QA Analyst (ADA) at Merrifield, Virginia

QA Analyst (ADA)

QA Analyst (ADA) - Contract - San Diego, CA OR Vienna, VA - $50.00 - $59.00/hr.

The final salary or hourly wage, as applicable, paid to each candidate/applicant for this position is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's/applicant's qualifications, skills, and level of experience as well as the geographical location of the position. The end client is unable to sponsor or transfer visas for this position; all parties authorized to work in the US without sponsorship are encouraged to apply.

Our client is seeking a QA Analyst (ADA) in San Diego, CA OR Vienna, VA.

Role Description

• To work collaboratively with product owners, designers, developers, management, and scrum teams to ensure reliable, ADA-compliant, accessible, and user-centered digital products that meet WCAG standards and deliver inclusive user experiences before they are released to the public. Has in-depth knowledge of accessibility testing disciplines. Solve complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions. Works independently; receives minimal guidance. May lead projects or project steps within a broader project or have accountability for ongoing activities or objectives. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

• Perform ADA-focused testing activities, with the ability to support functional testing as needed for initiatives across Digital platforms, utilize standardized processes, methods, metrics, and approved tools to ensure usability, quality, and reliability.

• Formulate accessibility test strategy aligned to WCAG 2.2 standards based on business and technical requirements, define test data requirements, manage test case creation, and devise contingency plans and other preparation activities.

• Execute accessibility testing using Trusted Tester methodology and assistive technologies to validate real user experience.

• Document all test artifacts, including full audit transparency, of traceability from requirements to tests, and clear mapping to WCAG criteria and accessibility violations.

• Assess risk to the project based on the execution and validation with emphasis on accessibility risk, user impact, and compliance exposure and make appropriate recommendations.

• Interpret product quality from audits, drive improvements and change, and facilitate test methodology discussions across teams, including external vendors.

• Lead initiatives for ADA/QA, and coach junior team members in their day-to-day activities including hands-on accessibility testing practices and audit readiness.

• Lead annual and continued accessibility training for developers, designers, and testing team.

• Collaborate with UX and engineering teams to prevent accessibility defects through early lifecycle engagement.

• Support regression and defect management to ensure we are ADA compliant for releases.

• Provide ADA-compliant solutions to everyday problems while complying with team goals and deadlines.

Skills & Requirements

• Experience in functional test automation including development of test automation frameworks, UI/API automation and CI/CD integration.

• Experience in ADA/accessibility testing techniques, including functional testing.

• Experience in creating test strategies, WCAG-based test cases, and defect resolution with clear remediation guidance.

• Must hold Trusted Tester Certification or similar such as WAS/CPWA.

• Experience in planning and coordinating test activities.

• Advanced knowledge of accessibility barriers and how people with disabilities experience digital content, as well as the tools and techniques to identify accessibility issues.

• Advanced knowledge of accessibility standards and policies (e.g., WCAG 2.2 (A & AA), ARIA, ADA, Section 508, 21st Century Video and Communications Act, etc.).

• Exposure to multi-platforms, and cross-browser testing and knowledgeable of trends for new browser versions, mobile devices and/or other digital applications.

• Advanced knowledge of assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, magnifiers, alternative input, etc.).

• Working knowledge of accepted accessibility patterns and best practices, including solid understanding of HTML and CSS fundamentals and use of ARIA.

• Ability to communicate with a wide range of project stakeholders (e.g., Executives, Managers, Designers, Developers, etc.).

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to guide and coach colleagues and clients in one-on-one, small group, or large forum environments.

• Ability to work with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.

• Ability to operate comfortably in a multi-task/multi-priority environment across project teams.

• Effective skill with exercising initiative and using good judgment to make sound decisions.

• Effective research, analytical, and problem solving skills.

• Effective skill with influencing, negotiating and persuading to reach agreeable exchanges and positive outcomes.

• Effective organizational, planning and time management skills.

• Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Benefits/Other Compensation

This position is a contract/temporary role where Hays offers you the opportunity to enroll in full medical benefits, dental benefits, vision benefits, 401K and Life Insurance ($20,000 benefit).