Senior Quality Assurance Specialist - VP

BlackRock, Inc.•New York, NY

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior QA Specialist to lead testing and validation efforts across hardware, software, cloud (M365) and AI-integrated solutions. This role blends deep manual testing expertise with robust automation and AI testing capabilities, focusing on quality strategy, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, a user-focused mindset (ensuring an optimal end-user experience), extensive knowledge of the M365 collaboration ecosystem (Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive), and the ability to guide QA best practices across teams and stakeholders.

Requirements

Experience: 10+ years of experience in hardware/software QA, with a focus on manual testing and some test automation. Prior experience with enterprise productivity or collaboration platforms (M365 preferred) is highly desirable.
Platform diversity: Must have experience testing across multiple platforms (web, mobile, and desktop) and operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS). Familiarity with cloud-based environments and cross-browser compatibility testing.
QA methodology expertise: Strong understanding of QA methodologies, software development lifecycles, and testing processes. Ability to develop test strategies that align with agile development stages and business goals.
Microsoft 365 knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the M365 environment and services - especially Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive and Copilot - and how to effectively test integrations and user workflows on these platforms.
AI testing & automation: Hands-on experience validating AI/ML-driven features for accuracy and usability. Proficiency with test automation tools or scripting (for regression suites or smoke tests) to complement manual testing efforts.
Tools proficiency: Proficiency with test management and defect-tracking tools. Experience using Azure DevOps (or similar ALM platforms) for managing test cases, bug tracking, and release workflows is a strong advantage.
Networking & security basics: Basic understanding of networking principles and security best practices as they relate to QA. Able to incorporate considerations like access controls, encryption, and network performance into test planning and defect analysis.
Documentation skills: Ability to interpret technical documentation and translate it into actionable test cases. Skilled at writing clear test plans, bug reports, and QA status updates for diverse audiences.
User-centric mindset: Demonstrated user-focused mindset with a passion for ensuring an optimal end-user experience throughout the testing process.
Attention to detail: Exceptional attention to detail and analytical thinking, with a talent for spotting edge cases and anomalies that others might miss.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Able to document findings clearly and explain complex quality issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Collaboration: Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams. Comfortable coordinating with product managers, engineers, designers, and support teams to drive quality improvements.
Presentation: Confidence in presenting test results, quality metrics, and recommendations to stakeholders at various levels (developers, management, business partners).
Adaptability: Flexible and adaptable in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Capable of adjusting to shifting priorities and new testing challenges with a positive attitude.
Organization: Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
Influence: Ability to build strong partnerships and positively influence quality outcomes across teams. Proactive in advocating for quality in all phases of the development cycle.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience: Experience in regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare) with compliance-driven testing requirements is a plus.
Advanced AI testing: Exposure to AI/ML testing frameworks or ethical AI validation practices, including experience assessing AI features for bias, fairness, or regulatory compliance is a plus.
QA lab experience: Prior experience in establishing or managing QA lab environments or simulation testbeds for complex integrated systems is highly beneficial.
User Acceptance Testing: Background in UAT or business process validation, working closely with end-users or business stakeholders to ensure solutions meet real-world needs.
Automation strategy: Experience contributing to test automation strategy or tool selection (e.g., evaluating frameworks, setting up test pipelines) is an advantage.
Certifications: Relevant certifications are a plus but not required. Examples include Microsoft 365 Certified (fundamentals or expert levels), Azure certifications, or QA certifications (ISTQB, etc.) that demonstrate additional expertise and commitment to continual learning in the field.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end testing efforts: Lead manual testing efforts for new features, releases, and integrated systems, including those in the Microsoft 365 platform (Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive), to ensure a seamless and high-quality end-user experience.
Test planning and design: Review and analyze business requirements, functional specifications, and user stories to design effective test cases. Ensure test plans provide full coverage and traceability to requirements.
Test execution and documentation: Execute test plans and document results, ensuring traceability and comprehensive coverage of all features. Identify, log, and track defects using tools like Azure DevOps, and verify that fixes resolve the issues.
Cross-team collaboration: Collaborate with developers, product managers, and business stakeholders to clarify requirements and maintain agreed-upon quality benchmarks. Partner with stakeholders across AI, Engineering, and Operations to align on quality goals, testing scope, and release readiness.
Validate advanced features: Validate AI and automation features for usability, consistency, and fairness using defined test scenarios. Incorporate basic networking and security considerations into test scenarios to ensure robust performance and data protection.
Automation and tools: Develop and maintain light automation scripts for regression and smoke testing. Leverage Azure DevOps and similar tools to integrate automated tests where appropriate.
IT lab management: Establish and manage a QA lab environment with simulation capabilities to replicate integrated system configurations and user scenarios, enabling comprehensive testing of collaboration tools, AI features, and cross-platform functionality under various conditions.
Agile participation: Participate in planning, QA reviews, and release readiness assessments. Provide timely feedback during recurring stand-ups and collaborate with the team to resolve testing blockers.
Process improvement: Contribute to the development and refinement of QA processes, templates, and documentation. Advocate for continuous improvement in testing strategies, workflow efficiency, and product quality.
Mentorship: Mentor junior QA team members and support training initiatives by sharing best practices, conducting peer reviews of test cases, and fostering a culture of quality.
Compliance and standards: Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements, including adherence to security policies and data privacy regulations in all QA activities.

Benefits

employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including healthcare, leave benefits, and retirement benefits
strong retirement plan
tuition reimbursement
comprehensive healthcare
support for working parents
Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about

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