Sr. Quality Assurance Test Engineer | Contract | Hybrid, Chicago, IL

We are looking for a seasoned Quality Assurance Test Engineer to join a high-impact technology team on a contract basis in the Chicago area. This is a hands-on QA role focused on ensuring consistent, high-quality testing standards across a portfolio of applications and systems. Local Chicago-area candidates only.

The Opportunity

You'll play a critical role in delivering quality across enterprise applications and systems, with a particular focus on payment processing, payment authorization/pre-authorization, AS/400, and retail environments . This is a hands-on position for someone who takes ownership of quality throughout the entire testing lifecycle, from strategy and test design through execution, defect resolution, and reporting.

What You'll Be Doing

• Developing and executing comprehensive Test Strategies, Test Plans, Test Cases, and Test Execution plans
• Performing functional, integration, regression, system, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
• Testing payment providers and payment processing workflows , including payment authorization and pre-authorization processes
• Performing hands-on testing across AS/400 environments and applications
• Writing and executing SQL queries for data validation, results verification, and data analysis
• Troubleshooting complex issues, performing Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and partnering with development teams on resolution
• Managing multiple testing events, releases, and projects simultaneously
• Collaborating with development, business, and offshore teams to identify, track, and resolve defects
• Working effectively within both Agile/Scrum and Waterfall methodologies
• Utilizing Jira, ALM, TFS/ADO, or similar test and defect management systems
• Supporting test reporting, defect tracking, status reporting, and overall QA lifecycle activities
• Helping establish, improve, and evolve QA practices and standards across the organization

What You Bring

• 10+ years of professional Quality Assurance experience — non-negotiable
• Extensive hands-on experience across the full software testing lifecycle
• Hands-on payment provider/payment processing testing experience — must have
• Hands-on experience with payment authorization and pre-authorization processes — must have
• Hands-on AS/400 experience — must have
• Strong understanding of QA methodologies, best practices, and quality management principles
• Strong hands-on experience with functional, integration, regression, system, and UAT testing
• Strong SQL skills for data validation, data analysis, and troubleshooting
• Proven experience performing Root Cause Analysis and supporting defect resolution
• Experience managing multiple projects and testing events simultaneously
• Hands-on experience working in Agile/Scrum and Waterfall environments
• Experience with Jira, ALM, TFS/ADO, or similar systems of record
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with offshore development and QA resources
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong quality mindset
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn complex business processes and translate them into effective testing strategies
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and taking on multiple responsibilities

Nice to Have

• Retail industry experience
• Order Management System (OMS) experience
• Experience working with large-scale enterprise applications and legacy systems
• Experience helping establish or mature QA processes and practices

Requirements

• Must be local to the Chicago area
• Must be authorized to work in the US; USC, Green Card, or EAD only
• 1099 or Corp-to-Corp engagement
• 10+ years of Quality Assurance experience
• Payment provider/payment processing testing experience is required
• Payment authorization/pre-authorization experience is required
• AS/400 experience is required
• Retail experience is strongly preferred