C1 GERMAN LANGUAGE REQUIRED: Freelance Test Architect – 90% Remote

C1 GERMAN LANGUAGE REQUIRED: Freelance Test Architect – January 2026 Start
Location: 90% remote 2-3x a month in Vienna, Austria
Contract Type: Freelance (initial project term, with extension possible)
Language Requirement: German (C1 or higher)

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Freelance Test Architect to join a high-profile IT transformation project starting at the beginning of January 2026. This role offers the opportunity to design and implement the overall test architecture, ensuring best-in-class quality across manual, automation, performance, and data testing.
As the Test Architect, you will act as the technical authority for testing activities. You will define the test strategy, select tools and frameworks, and provide technical leadership to the testing teams. Working closely with the Test Manager, development, and DevOps teams, you will ensure testing is integrated effectively within the software development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall test architecture and framework.
• Select, design, and implement test tools, automation frameworks, and environments.
• Establish and enforce best practices for test automation, performance testing, and test data management.
• Collaborate with Test Manager to ensure testing governance aligns with project goals.
• Mentor and support test engineers across automation, performance, manual, and data domains.
• Integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring scalability and maintainability.
• Evaluate and introduce innovative test tools and techniques.
• Contribute to root cause analysis and defect triage through architectural insights.

Experience & Skills

• 7+ years of professional testing experience, including 3+ years as a Test Architect.
• Strong hands-on expertise with automation tools (Tosca, Playwright, Selenium, SoapUI).
• Experience with performance testing tools (NeoLoad, JMeter, Gatling).
• Proficiency in CI/CD processes and tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps).
• Strong knowledge of Agile, DevOps, and software testing methodologies.
• Familiarity with test data management and GDPR-compliant data strategies.
• ISTQB Advanced Level certification (Test Manager, Technical Test Analyst, or Test Automation Engineer) preferred.
• German language skills at C1 level or higher.

Contract Details

• Start Date: Beginning of January 2026 
• Engagement: Freelance / Contract on a 12-month contract
• Duration: Initial project phase, with possible extension
• Location: Mostly remote (90%) 2x a month in Vienna
• Daily Rate: €30 to €45 per hour