QA Engineer

Job Title: QA Engineer
Request-ID: 83898-1
Location: Chicago, IL
Duration: 06+ Months
Pay Range: $35-41/Hour on W2 only
Note: Applicant must be willing to work on W2.

Job Description:
We are seeking a skilled QA Engineer with experience in functional, system, and backend testing for applications deployed on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Java, API testing, SQL/data validation, and cloud-based environments. This role involves collaborating closely with developers and product teams to ensure high-quality software delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Functional & System Testing:

• Analyze business and functional requirements to create comprehensive test scenarios and test cases.
• Perform functional, system, integration, regression, and UAT testing.
• Validate end-to-end workflows across applications and backend services.
• Ensure deliverables align with business requirements and acceptance criteria.

Java & API Validation:

• Understand application logic written in Java to support effective test design.
• Validate REST APIs using tools such as Postman or similar.
• Perform data flow and service-level validations across microservices.

SQL & Data Validation:

• Write and execute complex SQL queries to validate data accuracy, transformations, and integrity.
• Perform backend testing across relational and cloud-based databases.
• Validate batch and real-time data processing results.

GCP & Cloud Testing:

• Test applications deployed on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) environments.
• Validate integrations with GCP services such as Cloud Storage, BigQuery, Cloud Functions, or Pub/Sub.
• Support testing in containerized and CI/CD-driven cloud deployments.

Defect Management & Collaboration:

• Log, track, and manage defects using tools like JIRA.
• Collaborate closely with developers and product teams to resolve issues.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, reviews, retrospectives).

Quality & Process Improvement:

• Ensure adherence to QA standards and best practices.
• Support continuous improvement of testing processes and documentation.
• Contribute to risk analysis and quality metrics reporting.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong understanding of software testing methodologies and SDLC.
• Solid working knowledge of Java (code understanding and debugging support).
• Advanced SQL skills for backend and data validation.
• Hands-on experience testing applications on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Experience testing APIs and microservices-based architectures.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum frameworks.

Tools & Technologies:

• Test management and defect tracking tools (e.g., JIRA).
• API testing tools (Postman, REST clients).
• SQL-based databases and cloud data platforms.
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines is a plus.

• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate with operations, technical teams, and stakeholders.
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.
• Ability to lead workshops and training sessions.