IT Quality Assurance - Senior Specialist

This is a telework/hybrid position. The candidate of choice may work from anywhere within the state of Washington with a reliable internet connection. Travel may be required. Are you passionate about delivering high-quality software and building innovative test automation solutions? The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking an IT Quality Assurance - Senior Specialist to play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and quality of enterprise applications that support the agency’s mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives. As an IT Quality Assurance - Senior Specialist, you will lead testing initiatives through the design, development, and maintenance of automated test scripts, testing frameworks, and custom testing tools. You will validate that business and technical requirements are implemented correctly, applications perform as expected, and software solutions align with industry best practices before they are deployed to production. This role serves as an independent quality advocate, providing objective testing and validation throughout the software development lifecycle. By building and enhancing automated testing capabilities, you will improve application quality, increase testing efficiency, and help deliver secure, reliable technology solutions that support critical correctional operations across the state. A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As an IT Quality Assurance Senior Specialist, some of your duties will include:

• Developing automation testing frameworks, custom test tools, and test scripts which could include:
• Developing test suites for systems using industry standard frameworks and approaches
• Developing innovative, custom, test tools to analyze and confirm the accuracy of mission critical calculations
• Developing and maintaining an automated testing framework
• Developing and maintaining test automation standards
• Reviewing automated test cases and verifies adherence to established standards
• Designing, developing, and maintaining automated Regression test cases utilizing VBScript, SQL, C#, PowerShell
• Executing automated test suite and analyzes results in support of project and maintenance release efforts
• Developing automation tools to assist application development activities within the Quality Assurance team and other Planning and Delivery teams
• Designing and implementing performance and load testing frameworks, configuring and maintaining load generation equipment statewide, executing performance and load test runs, analyzing the results and reporting findings and making recommendations to include:
• Designing and implementing a custom, highly scalable, scripting framework to provide a low-maintenance and robust performance testing solution for a large, complex application
• Standing-up and configuring Virtual Table Server (VTS) to handle wide-ranging runtime data requirements
• Developing complex SQL queries and batch processes to efficiently populate VTS datasheets
• Deploying and configuring Load Generator client machines statewide
• Developing and implementing test plans for testing high-risk mission critical software applications to include:
• Designing, developing and implementing detailed test plans, test cases, and test scripts for testing DOC applications
• Performing functional system testing, integration testing, regression testing, and database testing for DOC applications

• Providing estimates for the testing effort of projects and ongoing maintenance, Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington. Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• People’s safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting people’s success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities., * DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process., This position may be allocated for telework. If authorized for the role, work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.

• A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

AND

• Six (6) years of information technology experience

OR

• High school diploma or equivalent

AND

• Ten (10) years of information technology experience

In addition to the above education/experience, the below knowledge, skills and/or alibies are required:

• Six (6) years’ programming experience using Object Oriented languages like C# or Java or scripting languages like VBScript, JavaScript
• Four (4) years’ professional experience in software, testing; documenting and executing effective test plans and test cases for testing applications
• Four (4) years’ experience developing highly complex SQL queries

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Two (2) years’ experience in performance and load testing using LoadRunner, JMeter or other industry standard load testing tools
• One (1) year of experience developing test suites using RSAT

Pulled from the full job description Retirement plan Vision insurance Dental insurance Paid sick time Paid holidays Dependent care reimbursement Flexible schedule, What We Offer: As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!