Software Test Engineer

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Ballenger Creek, MD

2d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) 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 role; strong programming skills are required. The position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI). Candidates located in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. This is a W-2 position. The engineer develops and executes test plans, cases, scripts, and procedures for information systems, products, and services. The role includes leading software and IT system tests, verifying work products, documenting results, analyzing issues, creating daily test metrics, and contributing to improvements in testing procedures. The engineer may occasionally support other systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operations, sustainment, and support. The position also involves technical problem-solving, project contributions, and frequent contact with internal organizations and external customers. The successful candidate will bring at least 10 years of professional experience, including at least 10 years in software testing and quality assurance, and a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field. Desired experience includes EDI X.12 medical claims and cloud-based testing platforms. Advanced testing or quality assurance certifications are also noted.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, commonly in C#, Java, or Python; the posting also identifies .NET among example languages and technologies.
At least 10 years of total professional 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.
A proven record of 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.
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 quality.
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 testing, exploratory testing, and context-driven testing.
U.S. citizenship is required for this opportunity.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI); selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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

Responsibilities

Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test procedures to ensure systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements.
Develop test plans, schedules, and testing approaches.
Write test cases and scripts and identify data for test scenarios.
Conduct walkthroughs of test cases and scripts with test managers, requirements leads, project managers, and development leads.
Perform and lead tests of software and IT systems 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 help resolve open issues.
Document and work to resolve complex problems, and report progress on problem resolution to management.
Devise improvements to current procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Create daily test metrics and reporting.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, such as requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts; establish goals to meet assigned objectives and measure whether objectives have been met.
Provide direction to employees in accordance with established policies and management guidance.
Develop imaginative, thorough, practicable technical solutions to difficult problems, independently determining and developing approaches.
Review completed work for adequacy in meeting objectives and use sound judgment in selecting solution methods and techniques.
Contribute to specific programs and projects and represent the organization in resolving difficult technical issues.
Maintain frequent inter-organizational and external customer contacts.
Mentor and guide junior testers, conduct test reviews, and provide constructive feedback.