Engineer in Test) on our Websites Engineering Team, you'll play a key role in revitalizing our testing services and tooling — bringing a comprehensive technical strategy to simplify and scale testing systems across our platform. This is hands-on, high-impact work where your expertise will shape how we build quality into everything we ship! 

This role includes testing code as it's being built, automating tests for speed and scale, and running the full spectrum of testing: functional, integration, system-wide, regression, security, and performance testing. 

If you're passionate about quality, love solving complex technical puzzles, and want to make a real impact on a platform used by thousands, let’s explore! 

Why You'll Be Excited About This Role

This opportunity enables you to...

• Lead the establishing of process, practices and tools of software testing/automation
• Finalize and document test practices, educating the project teams they work with
• Develop and implement automated testing strategies for software products, with a bias for establishing regression suites that exercise new code as well as existing production code
• Design and execution of automation scripts across functional, integrational and performance tests.
• Understand test coverage achieved and measure on metrics for the communication and reporting of results.
• Help build dedicated software test and automation functions, working with partners and engineers to integrate testing practices in the development life cycle through release and maintenance
• Collaborate with engineers and product managers to build and execute tests and conduct comprehensive analysis of test results and test coverage; communicate to stakeholders
• Drive, implement, and communicate the adoption of software testing best practices through the software development lifecycle (SDLC) being used
• Run test programs to ensure that testing protocols evaluate the software correctly; continually evolve the software testing systems for maximum performance and results
• This function will require an individual with excellent programming and technical skills, ability to establish new practices, and ability to coach and train others to integrate software testing in the current software engineering environment
• Experience being a technical leader and  influencing stakeholders across design, engineering, and technology, both within your own organization and across an enterprise

We're Excited About You Because…

• Minimum 8+ years experience as a Software Engineer, Software Engineer in Test or related functions
• In-depth knowledge in testing web-based applications at the web service and UI layers using Playwright.  Testing may be required with or without a functioning user interface; testing integrations, performance, and building mock services a plus
• Advanced knowledge of debugging code and software development languages and testing tools
• Strong attention to detail, debugging code, excellent software troubleshooting skills
• Ability to collect and analyze data and test results to report on results, coverage and conclusions 
• Excellent mentoring and communication skills, with the ability to guide and train others

Bonus:

• B.S. in Computer Science or related degree
• Full stack testing experience
• Proficiency in Docker, Kubernetes, Node, JavaScript and TypeScrip, PHP, Rust, MySQL 
• Proficiency in Node, JavaScript and TypeScript a plus
• Experience with job queue/messaging systems

• Experience leading projects or functioning as a team lead

Compensation

We share compensation up front so you have the information you need to make a confident decision. This range reflects target base compensation. Where you land depends on skills and experience. If this range works for you, we encourage you to apply.Salary Range: $135,300.00-169,150.00

Benefits

Confidence, built in. The same confidence we build for car buyers and sellers, we build into how we treat our own:

• Medical, dental & vision from day one — no waiting period
• 401(k) with company match, immediate vesting
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan — buy Cars.com stock at a discount
• Unlimited Flex Time Off, 11 paid holidays, 1 volunteer day
• Paid parental and caregiver leave
• $350 one-time home office stipend + $70/month for virtual-first work
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• ...and more — see our full Benefits, Perks & Culture here

Legal

For US-based positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. We're unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Cars.com is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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