QA Analyst

QA AnalystHours: Normal Monday- Friday business hours Location: Raleigh, NC – onsite Duration: 6-month contract (could turn longer term) Salary: Open & Flexible based on experience As a QA Analyst within the organization your job involves executing and enhancing quality assurance standards for in-restaurant, in-store, web, and mobile customer-facing technologies and services, such as restaurant, fuel, and retail point of sale (POS) as well as back office systems. You apply proven analytical and problem-solving skills to validate IT processes through careful testing in order to maximize the benefit of business investments in IT initiatives. You remain current on trends in our industry as well as the latest techniques/technologies that help drive effective QA processes to improve the results we deliver to our clients. The ideal candidate is passionate about quality software and will contribute both to the definition and the enforcement of quality assurance processes and procedures based on best practice methodology.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesDefine and enhance standards for QA processes and procedures for the organization. Enforce the processes and procedures on your projects.Be a go-to person for QA on the assigned project. Coordinate all test activities for the project to achieve its goals. Advise stakeholders on scope of testing required to achieve the goals in given time.Be a mentor for other team members and relay the product knowledge. Provide on-the-job training.Work closely with development team, product owners and other team members to determine the scope of testing to ensure maximum test coverage.Plan and execute tests for new, modified, or existing solutions to ensure that the final product meets high quality standards, is fully functional, and satisfies the end user expectations.Create and execute well-structured test plans, test cases, and test scripts to ensure overall quality of the product is met.Identify any potential issues with the product and report the issues effectively to the development team.Work collaboratively with development team on the issue resolution and recommend program improvements.Perform regression/smoke tests when necessary as a final check to ensure that the product is of good quality before delivering to the customer.Report test results, QA status, and risks to the project team in timely manner before delivery of the product to the customer.Replicate and analyze issues related to the current system or reported by the customer including database and environment level investigation.Help set up and maintain internal test environments and test data. Install new versions of the applications under test.Other TasksWork closely with test automation team to determine areas of the product which can be automated. Support test script creation and execution.Assist customers with testing and training.Assist with hardware set up for testing.Prepare demos for stakeholders and effectively demonstrate new functionality.Qualifications & EducationBachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology or equivalent professional experience • 5+ years of relevant technical QA experience or similar role • Retail, Fuel Pharmacy, Restaurant, or POS experience is a big plusTechnical SkillsOffice Skills (Word, Excel, PPT) o Basic SQL / Databases o Basic Linux o XML o Ability to work with various QA/Testing tools and technologies (i.e. Jira, Testlink, SOAP UI, Postman) o Scripting (Python) experience is advantageCompetenciesAnalytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures. Design - Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; applies design principles; demonstrates attention to detail. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations. Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Follows through on commitments. Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.Depending on the assignment, may require the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group are required.