Test Architect & AI Ambassador

Grzegorz Holak

I build test architecture and quality standards for complex financial systems. My work combines engineering execution, architecture thinking, and practical AI adoption in delivery teams.

  • Quality engineering background since 2016
  • High-criticality financial systems
  • Practical AI usage in QA
Portrait — Test Architect & AI Ambassador
10+ years in QA
16 certifications
20+ talks
3 organizations
01

Upcoming Appearances

Upcoming talks, workshops, and panel sessions — reach out if you'd like to meet in person or online.

Workshop

AI in QA: from prompt frameworks to multi-agent workflows

Testing Ground Conference 2026 Warsaw

with Konrad Gomulski

Event details
Talk

Test policy and strategy as governance building blocks in technology organizations

Testing Ground Conference 2026 Warsaw

with Filip Barszcz

Event details
Workshop

AI in QA: from prompt frameworks to multi-agent workflows

TestWarez 2026 Poland

with Rafał Walecki

Event details
02

About

Since 2016, I have been building a career in software quality, with a primary focus on test automation and quality architecture since 2018. I have worked in banking and investment environments with high operational and regulatory demands.

My core objective is to build durable quality capabilities: from test strategy and frameworks to organization-wide standards and risk-based decision making.

As an AI Ambassador, I combine proven engineering discipline with practical AI adoption to help teams improve how they build and validate software.

Technologies
JavaREST APIGraphQLCI/CDTest ArchitectureQuality StandardsISTQB
03

Core Focus

Test Architecture

Designing strategy and test operating models for complex systems, from architecture-level decisions to practical quality standards.

Automation & Quality Platforms

Building test frameworks, integrating them with CI/CD, and improving delivery stability and reliability at scale.

AI in Software Engineering

Applying AI in practical QA and engineering workflows, from experimentation to repeatable day-to-day team usage.

Mentoring & Community

Supporting quality engineers, speaking at industry events, and contributing to community and organizational initiatives.

04

Experience

Test Architect & AI Ambassador Now

Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (FX)

2026 – present

I design test architecture and quality strategy for high-scale, business-critical financial systems in the FX domain. My scope includes defining platform-level test approach, standardizing test frameworks, and supporting teams in risk- and quality-data-driven decisions.

As part of the role, I also support initiatives focused on adopting and applying AI in testing and software engineering.

Senior Test Automation Engineer

Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (FX)

2023 – 2025

Development and maintenance of backend and integration test automation for FX financial systems. Designing and evolving test frameworks, ensuring API quality, and collaborating with product and engineering teams.

Test Automation Engineer

Goldman Sachs

2021 – 2022

Work on backend and integration test automation for investment banking systems. Focus on API quality, system stability, and environments with stringent regulatory and operational requirements.

Test Engineer / Test Automation Specialist

Financial Sector Projects (PKO BP, BNP Paribas, Santander)

2018 – 2021

Contribution to banking sector projects covering API test automation (REST, GraphQL) and performance testing. Experience gained in enterprise environments with a focus on integration quality, test data, and system reliability.

Test Automation & Quality Engineering Background Now

2016 – present

I have been building experience in software quality since 2016, and in test automation since 2018. Over that time I collaborated on diverse technology and enterprise projects with various organizational partners, including Sii Polska.

The scope included designing and developing test frameworks, automating backend and integration tests, supporting CI/CD processes, and close collaboration with product and engineering teams to improve quality, stability, and scalability.

05

Certifications

I treat certifications as proof of architectural maturity — not a collection of exams, but a foundation for designing quality, processes, and scalable testing strategies within organizations.

Foundation Level

2
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Foundation Level
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Agile Tester

Advanced Level

6
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Advanced Level
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Advanced Test Manager
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Advanced Test Analyst
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Advanced Technical Test Analyst
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Advanced Test Automation Engineer
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Agile Technical Tester

Expert Level

3
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Expert Level: Improving the Test Process
Including:
  • Implementing Test Process Improvement
  • Assessing Test Processes

Specialist / Extension

4
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Acceptance Testing
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Performance Testing
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – AI Testing
  • ISTQB® Certified Tester – Testing with Generative AI

Other Certifications

3
  • A4Q Certified Selenium Tester
  • TMMi Foundation
  • TMMi Test Process Improver
06

Events

Community & organizational roles

Association for the Quality of Information Systems / Polish Testing Board (SJSI / PTB)

  • Vice President (since 2024)
  • President (2023 – 2024)
  • Vice President (2020 – 2023)
  • Member (since 2019)

TestWarez

  • Organizing Team Leader (since 2021)
  • Organizing Team Member (2019)

Na Podbój IT

  • Co-initiator of the conference
  • Organizing Team Leader of the first edition (2022)
  • Supporting the conference organizers (since 2023)

Talks & conferences

I have spoken as a presenter and workshop facilitator at numerous testing meetups across Poland, as well as at industry conferences, including:

  • TestFest
  • ConSelenium
  • SEETest
  • Na Podbój IT
  • Warsaw IT Days

Program committees

Member of program committees for industry events, including:

  • TestWarez
  • Na Podbój IT
  • Warsaw IT Days
  • SEETest
07

Tech Initiatives

teslawbloku.eu (Polish only)

A blog project focused on everyday electric vehicle ownership in urban conditions — without access to a private charging station. It explores practical aspects of electromobility, real-world infrastructure limitations, and user experience.

quality-blog.eu

A blog about smart home, automation, and applied AI in everyday workflows. Blends experiments with Home Assistant, computer vision on camera feeds, and LLM integrations with reflections on quality, reliability, and architecture of home-grown solutions.

LEGO

A personal passion for building as a form of relaxation and mental reset — a way to slow down, step away from conceptual work, and enjoy the simple process of creating.

Practical Use of AI

Ongoing development and experimentation with various AI models in both everyday life and professional work, with a focus on automation, decision support, and applied AI tooling.

08

Contact

This is a professional profile page. If you would like to discuss my experience, test architecture approach, or future career opportunities, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn.