Software Test Engineer

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Ashburn, 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 a W-2 role with a salary range of $85,389–$116,975. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI). Candidates residing in CA, CO, IL, MN, NJ, NY, OR, or WA will not be considered. The role requires strong programming skills and is explicitly not an SQA tester position. The engineer develops and executes test plans, cases, procedures, and scripts to verify that information systems, products, and services meet organizational and end-user requirements. The role involves leading and performing software and IT system tests, verifying work products, documenting results, supporting issue resolution, and producing daily test metrics. The engineer may occasionally support other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. The position also entails independently developing approaches to difficult technical problems, reviewing completed work, improving procedures, contributing to projects, and communicating with internal organizations and external customers. The engineer may provide direction to employees under established policies and management guidance, and is expected to mentor junior testers.

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, such as in C#, Java, or Python; the posting also cites .NET in its description of the required programming background.
Proven track record 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, 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, 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.
Ability to conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback.
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 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 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 test plans, schedules, approaches, test cases, procedures, scripts, and test 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 help resolve open issues.
Document and work to resolve complex problems, and report problem-resolution progress to management.
Create daily test metrics and reports.
Devise improvements to existing procedures and develop models of possible future configurations.
Occasionally perform other IT systems engineering activities, including requirements, design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support.
Independently determine and develop approaches to technical solutions, review completed work for adequacy, and use sound judgment in selecting solution methods.
Contribute to specific programs and projects and represent the organization in resolving difficult technical issues.
Maintain frequent contact with other organizations and outside customers.
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance, and mentor and guide junior testers.