QA Test Lead

QA Test LeadLocation: Onsite 2-3 days per week in Columbus, Ohio. Duration: 6 Months Visa: USC and GC Interview: Phone/Zoom Job Type: C2CQualifications:Experience leading a teamBachelor's degree in Information Systems or Computer Science required, or equivalent experience5 to 7+ years of in-depth knowledge and experience in project work, process management, and quality assuranceExtensive knowledge and experience with testing tools: ALM and JiraKnowledge and experience of performance testing: ALM Performance CenterKnowledge and experience of automation testing: UFT, Gherkin, Ruby, Jenkins, CucumberKnowledge and experience with SQL codingProven track record of leading strategic projects or the test function combined with the ability to execute at tactical project-level activities and tasksDemonstrable experience as a change agent having effectively implemented change in large cross functional organizationExperience working with distributed teamsStrong written and communication skillsAbility to work with ambiguitySelf-motivated, driven individual who is comfortable working in a global, matrixed, fast-paced environmentDeep understanding of quality assurance and testing practices within the SDLCBrings an awareness of current market trends around tools and best practicesWaterfall and AgileResponsibilities:The Applications Test Lead is accountable for the testing work related to applications in a particular functional domain (for instance, Customer, Transmission and Distribution, Corporate applications, or a particular technology stack), and is a key member of project and program teams, where either Waterfall and Agile methodologies are used. The Applications Test Lead will have a thorough knowledge of testing and quality assurance tools and methodologies, as well as all phases of the systems development life cycle. He/she will have experience in using automation tools and utilities. The responsibilities of this role include facilitating the creation of test plans across the functional and technical teams, facilitating the development of the test scenarios and test scripts, setting up and organizing the technical capabilities, the processes and the people to conduct manual testing and or utilization of automation tools. Maintaining the test scripts with a focus on creation of reusable scripts, and tracking quality assurance metrics that meet or exceed the PMO requirements will be important activities for the test lead.In addition to the skills required for a test lead working in a traditional waterfall project, a test lead or engineer in an Agile team should be competent in test automation, test-driven development, acceptance test-driven development, white-box, black-box, and experience-based testing.Principal Duties and Responsibilities:Ensures testing processes are in alignment with NiSource PMO methodology and standardsBrings an awareness of current market trends around tools and best practicesHas an understanding of the NiSource QA framework and implements QA templates effectivelyHelps others to gain an understanding of the QA framework.Sets forth testing best practices and ensures each tester is following best testing practices according to the NiSource QA FrameworkDetermines staffing requirements for test planning and executionWorks with business leads to understand the end to end business process & identify test scenariosReviews and understands project specific requirementsEnsures proper traceability between test scripts and requirementsReviews test scripts for accuracy and completenessIdentifies required data for thorough testing across all levels of testing neededResponsible for providing daily program level testing metrics & reportingResponsible for conducting daily standup with testersConducts weekly program level status report/status meetingCompletes/Updates Test ApproachCompletes/Updates any PMM (Project Management Methodology) required documentationTrain Testers to ensure users know how to execute Tests and log DefectsCreates a daily Test Plan during all Testing phasesCreates and maintains program level planning tracking towards completionServes as the point of escalation for any and all Testing related issuesFacilitates remediation/mitigation of identified risks/issuesFacilitates program level progression of Testing in all phases of TestingResponsible for program level quality of Testing activities and Testing resultsRuns daily audit report to ensure compliance with auditTracks completion status for each cycle of Testing and ensure Test Plans are complete and accurateDefines scope of Testing for each releaseDefines and tracks completion of items on Exit Criteria checklist for weekly review with program leadsUnderstands requirements enough to be able to determine accurate priority and severity of DefectsSets forth and adheres to Defect standardsSends daily Defect aging report and follows up on Defects that are past SLAFacilitates daily Defect triage meetingsWorks with Deployment Lead to ensure all checklist items are accounted forIdentifies areas of process improvements and implements improvement measures with buy-in from Program LeadsWorks with OCM & training leads for anything Testing relatedCoaches and mentors junior test team membersAdheres to administrative processes and deadlinesOther duties, as requiredComments/Special InstructionsApplication Test LeadWorkday learning, or Workday implementation or experience would be a bonus