Software Test Engineer

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

2d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is hiring 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 role; candidates must have strong programming skills, commonly in languages such as C#, .NET, Java, or Python. The role requires a Public Trust (MBI) clearance or eligibility and U.S. citizenship. Candidates located in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. The position is W-2 and offers a salary range of $85,389 to $116,975. The Software Test Engineer develops and executes plans, cases, scripts, and procedures to verify that information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and user requirements. The role includes manual and automated testing, test-result analysis, issue resolution, metrics and reporting, and collaboration with test managers, requirements leads, project managers, development leads, customers, and other organizations. The engineer may occasionally support other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. The position calls for at least 10 years of total work experience and at least 10 years in software testing and quality assurance, along with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced testing or quality-assurance certifications are listed, as are experience with EDI X.12 medical claims and familiarity with AWS or Azure-based testing platforms.

Requirements

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.
Strong programming skills; examples include C#, Java, or Python.
Proven experience 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, 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 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.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI).

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop test plans, schedules, approaches, test cases, scripts, and procedures, 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 an appropriate verification environment.
Document and communicate test results, support analysis of results and resolution of open issues, and work to resolve complex problems.
Report progress on problem resolution to management and 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.
Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts to develop practical solutions to difficult problems, independently determining and developing approaches.
Establish goals to meet assigned objectives, provide direction to employees in accordance with policies and guidance, and measure whether objectives have been met.
Review completed work for adequacy and contribute to completion of programs and projects.
Conduct frequent inter-organizational and external customer contacts and represent the organization in addressing difficult technical issues.
Mentor and guide junior testers, conduct test reviews, and provide constructive feedback.