Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead)

Our Values:

Dream big

• Be visionary, strategic, and open to innovation

Build great things

• Work in service of our users, always improving and pushing higher

Operate like an owner

• Propel company success and impact with an entrepreneurial mindset

Win like a sports team

• Be trusting and collaborative while empowering others

Learn and grow fast

• Never stop learning and iterate fast

Share our passion

• Share ideas and practice enthusiasm and joy

Be user obsessed

• Empathetic, inquisitive, practical

About the team:

Join Goodnotes as our Backend Platform Quality Engineer Lead and transform how we build software. We are moving beyond traditional QA to a true Shift-Left Engineering model, and we need a visionary to lead this evolution. You will be part of the Quality Engineering function working across our domain verticals to provide a consistent way to test our backend services for all teams.

In this high-impact role, you will own the automated quality infrastructure that powers our backend services. You won't just run tests; you will engineer the systems that prevent defects before code is even written. Operating at the intersection of our Platform and Product squads, you will drive a strategy centered on API contract testing, performance engineering, and 'quality-as-code' within our CI/CD pipelines.

About the role:

We are looking for a leader who views Quality Engineering as an enabler of speed. If you are passionate about building scalable automation frameworks and influencing architecture from day one, this is your opportunity to set the standard for a world-class engineering team.

This is the role for you, if you’re excited to work on the things listed below:

• Technical Leadership & Strategy:

  • Define, evangelise, and implement the technical strategy for Quality Engineering within your assigned domain (e.g., Apple platform, Cross-Platform, or Backend services).

  • Collaborate with the QE Architect to Research, evaluate, and introduce new testing tools, frameworks, and technologies to enhance our QE capabilities and efficiency.

  • Drive the adoption of best practices in test automation, performance testing, security testing, and other relevant quality disciplines.

  • Work closely with Engineering Leads to integrate quality at every stage of the SDLC.

• Automation & Standards:

  • Lead the design and development of scalable and maintainable automation frameworks and test infrastructure.

  • Establish and enforce robust testing standards, coding guidelines for automation, and quality gates for your domain.

  • Define and track key Quality Metrics (e.g., defect density, automation coverage, test execution time, escape defects) to measure and improve product quality.

  • Ensure API testing standards are consistent and effective for backend and service integrations.

• Mentorship & Enablement:

  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to QE Engineers embedded within vertical product teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

  • Conduct training sessions and workshops on new tools, techniques, and quality processes.

  • Support product teams in troubleshooting complex quality issues and implementing effective testing strategies.

• Collaboration & Influence:

  • Act as a key technical liaison between the Head of QE, QE Domain Leads, Product Managers, and Engineering Leads.

  • Influence product design and architectural decisions to promote testability and build quality in from the start.

  • Drive cross-functional initiatives to improve the overall quality posture of Goodnotes.

The skills you will need to be successful in the above:

• Experience:

  • 8+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, with a significant focus on test automation and technical leadership.

  • Proven track record as a Senior QE Engineer, Staff QE, or similar technical leadership role.

  • Deep expertise in testing methodologies, tools, and best practices relevant to backend platform.

  • Profound experience with backend services, APIs (REST/gRPC), microservices & event driven architecture, database testing, performance/load testing, and relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, Go, Java, Kotlin, C#).

• Technical Acumen:

  • Strong programming skills in at least one relevant language (e.g., Swift/Kotlin, Python, JavaScript, Java).

  • Expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable test automation frameworks.

  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and integrating automated tests (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions).

  • Solid understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and distributed systems.

• Leadership & Communication:

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

  • Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and drive technical consensus across teams.

  • Proactive problem-solver with a strong attention to detail and a passion for quality.

  • Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Bonus Points

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

• Familiarity with AI/ML model testing strategies.

• Contributions to open-source testing tools or frameworks.

• Experience in the EdTech or productivity software domain.

Even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed above, we would still love to hear from you! GoodNotes places a lot of value on learning and development and will support your growth if needed.

The interview process:

• An introductory call with someone from our talent acquisition team. They want to hear more about your background, what you are looking for, and why you’d like to join Goodnotes

• A short take-home assessment

• Role-specific interviews with the hiring team where we find out your knowledge and experience relevant to the role. You are also encouraged to ask any technical questions you may have

• A one-hour call with your hiring manager. This is the person who will be managing you day to day, working on your growth and development with you as well as support you throughout your career at Goodnotes

• A one-hour call with 2-3 stakeholders from cross-functioning team you’d work closely with

• Executive discussion with our senior management

• AI literacy interview to find out your understanding of AI and how you’ve incorporated them into your personal and/or professional life

What’s in it for you:

• Meaningful equity in a profitable tech-startup

• Budget for things like noise-cancelling headphones, setting up your home office, personal development, professional training, and health & wellness

• Sponsored visits to our Hong Kong or London office

• Company-wide annual offsite

• Flexible working hours and location

• Medical insurance for you and your dependents