ING QA Automation Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns observed in recent interviews at ING. Use these to understand the scope of the evaluation, but focus your preparation on the underlying concepts rather than memorizing specific answers.

Technical Proficiency and Frameworks

These questions test your ability to build and maintain automation frameworks, specifically focusing on your familiarity with industry-standard tools and clean code practices.

• Can you walk me through your experience in creating test frameworks from scratch?
• How do you approach finding locators for UI elements in complex applications?

Preparation for ING requires a balanced approach between hands-on technical mastery and clear, professional communication. You should be prepared to demonstrate not just your ability to write code, but your ability to explain your design choices.

Technical Competence – Your interviewers will look for deep familiarity with your chosen tech stack. Be prepared to explain the "why" behind your choice of frameworks and how you structure your code for long-term scalability.

Problem-Solving Approach – When presented with a technical challenge or a code review, focus on your thought process. Clearly articulate the trade-offs you consider, such as performance versus readability or maintainability versus speed of delivery.

Communication and Alignment – ING values candidates who can bridge the gap between technical quality and business needs. Be ready to discuss how your testing strategies contribute to the broader goals of the project and the team.

The interview process at ING is designed to be thorough, ensuring that candidates possess both the technical rigor and the cultural alignment necessary for the team. You can generally expect a structured progression that begins with an initial screening followed by deeper technical evaluations. The tone is often professional yet approachable, focusing on a transparent exchange of information about your background and the team's specific needs.

This timeline provides a high-level view of the stages you will encounter, from initial HR screens to technical deep-dives with management. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have enough time to review your technical projects before the management-level interviews. Remember that the process can vary slightly depending on the specific team or region, so remain adaptable and clear in your communication throughout each stage.

Automation Framework Design

This area tests your ability to build sustainable and scalable testing infrastructure.

Be ready to go over:

• Framework Architecture – How you design for modularity and reusability.
• Locator Strategies – Best practices for robust UI element identification.

As a QA Automation Engineer, you will spend your time designing, executing, and maintaining automated test suites that cover both frontend and backend systems. A core part of your daily work involves collaborating with developers to ensure that tests are integrated early in the development lifecycle, effectively shifting quality to the left.

You will be expected to participate in the entire software development life cycle, from participating in requirement reviews to troubleshooting failed builds in the CI/CD pipeline. Because ING operates in a highly regulated environment, your ability to document your testing efforts and ensure compliance is just as important as the code you write. You will act as a quality advocate, ensuring that every release meets the high standards expected by the business and the end-user.

A strong candidate for this role at ING typically exhibits a blend of technical expertise and a proactive mindset.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in Java or similar object-oriented languages, experience with Cucumber and BDD, hands-on experience with Rest Assured for API testing, and a solid understanding of CI/CD principles.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with cloud-based testing infrastructure, familiarity with performance testing tools, and a background in financial services or highly regulated industries.
• Soft skills: Clear communication, the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and a collaborative approach to solving cross-team quality issues.

Q: Is the interview process at ING very difficult? A: The difficulty is generally considered manageable if you have a solid grasp of your core technical stack. The interviews focus on practical application rather than theoretical trick questions.

Q: What is the typical timeline from the first screen to an offer? A: The process can take several weeks, often involving a gap between the initial HR screen and the technical management interviews. Patience and consistent follow-up are key.

Q: How should I prepare for the technical assessment? A: Focus on your hands-on experience. Be ready to discuss the trade-offs in your past projects and show how you have implemented automation frameworks in real-world environments.

Q: Does ING hire for specific levels? A: Yes, ING uses its own internal assessment to gauge your experience level. It is important to be prepared to defend the depth of your experience, as your performance during the technical assessment may influence your final leveling.

• Own your experience: Be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail. If you led an automation initiative, be ready to explain the specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
• Focus on the "Why": Don't just explain how you did something; explain why you chose one tool or approach over another.
• Be ready for English: In many international offices, be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in English, as it is the primary language for collaboration.
• Study the framework: If you are asked about the company's specific framework, be honest about your experience level and focus on how your existing skills would allow you to adapt quickly.

The QA Automation Engineer role at ING is an excellent opportunity to impact a global financial platform through technical excellence. By focusing on your core automation skills, understanding the principles of BDD, and clearly articulating your problem-solving process, you can position yourself as a strong candidate. Remember that your interviewers are looking for a teammate who balances technical curiosity with a commitment to quality.

You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. Dedicate time to reviewing your own past projects and articulating your design decisions, as this will be the cornerstone of your success. You have the skills to succeed; stay focused, be prepared, and approach each stage of the process with confidence.

The compensation data provided reflects the market range for this role, accounting for variations in seniority, location, and the specific technical requirements of the team. Use this as a baseline for your own research and to understand the value proposition of the position as you move toward the offer stage.