Head of Quality Assurance - SGA Inc.

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is seeking a hands-on Head of Quality Assurance for a Full-Time assignment with one of our premier Financial Services clients in mid-town NYC. Hybrid 2 days/week in the office (free lunches!).

The firm is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior and Lead QA Engineer with expertise in Python for QA automation, among other skills, to spearhead efforts in enhancing the performance, efficiency, and user experience of our client's Application Landscape. The ideal hands-on candidate will work closely with developers, architects, database administrators, DevOps, and business project managers, playing a crucial role in developing and executing effective strategies and test plans for various projects. As part of a small team of in-house and outsourced developers and testers, you will be responsible for assessing software quality through manual and automated testing, creating and executing automated test cases, identifying and reporting bugs and glitches, and ensuring our products, applications, and systems meet user expectations and function flawlessly.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the QA Automation Team: Define working strategies for the automation team. Initially 2-3 individuals but that will expand.
• Facilitate Team Development: Encourage continuous learning and development within the team to stay updated with evolving automation technologies.
• Use Python for creating and managing automated test frameworks and scripts.
• Automation Tests: Design, implement, and stabilize automation tests, taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Define and Execute Test Automation Strategy: Oversee the execution of cloud based test automation strategy, ensuring it aligns with business objectives and the software development cycle.
• Framework and Tools Selection: Evaluate and select appropriate frameworks and tools for test automation, considering project needs and team capabilities.
• Plan Test Approaches: Plan test approaches, including testing levels from unit to end-to-end, and integrate with DevOps practices.
• Create detailed, comprehensive and well-structured test plans and test cases to ensure good test coverage of the features/user stories.
• Quality Assurance Strategy: Develop and implement a smart QA strategy that includes automation to enhance process capability and product performance.
• Quality Engineering Practices: Contribute to defining the scope, methodologies, and tooling for Quality Engineering practices.
• Execute Tests: Develop and perform exploratory and automated tests to ensure product quality.
• Collaborate with Leadership: Work closely with team leaders and architects to discuss, design, and implement quality processes and practices.

Primary responsibilities estimated allocation percentage:
40% quality assurance automation strategy and lead
40% automated testing framework technical solution and script setup
20% quality assurance cross-functional communication and oversight

Required Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in senior quality assurance roles (preferably in financial services) managing QA teams and projects in a cross-functional environment
• Proven track record of success leading cloud-based QA initiatives and automation projects
• Extensive experience testing Cloud-based AWS web and desktop applications, including data-driven API testing
• Expertise in Test Automation: Strong experience in test automation frameworks and tools evaluation.
• Python: Strong expertise in Python Scripting for creating and managing automated test frameworks and scripts.
• AWS Cloud Solutions: Proficiency in leveraging AWS cloud solutions for quality assurance.
• CI/CD and DevOps: Experience with CI/CD integration and DevOps practices.
• Test Automation Planning: Ability to define clear goals and execution plans for test automation.
• Risk Analysis: Proficient in risk analysis and mitigation strategies related to test automation.
• Leadership and Management: Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Cross-functional Communication: Ability to communicate with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, business systems analysts, and product managers) to identify and clarify product requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• BrowserStack
• Possess extensive experience testing cloud-based AWS web and desktop applications, including data-driven API testing.
• Financial services experience. However, candidates with robust technology qualifications from outside financial services will also be considered.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at https://sgainc.com/ .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.