Senior Software Tester

The Virginia Retirement System is seeking a skilled quality assurance professional to serve as a Senior Software Tester. The Senior Software Tester creates and supports strategies, processes, and procedures to guarantee the delivery of high-quality software solutions across multiple teams. This role establishes and enforces optimized quality assurance processes for testing both new and modified software, covering all testing phases and types. This role ensures that quality assurance controls are integrated into every software initiative across teams. Additionally, the position involves hands-on testing of the most complex software scenarios.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Leverages advanced QA knowledge to establish and maintain standards while contributing to a high-performance testing team.
• Assesses and enhances testing strategies and QA methodologies.
• Documents processes and provides training to team members on QA best practices.
• Ensures efficient software testing operations are aligned with industry standards.
• Serves as a technical authority in quality analysis and testable design.
• Leads automation and performance testing efforts to minimize manual testing.
• Suggests improvements to technical standards and processes.
• Collaborates with development teams to ensure timely delivery of functional and high-quality software.
• Creates test plans, traceability matrices, and scripts for intricate projects.
• Designs test scenarios and scripts for thorough testing using non-sensitive data.
• Generates or acquires test data to execute scripts in line with standards.
• Performs testing and QA activities on extensive software projects, documenting results.
• Tracks and reports quality metrics to ensure proper software testing.
• Participates in business discussions and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
• Analyzes defects to identify trends and root causes.
• Independently manages multiple complex projects.
• Performs other duties and completes assigned projects as requested.

Do you have experience in Waterfall software development?, Do you have a Master's degree?, Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Five (5) years of progressive experience in software quality assurance or an equivalent combination of education and experience., * Extensive expertise in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), software testing, and quality assurance methods, with a focus on best practices and methodologies.

• Proven experience testing high-transaction-rate systems, including eCommerce platforms.
• Strong background in implementing proactive testing processes early in the design and development stages, including test-driven development.
• In-depth knowledge of software test methodologies and tools, with hands-on experience across all testing phases (e.g., Unit, System, Integration, Regression, Acceptance) and techniques (e.g., White-box/Black-box, Usability, Data Validation, Pattern Analysis).
• Skills in test planning, script organization and maintenance, defect reporting, and version control. Proven technical proficiency in automated testing tools and simulation techniques.
• Capabilities of working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to prioritize tasks for both self and team members.
• Skills in analyzing complex processes, interpreting detailed materials, and creating accurate and comprehensive work plans.
• Experience in Agile, Iterative, and Waterfall development methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective collaboration in team settings.
• Experience using Selenium for automation