Automated Test Engineer (ATE)

About the role

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a talented Automated Test Engineer (ATE) to support the Veterans Affairs (VA) department. This is a full-time, remote position requiring U.S. citizenship and a Public Trust (MBI) security clearance. Military veterans are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test procedures to ensure information systems, products, and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements.
• Write test cases and scripts and identify data for test scenarios.
• Conduct walk-throughs on test cases/scripts with Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads.
• Perform and lead tests on software and/or 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.
• 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 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 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.

Required Skills and Experience

• 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.
• Proficiency in 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).
• 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, 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 delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines; ability to mentor and guide junior testers.
• Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios.
• Experience with test management tools; knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.
• Ability to conduct test reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong understanding of risk-based testing, exploratory testing, and context-driven testing.

Professional Certifications

• Advanced certifications in testing or quality assurance (e.g., ISTQB, CSTE, CSQA) are a plus.

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of total work experience, including 10 or more years in software testing and quality assurance.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

Desired Experience

• Experience with Electronic Data Interchange X.12 (EDI) and Medical Claims (837, 834, 277, etc.).
• Familiarity with cloud-based testing platforms (e.g., AWS and Azure).