Job Overview
Location
Ann Arbor
Job Type
Full-time
Category
QA Engineer
Date Posted
February 5, 2026
Full Job Description
đź“‹ Description
- • Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Software Test Manager to join our dedicated team supporting the Veterans Affairs (VA) department. This is a full-time, remote position for candidates based in the U.S. (excluding CA, CO, IL, NJ, or NY). We are particularly interested in hearing from military veterans. This role is critical for ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of vital information systems, products, and services that support our nation's veterans.
- • As a Senior Software Test Manager, you will not be performing hands-on SQA testing. Instead, your expertise will be focused on the strategic development, execution, and oversight of comprehensive testing strategies. You will be instrumental in defining the approach to testing complex software and IT systems, ensuring they meet stringent organizational standards and the critical requirements of end-users. Your leadership will guide the testing lifecycle from initial planning through to final validation and reporting.
- • Your core responsibilities will include developing and executing detailed test plans, comprehensive test cases, and robust test procedures. This involves meticulously identifying data for test scenarios and conducting thorough walk-throughs of test cases and scripts with key stakeholders, including Test Managers, Requirement Leads, Project Managers, and Development Leads. You will lead and perform verification activities on work products, utilizing defined methods, procedures, and criteria within appropriate verification environments to ensure operational integrity and freedom from defects.
- • A significant part of your role will involve documenting and communicating test results effectively. This includes supporting the analysis of these results, driving the resolution of open issues, and reporting progress on problem resolution to management. You will be expected to identify opportunities for improvement in current testing procedures and contribute to the development of models for future system configurations. The creation of daily test metrics and reporting will be a key deliverable, providing insights into the testing progress and quality status.
- • Beyond direct testing management, you may occasionally engage in other IT systems engineering activities. This could encompass contributions to requirements gathering, system design, installation, operation, sustainment, and support. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve a wide range of difficult problems. Your assignments will be objective-driven, and you will be responsible for establishing goals to meet these objectives, providing direction to team members in alignment with established policies and management guidance, and measuring the successful attainment of these goals.
- • You will be expected to provide imaginative, thorough, and practicable technical solutions that are consistent with organizational objectives. This requires independently determining and developing your approach to solutions, reviewing completed work for adequacy, and demonstrating good judgment in selecting methods and techniques. Your contributions will be vital to the successful completion of specific programs and projects, often involving frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts. You will represent the organization by providing solutions to complex technical issues related to specific projects, showcasing your leadership and technical acumen.
- • This role demands strong programming skills, particularly in languages such as C++, Python, or Java, which are essential for understanding and guiding the testing of complex software. A proven track record of successfully managing testing on intricate software projects and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, defect-free products is paramount. Your experience should encompass both manual and automated testing methodologies, with a deep understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile Scrum frameworks.
- • Proficiency in developing and executing test cases, test scripts, and comprehensive test plans is a must. You should possess strong knowledge of various test automation frameworks and tools (e.g., Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, QTP, LoadRunner), and experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) tools like GitHub Actions. Familiarity with version control systems such as Git and Subversion is also required. An understanding of performance testing principles and tools (e.g., JMeter, Gatling) is beneficial, as is experience with defect tracking and management tools like JIRA and Bugzilla.
- • Your technical expertise should extend to knowledge of databases and SQL for data validation, and experience in testing web applications, APIs, and services. A solid grasp of security testing practices and tools, along with experience across various testing types – including functional, regression, integration, system, usability, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) – is expected. You will also leverage your excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges effectively.
- • Strong communication and collaboration abilities are crucial, as is the capacity to work both independently and as a contributing member of a team. You must possess a keen attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality work. The ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage deadlines effectively, and mentor junior testers will be key to your success. Translating complex business requirements into effective test scenarios is a vital skill for this role.
- • Experience with test management tools, knowledge of DevOps practices and tools, and the ability to conduct thorough test reviews with constructive feedback are highly valued. A strong understanding of risk-based testing, exploratory testing, and context-driven testing methodologies will further enhance your contribution. We encourage candidates with advanced certifications in testing or quality assurance (e.g., ISTQB, CSTE, CSQA) to apply. This role requires a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, coupled with 10 or more years of relevant professional experience.
🎯 Requirements
- • Strong programming skills in C++, Python, or Java.
- • Proven track record of managing testing on complex software projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
- • Experience with both manual and automated testing, Agile Scrum methodologies, and SDLC.
- • Proficiency in writing and executing test cases, test scripts, and test plans, with knowledge of test automation frameworks and tools (e.g., Selenium, TestNG, JUnit).
- • Experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions), version control systems (e.g., Git), defect tracking tools (e.g., JIRA), and SQL for data validation.
- • 10+ years of total work experience, with 10+ years in software testing and quality assurance.
- • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
- • U.S. Citizenship required; must qualify for a Public Trust (MBI) security clearance.
🏖️ Benefits
- • Full-time, remote position (100% U.S. based, excluding CA, CO, IL, NJ, NY).
- • Opportunity to work on critical systems supporting the Veterans Affairs (VA) department.
- • Competitive salary and benefits package (W2 or 1099 options available).
- • Encouragement and preference for military veterans.
- • Professional development opportunities and potential for advanced certifications.
Skills & Technologies
Python
Java
AWS
Azure
GitHub
Senior
Remote
Degree Required
About SYMS STRATEGIC GROUP, LLC
SYMS STRATEGIC GROUP, LLC (SSG) is an SBA-Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that delivers mission-critical professional and Information Technology (IT) services. Specializing in the Federal Sector, SSG serves all Federal Government Customers, including significant support for the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on contracts such as graphic design and substance use disorder proof of concept projects. The company leverages industry-experienced staff and strategic partnerships to ensure success for its clients. Its leadership in the federal health IT community is underscored by President and CEO Ed Syms' multiple-year recognition as a FedHealthIT100 award recipient and Hall of Fame Honoree, highlighting the firm's impactful contributions.
