Software Test Engineer

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Virginia Beach, VA

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, such as in C#, .NET, Java, or Python. The role requires a Public Trust (MBI) clearance or eligibility and U.S. citizenship. The salary range is $85,389–$116,975. 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 Software Test Engineer develops and executes test plans, schedules, cases, scripts, and procedures to verify that information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements. The engineer leads software and IT system testing, verifies work products, documents and communicates results, supports issue analysis and resolution, and creates daily test metrics and reports. The role also involves improving testing procedures, contributing to projects, mentoring and guiding junior testers, and occasionally supporting other IT systems engineering activities. The position requires independent technical problem-solving, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and the ability to represent the organization on difficult technical issues.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, often in languages such as C#, Java, or Python; the description also identifies .NET as an example.
At least 10 years of total professional work experience and at least 10 years of software testing and quality assurance experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
Proven track record working 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.
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, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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.
Strong understanding of risk-based, exploratory, 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.
Applicants must provide screening-question answers consistent with their resumes; third-party or recruiter applications will not be considered.

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 and Azure.

Responsibilities

Develop test plans, schedules, approaches, test cases, scripts, and procedures, and identify test data for scenarios.
Conduct walkthroughs of test cases and scripts with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads.
Perform and lead testing of software and IT systems to verify proper operation and identify defects.
Verify 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 and work toward their resolution; report progress to management.
Create daily test metrics and reporting.
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.
Provide technical solutions to difficult problems, independently determine and develop solution approaches, and review completed work for adequacy.
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.
Mentor and guide junior testers and conduct test reviews with constructive feedback.