Quality Assurance Analyst

Committed to providing life insurance solutions since 1969 in the United States and globally since 1975, Citizens, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: CIA) that has maintained a listing on the New York Stock Exchange since 2002. Operating through our insurance subsidiaries, we strategically offer traditional insurance products in niche markets to capitalize on competitive advantages. With a dedicated team of employees located in Austin, Louisiana and a global network of agents, our reach extends to Latin America, Central America, and Asia.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Title: Quality Assurance Analyst

Job Type: Full-time Exempt

Location: Austin, TX (Corporate Headquarters located in the Domain)

At Citizens, Inc., we've curated an exceptional work environment that goes beyond the ordinary. Our open-plan workspace offers panoramic views of the Domain with multiple conference rooms readily available. Start your day with complimentary coffee in our large break area, enjoy walks on the scenic trails nearby, or hit our onsite gym. Our Lunch Drop service provides the luxury of delivering delicious meals directly to our suite for a stress-free lunch break. For financial needs, the onsite bank is at your service. Furthermore, enjoy the convenience of free covered parking in our garage, featuring charging stations for electric vehicles. Participate in our various monthly employee events designed to enhance our cultural engagement. At Citizens Inc., we prioritize strong employee involvement to foster a dynamic workplace culture. Elevate your career with us, where your workplace is more than just an office; it's a destination for growth, innovation, and a flourishing community.

Summary:

The QA Analyst will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our software and systems. You will be responsible for designing and executing comprehensive test plans that evaluate the system's quality, usability, performance, and adherence to requirements. You will meticulously test our software applications and systems to identify and report defects and issues to development and project management teams in order to guarantee a smooth project launch. You will collaborate closely with development teams, business analysts, project managers, business stakeholders, and management on a daily basis to communicate test plans and test results to ensure project deliverables meet requirements and corporate quality standards.

Essential Job Duties:

Test Plan Development:

• Develop, and document comprehensive test plans and test cases based on requirements documents, including functional, regression, performance, usability, and user acceptance testing (UAT) as directed.
• Understand the current functionality of IT-supported and key corporate software, systems, and integrations, including their full functionality and limitations, to ensure comprehensive and accurate testing.
• Collaborate with IT team members, the PMO, and business partners to develop and refine testing strategies that align with project objectives.

Test Execution and Analysis:

• Conduct tests to evaluate software and systems for quality, usability, and compliance with requirements.
• Analyze test results, identify any defects or issues, assess severity, and work with management and the development team to prioritize and resolve them.
• Accurately document discovered defects using bug tracking tools (Azure DevOps), providing detailed descriptions, steps to reproduce, and expected behavior.
• Monitor testing progress, adjusting plans as necessary to meet project timelines and deliverables.

Reporting and Communication:

• Report testing results to IT teams, business stakeholders, and management, ensuring clear communication of any issues or concerns.
• Provide detailed observations and recommendations based on test findings to support decision-making and project success.
• Ensure all testing documentation and reports adhere to established standards and best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with project managers, business analysts, developers, and other key stakeholders as needed to ensure that testing aligns with project goals and timelines.
• Work closely with development teams to communicate identified issues, prioritize bug fixes, and verify resolutions.
• When assigned, act as the main point of contact for all testing-related activities on assigned projects, fostering strong relationships across departments.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in software programming, test design, and quality assurance practices.
• Contribute to continuously improving testing processes, methodologies, and tools.

What You Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in testing and test design
• Understanding of software development lifecycle, testing methodologies (black-box, white-box), and basic programming knowledge
• Good organizational skills, a detail-oriented mindset, and strong critical-thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required, along with the ability to clearly and concisely report defects and effectively convey complex technical issues.
• Ability to analyze test results and/or troubleshoot issues, identify root cause(s), document potential risks, and propose solutions to improve product quality.
• Able to comprehend new concepts, ask pertinent questions, execute and document ideas and concepts with minimal day-to-day direction
• Proven competency using Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or Business Administration
• Test automation experience
• Experience in the insurance industry
• Experience with Azure DevOps

BENEFITS (the fun stuff)

As an employee of Citizens, we promise you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and one another. We believe in fostering a culture of camaraderie, where your ideas are valued, and collaborative efforts drive innovation. Our commitment to rewarding work extends beyond professional growth to recognize your individual contributions and achievements.

We take a complete approach to our employees' well-being. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, group term life insurance, and a matching 401k to secure your financial future. Our benefits plan allows for Virtual Visits and access to our Employee Assistance Program, showcasing our commitment to your health and work-life balance. Enjoy the added perks of generous Paid Time Off and holidays, ensuring you have the time to recharge and savor life outside of work. Join us and embrace a workplace that values not only your professional growth but also your personal fulfillment.

At Citizens, our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our success as a company begins with our team of employees and departments to service our customers. That's why we strive to create an environment where employees are equipped and challenged to reach their full potential.

Citizens is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.