Government contracts require rigorous testing to ensure that software, systems, and processes meet high standards of quality, security, and performance. A Quality Assurance (QA) Tester plays a crucial role in evaluating and verifying that deliverables function as intended and comply with federal regulations.
What does a Quality Assurance Tester do on Government Contracts?
A Quality Assurance Tester is responsible for systematically testing software, systems, and applications to identify bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues. Their key duties include:
- Test Planning & Execution: Developing test plans, test cases, and test scripts for evaluating software and systems.
- Bug Identification & Reporting: Detecting and documenting defects, inconsistencies, and failures.
- Compliance & Security Testing: Ensuring compliance with government security and regulatory standards such as NIST, FISMA, and FedRAMP.
- Automation Testing: Implementing automated testing tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Performance & Load Testing: Evaluating system stability under different conditions.
Quality Assurance Tester Job Description
A Quality Assurance Tester working on a government contract is responsible for executing manual and automated tests to ensure the quality and reliability of government software and systems. They collaborate with developers, project managers, and cybersecurity teams to identify defects and ensure adherence to technical and security standards. QA Testers play a critical role in reducing risks, improving system functionality, and maintaining compliance with government regulations.
Job Requirements for a Quality Assurance Tester
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Strong understanding of software development and testing methodologies.
- Proficiency in test automation tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, TestNG).
- Experience with defect tracking tools (e.g., JIRA, Bugzilla).
- Knowledge of government compliance standards (FISMA, NIST, FedRAMP).
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or a related role.
- Certifications such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) or Certified Scrum Tester (CST) are preferred.
WORKSPACE/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Primarily an office environment with extensive computer usage.
- May require collaboration with remote teams and participation in testing labs.
What does a typical job posting look like for a Quality Assurance Tester?
Job Title: Quality Assurance Tester (Government Contracts)
“We are seeking a Quality Assurance Tester to support our government software development efforts. The ideal candidate will have experience in both manual and automated testing, ensuring that applications meet stringent quality, security, and performance standards.”
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Develop, execute, and maintain test cases and scripts.
- Identify, document, and track software defects.
- Conduct regression, functional, performance, and security testing.
- Ensure compliance with federal IT security and quality standards.
- Collaborate with development teams to improve software quality.
Salary Range
The salary for a Quality Assurance Tester on government contracts typically ranges from $60,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity.