Software Developer in Test (SDET)

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Ballenger Creek, 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 W2 position requiring U.S. citizenship and possession of or eligibility for a Public Trust (MBI). Candidates residing in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. The role is not an SQA tester position and requires strong programming skills. The SDET develops and executes test plans, cases, and procedures to verify that information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements. The position performs and leads software and IT systems testing, verifies work products, documents results, supports resolution of issues, develops test metrics and reports, and contributes to process improvements. It may also involve other systems engineering activities and providing technical solutions for complex project issues. 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 a related field. Advanced testing or quality assurance certifications are noted. Desired experience includes EDI X.12 medical claims and familiarity with cloud testing platforms such as AWS and Azure. Selected applicants are subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be able to obtain a government-granted security clearance.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, often in C#, Java, or Python.
At least 10 years of total professional work experience and at least 10 years of software testing and quality assurance experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
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, test scripts, and test 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; able to work independently and as part of a team.
Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to mentor and guide junior testers.
Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios.
Experience with test management tools.
Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.
Ability to conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback.
Strong understanding of risk-based testing, exploratory testing, 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 eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be able to obtain a government-granted security clearance.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop test plans, schedules, approaches, test cases, scripts, and test data for scenarios.
Conduct walkthroughs of test cases and scripts with test managers, requirements 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, support analysis of results, and help resolve open issues.
Document complex problems, work to resolve them, and report progress on problem resolution to management.
Devise improvements to current procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Create daily test metrics and reporting.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Develop independent approaches to technical solutions for difficult problems and review completed work for adequacy against objectives.
Contribute to programs and projects, provide technical solutions to difficult project issues, and represent the organization in contacts with internal groups and outside customers.
Provide direction to employees in accordance with established policies and management guidance, and measure whether objectives have been met.