Software Developer in Test (SDET)

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Arlington, VA

2d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking an experienced Software Developer in Test for a full-time, 100% U.S.-based remote position supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is not an SQA tester position; strong programming skills are required. The role requires 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. This is a W-2 position. The SDET develops and executes test plans, cases, procedures, and scripts to verify that information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements. The role involves manual and automated testing, leading software and IT system testing, validating work products, documenting and analyzing results, supporting issue resolution, and producing daily test metrics and reports. The developer also contributes to procedure improvements and may occasionally perform other systems engineering work, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. The position applies technical principles to complex problems, independently develops solutions, reviews work against objectives, contributes to project completion, and communicates with internal organizations and external customers. The role also includes providing direction in accordance with established policies, mentoring junior testers, conducting test reviews, and representing the organization in resolving difficult technical issues.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, such as C#, Java, or Python.
A proven track record working on complex software projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Experience in 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.
Ability 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.
10 or more years of total professional work experience.
10 or more years of experience in software testing and quality assurance.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI).

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 transactions.
Familiarity with cloud-based testing platforms such as AWS and Azure.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute test plans, test cases, test procedures, and test schedules to ensure systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements.
Write test cases and scripts and identify data for test 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 confirm proper operation and identify defects.
Verify work products using defined methods, procedures, and criteria in an appropriate verification environment.
Document and communicate test results, analyze results, and support resolution of open issues.
Document and work to resolve complex problems, and report problem-resolution progress to management.
Devise improvements to current procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Create daily test metrics and reports.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Independently develop approaches to technical solutions and review completed work for adequacy in meeting objectives.
Contribute to completion of programs and projects and represent the organization in resolving difficult technical issues.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance.
Mentor and guide junior testers, conduct test reviews, and provide constructive feedback.
Maintain frequent contact with internal organizations and outside customers.