Software Quality Assurance Engineer and Tester

Key Responsibilities:

• Test Planning and Execution:
• Develop and execute detailed software test plans, test cases, and test scripts based on software requirements, technical specifications, and system architecture.
• Identify, document, and troubleshoot software issues, defects, and inconsistencies during the testing process.
• Perform functional, regression, integration, performance, and security testing to ensure software meets required standards and security protocols.
• Quality Assurance and Reporting:
• Evaluate and assess the quality of software by conducting manual and automated testing of applications, databases, and systems.
• Track and report on defects, issues, and testing progress to project teams, ensuring all findings are documented accurately and promptly.
• Verify that issues are resolved in a timely and efficient manner and retest fixes as needed to ensure quality standards are met.
• Generate and maintain reports detailing test results, quality metrics, defect tracking, and the overall software quality process.
• Collaboration with Development Teams:
• Work closely with developers, systems engineers, and project managers to define testing requirements and identify software flaws and improvements.
• Collaborate in agile environments and assist in sprint planning, backlog grooming, and retrospective meetings to drive continuous improvement of the testing process.
• Support the design and implementation of automated testing scripts and frameworks to enhance the efficiency and scalability of testing efforts.
• Performance and Security Testing:
• Conduct performance testing to evaluate the scalability and stability of software under various conditions.
• Perform security testing to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses within the software and recommend improvements to enhance data protection and system security.
• Test Automation and Tooling:
• Develop and implement automated test scripts using industry-standard test automation tools and frameworks.
• Evaluate new tools and methodologies to optimize testing processes and increase efficiency.
• Maintain and enhance automated testing scripts to ensure they remain current with evolving software requirements and changes.
• Compliance and Documentation:
• Ensure that all testing activities adhere to DHS policies, procedures, and compliance standards (e.g., FISMA, NIST, security standards).
• Maintain comprehensive test documentation, including test plans, test cases, test results, and defect logs to ensure compliance and traceability.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Analyze and improve existing test strategies and quality assurance practices to ensure high-quality software delivery.
• Contribute to process improvements, best practices, and lessons learned from testing efforts to refine software quality processes.

Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Certifications in Software Quality Assurance or Testing (e.g., ISTQB, CSQA) are highly desirable.
• Experience:
• 8+ years of experience in software quality assurance and testing, with hands-on experience developing and executing test plans.
• Proven experience in testing applications in both manual and automated environments.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies and participation in sprint cycles.
• In-depth knowledge of software testing life cycle (STLC), including test case design, test execution, defect tracking, and reporting.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Strong knowledge of software testing methodologies, including functional, regression, integration, and security testing.
• Experience with automated testing tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, QTP, or others).
• Familiarity with testing in cloud environments and/or complex distributed systems.
• Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as Java, Python, or JavaScript for writing automated tests.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Subversion).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues and recommend solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to document test results and issues clearly and effectively.
• Certifications (Preferred):
• Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA).
• ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) certification.
• CompTIA Security+ or similar security certifications.

Security Clearance: