Software Test Engineer

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Grand Rapids, MI

3d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group is seeking an experienced Software Test Engineer for a full-time, 100% U.S.-based remote position supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is not an SQA tester position; candidates must have strong programming skills. The role requires a Public Trust (MBI) clearance, or eligibility to obtain one, and U.S. citizenship. Candidates residing in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. The position is W-2, with a salary range of $85,389 to $116,975. The engineer 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 leading software and IT system testing, conducting verification activities, documenting results, supporting issue resolution, producing daily metrics, and communicating progress. The engineer may also contribute to other systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. The position involves independently developing approaches to difficult technical problems, reviewing completed work, contributing to programs and projects, and representing the organization in technical discussions with internal groups and external customers. The successful candidate will bring at least 10 years of professional experience, including 10 or more years in software testing and quality assurance, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, such as 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.
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
A proven track record on complex software projects and delivery of 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, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, 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 and 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.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI) and meet eligibility requirements for a government security investigation.

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 formats such as 837, 834, and 277.
Familiarity with cloud-based testing platforms, such as AWS and Azure.

Responsibilities

Develop test plans, schedules, approaches, test cases, test procedures, and scripts, and identify data for test scenarios.
Review test cases and scripts 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.
Verify work products using defined methods, procedures, criteria, and an appropriate verification environment.
Document and communicate test results, analyze results, and support resolution of open issues.
Document complex problems, work toward their resolution, and report progress to management.
Create daily test metrics and reporting.
Improve current procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Develop and independently determine approaches to technical solutions, review completed work for adequacy, and contribute to programs and projects.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance, and measure whether objectives have been met.
Maintain frequent inter-organizational and external customer contacts and represent the organization in resolving difficult project-related technical issues.