Position Overview

As a Quality Engineer Principal within PNC's Data and Automation organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh, PA or Strongsville, OH.

We are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer Principal to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide quality engineering practices for large-scale Big Data, Hadoop, and Data Warehouse platforms. This role will drive test strategy, automation architecture, and quality governance across complex data ecosystems while collaborating with cross-functional teams in an onsite-offshore delivery model.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in SDLC and STLC processes, hands-on technical knowledge of Python, Big Data technologies, Spark/PySpark, HQL/SQL, and experience working within AWS/Cloud environments.

Key Responsibilities
• Define and implement QA architecture, test strategies, and quality frameworks for Big Data, Hadoop, and Data Warehouse applications.
• Establish best practices across the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).
• Lead a team of 3-5 QA engineers, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and performance oversight.
• Coordinate delivery across onsite and offshore teams, ensuring effective communication, planning, and execution.
• Design and implement scalable test automation solutions for data ingestion, transformation, processing, and reporting systems.
• Develop and maintain automated validation frameworks using Python and related technologies.
• Collaborate with Architects, Product Owners, Developers, Data Engineers, and Business stakeholders to ensure high-quality releases.
• Create test strategies covering functional, integration, regression, performance, ETL, data validation, and end-to-end testing.
• Validate data pipelines and large datasets across Hadoop, Spark, Data Warehouse, and Cloud platforms.
• Perform root cause analysis of defects and drive continuous quality improvements.
• Define quality metrics, reporting mechanisms, and release readiness criteria.
• Support Agile, Scrum, and DevOps practices with a quality-first mindset.

Qualifications
• Extensive experience in Quality Assurance, Test Architecture, or Quality Engineering roles.
• Strong knowledge of SDLC and STLC methodologies across enterprise application environments.
• Proven experience leading teams of 3-5 members in onsite-offshore delivery models.
• Strong hands-on development and automation experience using Python.
• Experience testing and validating solutions built on Big Data/Hadoop ecosystems.
• Strong expertise in Data Warehouse and ETL testing.
• Experience working with Apache Spark and PySpark environments.
• Proficiency in HQL and SQL for complex data validation and analysis.
• Experience working with AWS or other cloud platforms.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and modern test automation frameworks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills
• Experience with Hadoop ecosystem tools such as Hive, HDFS, YARN, and related technologies.
• Exposure to data quality frameworks and metadata validation tools.
• Experience with performance and scalability testing for distributed data platforms.
• Knowledge of Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Testing practices.
• Familiarity with data governance, data lineage, and compliance controls.
• Relevant QA, Cloud, or Big Data certifications are a plus.

Technical Skills

Core Technologies
• Python
• Big Data / Hadoop
• Data Warehouse
• Spark
• PySpark
• HQL
• SQL
• AWS / Cloud Platforms

Quality Engineering
• Test Automation
• ETL Testing
• Data Validation Testing
• API Testing
• Functional Testing
• Integration Testing
• Regression Testing
• Performance Testing

Methodologies
• SDLC
• STLC
• Agile/Scrum
• DevOps
• CI/CD

This role is ideal for a senior-quality professional who can combine test architecture leadership, deep data-platform expertise, and hands-on Python development skills to drive quality across complex enterprise data ecosystems.

PNC is an in-office company that fosters a supportive culture where employees can thrive and achieve balance. We encourage candidates to connect with their recruiter and hiring manager to understand workplace expectations and ensure the role aligns with their goals.

PNC will not provide sponsorship for employment visas or participate in STEM OPT for this position.

Job Description

• Drives the development of test strategies and plans, ensuring alignment with enterprise-level objectives and delivery timelines.
• Escalates systemic issues to Quality Engineer leadership and influences resolution strategies.
• Oversees risk and defect processes, ensuring adherence to ECO standards. Provides detailed insights through accurate and timely reporting.
• Leads preparation and delivery of test summary reports and documentation for Technology leaders, Governance/Risk teams, and business stakeholders.
• Collaborates across teams and participates in Quality Engineer CoP meetings to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Provides strategic mentorship and oversight to more junior Quality Engineer team members, ensuring consistent execution of testing standards.

PNC Employees take pride in our reputation and to continue building upon that we expect our employees to be:

• Customer Focused - Knowledgeable of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and able to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.
• Managing Risk - Assessing and effectively managing all of the risks associated with their business objectives and activities to ensure they adhere to and support PNC's Enterprise Risk Management Framework.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities for a role. Listed below are skills, competencies, work experience, education, and required certifications/licensures needed to be successful in this position.

Preferred Skills
Apache Hadoop, Big Data, Competitive Advantages, Customer Solutions, Data Warehousing (DW), Design, Enterprise Architecture Framework, Machine Learning (ML), PySpark, Risk Assessments, Technical Knowledge

Competencies
Application Testing, Coaching Others, Influencing, Process Management, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Quality Assurance And Testing, System Testing, Technical Documentation Management, Technical Troubleshooting

Work Experience
Roles at this level typically require a university / college degree, with 5+ years of industry-relevant experience. Specific certifications are often required. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered.

Education
Bachelors

Certifications
No Required Certification(s)

Licenses
No Required License(s)

Pay Transparency

Base Salary: $91,000.00 - $169,000.00

Salaries may vary based on geographic location, market data and on individual skills, experience, and education. This role is incentive eligible with the payment based upon company, business and/or individual performance.

Application Window

Generally, this opening is expected to be posted for two business days from 08/11/2026, although it may be longer with business discretion.

Benefits

PNC offers a comprehensive range of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time employees include: medical/prescription drug coverage (with a Health Savings Account feature), dental and vision options; employee and spouse/child life insurance; short and long-term disability protection; 401(k) with PNC match, pension and stock purchase plans; dependent care reimbursement account; back-up child/elder care; adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursement; educational assistance, including select programs fully paid; a robust wellness program with financial incentives.

In addition, PNC generally provides the following paid time off, depending on your eligibility: maternity and/or parental leave; up to 11 paid holidays each year; 9 occasional absence days each year, unless otherwise required by law; between 15 to 25 vacation days each year, depending on career level; and years of service.

To learn more about these and other programs, including benefits for full time and part-time employees, visit pncthrive.com.