Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer and Tester

Position Overview

The Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer and Tester – Journeyman supports the DOI's Human Resources Directorate (HRD) IT Support Services by performing comprehensive software testing, defect analysis, and documentation to ensure that mission-critical systems-including FPPS, NextFPPS, Quicktime, and WebTA-operate reliably, efficiently, and in compliance with DOI standards.

This role focuses on hands-on testing and quality assurance activities, contributing to system modernization, customer migration support, and ongoing sustainment within an Agile framework. The QA Tester applies broad expertise in testing techniques, tools, and methods to ensure the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of HRD systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Software Testing and Quality Assurance

• Develop, execute, and maintain manual and automated test plans to identify defects and verify software functionality.
• Execute test cases, document and evaluate test results, and identify root causes of issues.
• Detect, log, and report program glitches, defects, and anomalies using approved tracking tools (e.g., JIRA, ServiceNow).
• Track and manage defect lifecycle; collaborate with developers and analysts to troubleshoot and validate fixes.
• Review and refine test procedures to identify errors, efficiencies, and process improvements.
• Contribute to regression, performance, and integration testing for new releases and updates.
• Operate with moderate independence and innovation in developing test methodologies and identifying QA improvements.

2. Documentation Support

• Prepare and maintain test documentation, including test cases, test plans, results, and summary reports.
• Support system and project documentation, including technical specifications, validation summaries, and process standards.
• Contribute to the development of standards and procedures that ensure consistency across QA deliverables.
• Maintain traceability between requirements, tests, and defects to ensure full coverage and audit compliance.

3. Accessibility and Section 508 Compliance

• Conduct Section 508 compliance testing to ensure HR and payroll applications meet accessibility requirements.
• Use manual and automated tools such as JAWS, WAVE, or axe to assess user accessibility and identify non-conformance.
• Coordinate with developers to validate accessibility remediation and confirm compliance with federal ICT accessibility standards.

4. Agile Integration and Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with developers, analysts, and project managers in an Agile development environment.
• Participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and daily stand-ups to integrate testing into the Agile workflow.
• Provide feedback on story acceptance criteria, test data needs, and quality metrics.
• Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives related to software quality and testing automation.