Senior Software Test Engineer - Hybrid

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Sr. Software Test Engineer with strong UI testing expertise and backend debugging skills to ensure quality and compliance during the modernization of a critical government information system. This position is HYBRID (3 days onsite, 2 days work from home) in Reston, VA, Annapolis Junction, MD or Washington, DC and requires an active TS/SCI CI Poly.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in functional and regression testing of Java-based web applications, with a focus on user interface validation, accessibility compliance, and cross-browser compatibility. You will be capable of performing backend troubleshooting-including application log analysis, API validation, and database queries-to isolate defects and provide developers with actionable diagnostic information.

Responsibilities for the Sr. Software Test Engineer

Test Planning & Execution

• Develop comprehensive test plans and test cases for system upgrades and new features.
• Perform functional and regression testing of Java-based web applications.
• Conduct user interface validation and cross-browser compatibility testing.
• Execute manual testing methodologies for complex scenarios.
• Review and debug backend logs.
• Perform API testing for backend services (Apache Solr, RESTful services).
• Perform database integrity checks using SQL queries.
• Perform system buildouts including installation, configuration, and integration.
• Manage defect tracking systems and coordinate issue resolution.

Compliance & Accessibility Testing

• Validate compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements.
• Ensure adherence to government accessibility standards (Section 508 / WCAG).
• Test enterprise applications in Windows Server environments.
• Verify security controls and data protection measures.

Automation & Integration

• Develop and maintain UI automation frameworks for regression testing.
• Integrate automated tests into GitLab CI/CD pipelines.

System Component Testing

• Test Apache Tomcat application server deployments and configurations.
• Validate authentication and backend interactions with LDAP services.
• Validate Oracle 19c database integrations and data flows.
• Verify data migration integrity with application-to-Solr integration.
• Test SAP Business Intelligence reporting interfaces and outputs.
• Ensure a seamless user experience across the modernized platform.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Collaborate with developers, business analysts, and security teams in a regulated environment.
• Document test results, defects, and quality metrics with meticulous attention to detail.
• Provide detailed analytical reports on system quality and readiness.

Qualifications for the Sr. Software Test Engineer

• 18 years of experience in Software or Systems Engineering roles (or a highly related field with similar scope and responsibilities).
• Education Substitutions: A Bachelor's degree may be substituted for 4 years of experience; a Master's degree may be substituted for 6 years of experience.
• Active TS/SCI CI Polygraph
• Extensive experience performing functional and regression testing of UI web applications.
• Strong UI testing expertise, including user interface validation and cross-browser compatibility.
• Experience in backend troubleshooting by reviewing application and server logs to determine the root cause of application failures.
• Proficiency with defect tracking systems.
• Experience writing and executing SQL queries to validate application data.
• Experience performing verification of system buildouts, including installation, configuration, and integration.
• Experience testing enterprise applications in Windows Server environments.
• Familiarity with UI automation frameworks and CI/CD pipelines (GitLab) for automated test execution.
• Excellent analytical skills and meticulous documentation practices.

Compensation for the Sr. Software Test Engineer includes:

• Salary: $135,000 - $170,000 depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and Paid Holidays

#LI-KD1 #LI-HYBRID

Keywords: Functional Testing, Regression Testing, UI Testing & Validation, Cross-Browser Compatibility, Manual & Automated Testing, UI Automation Frameworks, Defect Tracking, Backend Debugging & Troubleshooting, Application Log Analysis, API Validation & Testing (RESTful services), SQL & Database Queries (Oracle 19c), System Buildout (Installation, Configuration, Integration), LDAP Authentication, Java Web Applications, Apache Tomcat, Apache Solr (Solr Cluster), SAP Business Intelligence (BI), Windows Server, GitLab CI/CD Pipelines, Section 508 / WCAG (Accessibility Compliance), Federal Cybersecurity Requirements, Regulated Environment, TS/SCI with CI Polygraph, Reston, VA, Northern Virginia, DMV, Washington DC, JBAB, Joint Base Anacostia Boling, Annapolis Junction, Fort Meade, Baltimore, Herndon, Reston, Fairfax