Software Developer in Test (SDET)

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

2d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking an experienced Software Developer in Test (SDET) for a full-time, 100% U.S.-based remote position supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is not an SQA tester position; the role requires strong programming skills. The salary range is $85,389–$116,975. U.S. citizenship is required, and the candidate must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI). Applicants 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 leads and performs software and IT systems testing, verifies work products, documents and communicates results, supports issue resolution, produces test metrics, and contributes to improvements in testing procedures. It may also involve other systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. The position independently develops solutions to difficult technical problems, applies technical principles and judgment, contributes to program and project completion, and represents the organization in technical discussions with internal groups and external customers. The role also provides direction to employees in accordance with established policies and management guidance. Applicants must have 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 at least 10 years in software testing and quality assurance. Candidates must be able to obtain or qualify for the required government security clearance and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, such as in C#, Java, or Python; the posting also references .NET among relevant programming languages.
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 track record 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.
Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios.
Experience with test management tools.
Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.
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) and meet government security investigation and clearance eligibility requirements.
Applicants must provide a LinkedIn profile link during screening; mandatory screening answers must be supported by the resume.

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 formats 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 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.
Conduct walkthroughs of test cases and scripts with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads.
Perform and lead software and IT systems 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 test results and resolution of open issues.
Document complex problems and work to resolve them; report resolution progress to management.
Improve 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.
Establish goals and approaches to meet assigned objectives, and measure whether objectives have been met.
Develop imaginative, thorough, practicable technical solutions consistent with organizational objectives and review completed work for adequacy.
Contribute to completion of programs and projects and maintain frequent contact with internal organizations and outside customers.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance.
Represent the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.
Mentor and guide junior testers, conduct test reviews, and provide constructive feedback.