QA Test Lead

Job TitleAkumen is seeking a highly skilled and motivated mid-level QA Test Lead with demonstrated expertise in both manual and automated testing.Job DescriptionIn this role, you will help deliver high-quality, reliable, and secure IT solutions within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. You will design and execute comprehensive testing strategies to validate functionality, performance, and compliance with business and technical requirements. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. They communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders and consistently meet deadlines. Location: Washington, DC (Onsite – Downtown DC)ResponsibilitiesLead and mentor a team of 4 Test Engineers, ensuring alignment with project goals and delivery timelines.Develop and execute comprehensive test strategies (manual, regression, integration, performance, and automation).Collaborate with developers, product owners, and stakeholders to integrate testing into the SDLC.Design, create, and maintain test cases, test data, and automated test scripts.Track, document, and manage defects through resolution, ensuring quality standards are met.Support UAT, conduct risk-based and exploratory testing, and promote QA best practices in Agile environments.Required Qualifications• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). • 8+ years of software testing experience (manual + automation) and 3–5 years leading QA teams. • Hands-on ServiceNow testing experience (required), including validation of ServiceNow-based applications. • Extensive proven experience with configuring, setting up and implementing ServiceNow Automated Test Framework (ATF). Strong experience with test planning, test case design, and QA methodologies. • Proficiency in SQL, scripting/programming, and API testing tools (Postman, SoapUI). • Experience with Agile/Scrum tools (e.g., Jira, Azure DevOps) and performance testing tools (JMeter, LoadRunner). • Experience with automation frameworks (Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, etc.). • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices. • Strong understanding of system integration and enterprise application testing. • Experience working in government or regulated environments. • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Clearance RequirementActive Interim DoD/DSS SECRET clearance or higher group id: 91164270 N Name Hidden Recruiting Manager/Talent Acquisition SME