Senior Software Test Engineer

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Bethesda, MD

23h•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group is hiring a Senior Software Test Engineer for a full-time, 100% U.S.-based remote position supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is not an SQA-only tester position; strong programming skills are required. The role develops and executes testing strategies to ensure information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements. The engineer leads testing and verification activities, documents results, supports issue analysis and resolution, reports progress and metrics, and contributes technical solutions to complex project challenges. The position may occasionally include other IT systems engineering activities, such as requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI). The position is W-2. Applicants residing in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. The salary range is $85,389–$116,975. A bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 10 years of experience are required.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, such as C#, Java, or Python; the posting also mentions .NET among example languages in its introductory note.
At least 10 years of total professional experience and at least 10 years of experience in software testing and quality assurance.
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
A proven track record working on complex software projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Experience with both manual and automated testing.
Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Proficiency in writing and executing test cases, scripts, and plans.
Strong knowledge of test automation frameworks and tools such as Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, QTP, or LoadRunner.
Experience with CI/CD tools such as GitHub Actions.
Familiarity with version control systems such as Git and Subversion.
Understanding of performance testing and tools such as JMeter and Gatling.
Experience with defect tracking and management tools such as JIRA and Bugzilla.
Knowledge of databases and SQL for validating stored data.
Experience testing web applications, APIs, and services.
Understanding of security testing practices and tools.
Experience with functional, regression, integration, system, usability, and UAT testing.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, strong communication and collaboration abilities, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to mentor and guide junior testers, understand business requirements and translate them into test scenarios, conduct test reviews, and provide constructive feedback.
Strong understanding of risk-based, exploratory, and context-driven testing.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI).

Nice To Haves

Advanced testing or quality assurance certifications, such as ISTQB, CSTE, or CSQA.
Experience with Electronic Data Interchange X.12 medical claims, including claim formats such as 837, 834, and 277.
Familiarity with cloud-based testing platforms such as AWS and Azure.
Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.
Experience with test management tools.

Responsibilities

Develop test plans, schedules, approaches, test cases, scripts, and test data for scenarios.
Conduct walkthroughs of test cases and scripts with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads.
Perform and lead software and IT system testing to verify proper operation and identify defects.
Perform verification activities on work products using defined methods, procedures, criteria, and appropriate verification environments.
Document and communicate test results, support analysis of results, and help resolve open issues.
Document complex problems, work toward their resolution, and report resolution progress to management.
Create daily test metrics and reporting.
Devise improvements to current procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Independently develop and evaluate technical solutions to difficult problems, review completed work against objectives, and contribute to programs and projects.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance, and measure whether objectives have been met.
Represent the organization in resolving difficult technical issues and engage with internal organizations and outside customers.