Software Testing Principal

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a talented Software Testing Principal for a full-time, remote position within the Veterans Affairs (VA) department. This role requires a minimum of experienced level, with a Public Trust (MBI) security clearance. Military Veterans are highly encouraged to apply. This is NOT an SQA tester position; candidates MUST have strong programming skills, often in languages such as C#, .Net, Java, or Python. The principal will be responsible for developing and executing test plans, test cases, and test procedures to ensure information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements. This includes developing test plans, schedules, and approaches, writing test cases and scripts, identifying test data, and conducting walk-throughs with stakeholders. The role involves performing and leading tests on software and IT systems, conducting verification activities, documenting and communicating test results, and supporting the analysis and resolution of complex issues. The principal will also be responsible for creating daily test metrics and reporting, and occasionally performing other IT systems engineering activities. They will apply technical principles, theories, and concepts, receive assignments as objectives, and establish goals to meet them. The role includes providing direction to employees, measuring objective achievement, and providing technical solutions to difficult problems. The principal will ensure solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organizational objectives, independently determining and developing approaches, and reviewing work for adequacy. They will demonstrate good judgment, contribute to program completion, and perform frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts, representing the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues. The principal will also mentor and guide junior testers, understand business requirements, and translate them into effective test scenarios.

Requirements

Strong programming skills, often in languages such as C#, Java, or Python
A proven track record of working on complex software projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables
Experience in 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 (e.g., Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, QTP, LoadRunner)
Experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) tools (e.g., GitHub Actions)
Familiarity with version control systems (e.g. Git and Subversion)
An understanding of performance testing and tools (e.g., JMeter and Gatling)
Experience with defect tracking and management tools (e.g. JIRA and Bugzilla)
Knowledge of database and SQL for validating stored data
Experience in testing web applications, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and services
An understanding of security testing practices and tools
Experience with different types of testing, including functional, regression, integration, system, usability, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong communication and collaboration abilities
An ability to work independently and as part of a team
An attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work
An ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
An ability to mentor and guide junior testers
An ability to understand business requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios
Experience with test management tools
Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools
An ability to conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback
A strong understanding of risk-based testing, exploratory testing, and context-driven testing
10 or more years of total work experience
10 or more years of experience in software testing and quality assurance
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field and 10 or more years of experience.
U.S Citizenship required for this specific opportunity.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI) security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Electronic Data Interchange X.12 (EDI) Medical Claims
X.12 medical claims (837, 834, 277, etc)
A familiarity with cloud-based testing platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Azure)
Advanced certifications in testing or quality assurance (e.g., International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSTE), Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA))

Responsibilities

Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test procedures to ensure that all information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements
Develop test plans, test schedule, and approach
Write test cases and scripts and identifies data for test scenarios
Conduct a walk through on test case(s)/script(s) with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads
Perform and lead tests and software and/or Information Technology (IT) systems to ensure proper operation and freedom from defects
Perform verification activities on work products using defined methods, procedures, and criteria with an appropriate verification environment
Document and communicate test results
Support analysis of test results and resolution of open issues
Document and work to resolve all complex problems
Report progress on problem resolution to management
Devise improvement 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 in the field
Receive assignments in the form of objectives and establish goals to meet outlined objectives
Provide direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance
Measure whether objectives have been met
Provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
Ensure that solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organizational objectives
Independently determine and develop approach to solutions
Review work upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives
Demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
Contribute to completion of specific programs and projects
Perform frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts
Represent organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects
Mentor and guide junior testers
Understand business requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios
Conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback