Software Test Engineer

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

3d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group is hiring a Software Test Engineer to support the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a 100% U.S.-based remote position, though applicants located in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. The role is a W-2, full-time position with a salary range of $85,389–$116,975 and requires U.S. citizenship and a Public Trust (MBI) clearance or eligibility to obtain one. This is not an SQA tester position: strong programming skills are required. The engineer will develop and execute test plans, cases, procedures, and scripts; lead software and IT systems testing; perform verification activities; document and analyze results; help resolve issues; and produce daily test metrics. The role also contributes to improvements in testing procedures and may occasionally involve other systems engineering activities. The position requires at least 10 years of total professional experience and at least 10 years in software testing and quality assurance, as well as a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, often in languages such as C#, Java, or Python.
At least 10 years of total professional work experience and 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 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.
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 tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
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 testing, exploratory testing, and context-driven testing.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI); selected applicants are subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Applicants must provide answers to mandatory screening questions supported by their resume.

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 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, procedures, and scripts, and identify data for test scenarios.
Walk through test cases and scripts with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads.
Perform and lead testing 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 toward their resolution, and report progress to management.
Create daily test metrics and reports.
Devise improvements to current procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Establish goals and independently develop approaches to meet objectives; review completed work for adequacy.
Provide technical solutions to difficult problems, contribute to programs and projects, and represent the organization in addressing project-related technical issues.
Provide direction to employees in accordance with established policies and management guidance.
Conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback; mentor and guide junior testers.