One of the most common tasks for QA teams is to write automated "outer layer" integration tests.

You guys have QA teams that know how to code?

I've seen a recent multi-months training course for testers. Half of it is manual testing (culminating in a website-related project), the other half automated testing which includes learning some Python.

I have multiple QA teams. Some are straight up regular users who cannot write hello world in any language. Others are programmers who got hired to write and maintain our QA end to end suite. A good end to end QA suite for a large project is complex enough that it needs everything any large software project needs: architects, tech leads, and all the other technical staff.

The tests are automated… by the QA team. Using a web-based tool for which none of the devs have access.

I see two ways forward, both probably not great advice.

1. Ask for forgiveness and do whatever you think is prudent regardless of org structure.

2. Find a better org structure elsewhere :)

I tend to agree. When I am capable of summoning the energy to care at this point, I make a run at #1. I have recently decided to actively pursue #2, as well.

Write your own automated tests that you control.