Software Developer in Test (SDET)

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

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 to obtain, a Public Trust (MBI). Candidates located 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: candidates must have strong programming skills, such as C#, .NET, Java, or Python. 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 includes manual and automated testing, reviewing results, supporting issue resolution, documenting complex problems, producing daily test metrics, and improving testing procedures. The position may also involve other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. The SDET independently develops approaches to difficult technical problems, evaluates data, and provides practical solutions aligned with organizational objectives. The role contributes to projects, works with internal teams and external customers, and may provide direction to employees and mentor junior testers. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, along with at least 10 years of total work experience and 10 years in software testing and quality assurance. 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 camera on, and applicants are asked to provide a LinkedIn profile link.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, such as C#, Java, or Python; the posting also cites .NET as an example language or technology.
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 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.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios.
Experience with test management tools and knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.
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).
Must be able to meet government investigation and eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test procedures to verify systems, products, and services against organizational standards and end-user requirements.
Develop test plans, schedules, and testing approaches.
Write test cases and scripts, and identify data for test scenarios.
Conduct test case and script walkthroughs with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads.
Perform and lead software and IT systems testing to ensure proper operation and freedom from defects.
Perform verification activities using defined methods, procedures, criteria, and appropriate verification environments.
Document and communicate test results; support analysis of results and resolution of open issues.
Document complex problems, work to resolve them, and report problem-resolution progress to management.
Improve existing 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.
Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts to difficult technical problems, independently developing and reviewing approaches to solutions.
Contribute to programs and projects and represent the organization in resolving difficult project-related technical issues.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance, measure progress toward objectives, and mentor and guide junior testers.
Conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback.
Work with internal organizations and external customers to provide technical solutions.