Software Test Engineer

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Ann Arbor, MI

2d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group is hiring a Software Test Engineer for a 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 develops and executes test plans, cases, and procedures to ensure information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements. It includes manual and automated testing, verification, test-result analysis, defect resolution, test metrics and reporting, and occasional work on other IT systems engineering activities. The engineer applies technical principles to difficult problems, independently develops approaches and solutions, reviews completed work, and contributes to programs and projects. The position involves frequent contact with internal organizations and external customers, and may include providing direction to employees and mentoring junior testers. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI). A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field and at least 10 years of experience are required. Candidates in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. This is a W-2 position.

Requirements

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.
Strong programming skills; examples listed include C#, Java, and Python. The posting also refers to .NET as an example in its introductory note.
Proven experience working on complex software projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
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, test scripts, and test 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 high-quality work; and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to mentor and guide junior testers, understand business requirements and translate them into test scenarios, use test management tools, conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback, and apply risk-based, exploratory, and context-driven testing.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI).
Candidates must be able to support the stated screening requirements, including a government security investigation and eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Candidates located in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered.

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.
Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.

Responsibilities

Develop test plans, schedules, approaches, test cases, scripts, and test 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 test-result analysis and resolution of open issues.
Document and work to resolve complex problems, and report progress on problem resolution 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.
Develop technical solutions to difficult problems, independently determine approaches, and review completed work for adequacy against objectives.
Contribute to programs and projects, provide technical solutions for project issues, and represent the organization in customer and inter-organizational contacts.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance; mentor and guide junior testers.