Data Test Engineer/Data Validation Tester

Data Test Engineer/Data Validation TesterLocation: Pensacola, FL (Hybrid, onsite 3 days a week) Pay Rate: Open to both W2 and established 1099's Position Type: Contract LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLYWe are currently seeking a mid-to-senior Data Test Engineer/Data Validation Tester for a long term contracting position located in Pensacola, FL. Candidates will work a hybrid schedule (onsite 3 days a week). Candidates must be able to pass both a credit and criminal background check. We are open to W2 and established 1099 candidates. This role is focused on establishing standardized, repeatable, and audit-ready testing practices for data feed onboarding, data integrations, production deployments, and defect remediation. The role combines hands-on data testing with test governance and documentation. The engineer will create test plans and test cases, validate data from source to target, perform SQL/data quality checks and reconciliation, investigate defects and root causes, and use Azure DevOps (ADO) Test Plans and Defect Management extensively. The position also helps build testing standards, SOPs, governance processes, and scalable testing approaches that can support future automation.Candidates must have:At least 5+ years of data validation/data testing experienceStrong Azure DevOps Test Plans experienceSQL and relational database testingData profiling, reconciliation, and data quality validationSource-to-target/data feed/integration testingTest plan and manual test case developmentDefect management and root-cause analysisTesting methodology/SOP/governance documentationSDLC experienceStrong written/verbal communication and ability to present test findingsNice-to-Have Certifications include:ISTQB CTFL – desiredISTQB Advanced – Agile Testing, Test Analyst, or Test ManagerSAFe certification – Leading SAFe, PO/PM, etc.Job Responsibility:Create Test Plan documentsPerform analysis and interpret results, present findings, potential root causes, risks, and downstream impacts.Ensure clear, concise, and effective communication including progress reports, test case or plan documentation, root-cause defect reporting, risks, blockers, etc., to facilitate accurate understanding of testing activities.Coordinate and perform testing of moderate to highly complex data feeds, data integrations, and transformation processes across production and non-production environments.Participate in sizing and estimation for projects and changesCreate and/or update manual test case/scripts within the approved and appropriate test tool(s) for basic to moderately complex non-integrated & simple integrated systemsDesign scalable test scenarios supporting source-to-target validation, business process validation, production validation, and future automation initiatives.Create all required documentation (test results, knowledge articles, sign-off, etc.)Must be skilled in documentation and leveraging of Azure DevOps (ADO) Test Plans SuiteProvide detailed documentation of defects/bugs, follow established defect/bug lifecycle procedures and policies to ensure test case evidence of successful resolution without collateral impactsPerform root cause analysis for identified defects/bugs and provide detailed documentation to developers for solutioningCollaborate with peers, Developers, business partners and all other stakeholders to ensure business needs are communicated, documented, and satisfiedProvide recommendations related to testing practices to facilitate process optimizationParticipate in project and product team meetings, collaborating and contributing while maintaining line of sight on goals and objectivesQualificationsBachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training or experience5+ years of experience in technology & data validation testingBasic understanding of business and operating environmentEffective technical skills working with various software programsWorking knowledge of testing tools, dependent on the project/productWorking knowledge of relational databases, SQL query development, data profiling, reconciliation techniques, and data quality validation.Advanced knowledge of with testing processes, including creating a test plan and opening bugsExperience following Systems Development Life CyclesEffective organizational, planning and time management skillsExperience with Azure DevOps Test Plans and Defect ManagementExperience documenting testing methodologies, SOPs, and governance standardsAdvanced skill presenting findings, conclusions, alternatives, and information clearly and conciselyISTQB Foundation level certification (CTFL) - DESIREDISTQB Advance level certifications (Agile Testing, Test Analyst, Test Manager) - DESIREDCertification in Scaled Agile Framework (ie., Leading SAFe, PO/PM, etc.) - DESIREDRef: #851-Rockville-S1