Software Developer in Test (SDET)

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

2d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking an experienced Software Developer in Test to support the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a full-time, 100% U.S.-based remote W-2 position requiring U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI). Candidates 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. This is not an SQA tester position; strong programming skills are required, with languages such as C#, .NET, Java, or Python. The SDET develops and executes test plans, cases, procedures, and scripts; conducts and leads testing of software and IT systems; verifies work products; documents and communicates results; and supports issue analysis and resolution. The role also creates test metrics and reports, improves procedures, and may occasionally contribute to other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. The position requires independent technical problem-solving, sound judgment in selecting testing methods, and review of completed work against objectives. The SDET contributes to programs and projects, provides technical solutions to difficult issues, and interacts frequently with internal organizations and external customers. Responsibilities include providing direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance and mentoring junior testers. Applicants must have at least 10 years of total professional experience and at least 10 years in software testing and quality assurance, along with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced testing or quality assurance certifications are listed. Desired experience includes EDI X.12 medical claims and familiarity with cloud-based testing platforms such as AWS or Azure. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Interviews are conducted on Microsoft Teams with the camera on, and applicants will be asked to provide a LinkedIn profile link.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, commonly in C#, Java, or Python; the posting also cites .NET.
At least 10 years of total professional work experience.
At least 10 years of experience in software testing and quality assurance.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
Proven experience on complex software projects and delivering high-quality work.
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 User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; strong communication and collaboration abilities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios.
Experience with test management tools and knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.
Ability to conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback.
Strong understanding of risk-based, exploratory, and context-driven testing.
U.S. citizenship is required for this opportunity.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI); selected applicants must meet applicable government investigation and clearance eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced testing or quality assurance certifications, such as ISTQB, CSTE, or CSQA.
Experience with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) X.12 medical claims, including claims such as 837, 834, and 277.
Familiarity with cloud-based testing platforms such as AWS and Azure.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test procedures to ensure information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements.
Develop test plans, schedules, and testing approaches.
Write test cases and scripts and identify data for test scenarios.
Walk through test cases and scripts with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads.
Perform and lead tests of software and IT systems to ensure proper operation and freedom from defects.
Perform verification activities on work products using defined methods, procedures, criteria, and an appropriate verification environment.
Document and communicate test results and support analysis of results and resolution of open issues.
Document complex problems, work to resolve them, and report problem-resolution progress to management.
Improve current procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Create daily test metrics and reporting.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, such as requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts; independently determine and develop approaches to solutions.
Provide technical solutions to difficult problems, review completed work for adequacy, and contribute to specific programs and projects.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance, measure whether objectives have been met, and mentor and guide junior testers.
Conduct frequent inter-organizational and external customer contacts and represent the organization in addressing difficult technical issues associated with projects.