Sr Manual Test Engineer | Gaithersburg, MD (Remote + Travel if required) | Contract W2

Mid/Sr Manual Test Engineer on an important, fast-paced, mission critical program. The selected candidate will perform component, integration, and system level testing by writing and executing system-level test procedures, evaluating changes made to software applications, and verifying defect corrective actions discovered during development, testing, and/or operational use. The selected candidate will join the existing Manual Test Team in support of a fast-paced, dynamic software development program. The Manual Test team is part of a test organization that includes teams that automate regression tests and maintain a complex testing framework and infrastructure. The selected individual will utilize basic system administration skills and will work with physical equipment in a test lab environment., * Coordinate with other Engineers and customer test stakeholders to define testing priorities and establish test event schedules.

• Partner with System-Level Test Teams and Scrum Masters to identify tasks and resources for test environment preparation, test procedure development, and execution of informal and formal testing.
• Identify and manage cross-team dependencies required to successfully execute program release testing events.
• Perform manual component, integration, system, and end-to-end testing of software applications.
• Develop, write, and execute system-level and integration-level test procedures and test reports.
• Evaluate software changes and verify defect corrective actions identified during development, testing, and operational use.
• Utilize basic system administration skills and work with physical equipment in a test lab environment.
• Develop test data, define test acceptance criteria, and create test methodologies for subsystem interfaces and software modules.
• Plan, perform, and oversee regression testing using a full suite of Operational Test Scenarios for builds/images delivered to the customer.
• Engage with customer points of contact when required, to prepare for and conduct formal test milestones (e.g. Test Readiness Reviews, Test Results Reviews), coordinate customer witnessing of formal tests, and provide test resource support for customer test events.
• Understand all software components and their interface requirements to ensure comprehensive test coverage.
• Develop, review and contribute to test plans and test procedure documentation as part of a broader test organization.
• Support software configuration management processes related to test artifacts and environments.
• Work collaboratively with Software Development, Systems Engineering, Integration, Deployment, and Sustainment teams.

• BS degree and 12 15 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10 13 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• Must have current, full-time experience working as a Test Engineer.
• Must have experience testing through a full system development life cycle, including implementing test plans, test cases, and test processes.
• Must have experience participating in formal test events (Acceptance Test, User Acceptance Test, Software Final Release Test, Maintenance Release Test, etc.).
• Must have demonstrated experience developing and executing formal system tests to verify compliance with customer requirements.
• Must have experience collaborating with software developers to create formal test procedures.
• Must have experience working with physical equipment in a test lab environment.
• Must have experience collecting, analyzing, presenting test results verbally and reporting test results in writing.
• Must have experience utilizing elevated privileges to set up and execute manual test procedures.
• Must have experience documenting test results for corrective actions, reporting, and audits.
• Must have experience testing systems from existing system and functional specifications.
• Must have strong communication skills and be able to successfully communicate with both management and technical personnel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Behavior Driven Development (BDD) and Test-Driven Development (TDD).
• Experience with programming and scripting languages (i.e., Java, shell, Python, etc).
• Experience working with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)/ key management programs and technologies.
• SAFe Agilist or DevOps certification.
• Experience working in an Agile Development Environment or on an Agile Team.

Next Gen Software Solutions is a trusted provider of IT Staffing and consulting services dedicated to empowering businesses with cutting-edge technology solutions and exceptional talent. We specialize in delivering tailored IT consulting services, innovative software solutions, and connecting businesses with highly skilled IT professionals. Founded and led by a dedicated U.S. Army solider, Next Gen Software Solutions is deeply rooted in the core values of integrity, discipline, commitment, and experience-principles that guide every aspect of our operations.