Sr. Quality Assurance Engineer (Automation)

Description

Location: Hybrid (candidate must be able to work from the Columbia, MD office at least 2 days a week)   

Residency Requirement: Candidates must have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 of the past 5 years and be authorized to work in the U.S. (Citizen, Permanent Resident, or EAD).  

Sponsorship H1B: This position does not offer sponsorship.  

Clearance: Public Trust Clearance (or ability to obtain) 

Job Overview:  

Cogent People Inc. is seeking an SDET (Sr. QA Automation Tester) to support a large-scale IT application development program for a mission-critical data-centric project. As an SDET, you will serve as a hands-on technical expert, leveraging expertise in defining and executing a comprehensive testing suite for a large-scale enterprise system with a focus on coverage, regression testing, integration and performance testing.  

Responsibilities:  

• Design and execute functional and non-functional test suites using automated tools and frameworks (Cucumber, Selenium) in Java.  
• Analyze and understand system requirements and translate them into test scenarios and test cases.  
• Define repeatable processes for creating and managing test data to support various test scenarios.  
• Collaborate with developers and SDETs to improve automation coverage and integrate testing into CI/CD workflows.  
• Serve as a technical point of contact for client interactions and cross-team coordination.  
• Work with project managers, business analysts, and QA teams to ensure clear understanding of requirements and proper test coverage.  
• Participate in SAFe Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.  
• Contribute to strategic planning by identifying risks, recommending improvements, and supporting quality initiatives. 

Requirements

• BS in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.  
• 7+ years of hands-on experience automating quality assurance on front-end and backend processes and systems, including functional and non-functional testing.  
• 5+ years of experience in designing and developing automated test suites using Java, Cucumber, and Selenium.  
• Experience with AWS.  
• Experience with relational and non-relational databases (DynamoDB, SQL Server, Redshift).  
• Familiarity with DevSecOps principles and CI/CD practices.  
• Experience interpreting requirements and defining and executing comprehensive test suites for large-scale IT systems, including test scenarios, positive/negative test cases, and supporting test data.  
• Experience with automating testing of HTTP APIs.  
• Experience generating large data sets to support testing.  
• Strong ability to learn new tools and technologies quickly.  
• Effective communication and teamwork skills for working with cross-functional teams, including developers, project managers, and business analysts.  
• High attention to detail with a focus on delivering quality and accuracy.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.  
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.  

Please note: This role and its responsibilities may evolve based on project needs and priorities.  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience working in a highly regulated environment (e.g., Federal Government contracts) is preferred. 
• Experience leading QA automation effort is desirable. 

Why Cogent People Inc. 

At Cogent People, we foster a collaborative, growth-driven environment where innovation thrives. You’ll be part of a team working on mission-critical technology solutions that make a real impact. We offer competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future. As a Certified Great Place to Work, we prioritize employee satisfaction and provide a supportive, inclusive culture where every team member is valued and empowered to succeed.  

Benefits: 

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage. 

401(k) Plan: Matching contributions. 

Life Insurance & Disability Coverage: Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance. 

Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of PTO annually, plus 10 holidays. 

EEO Employer: 

Cogent People Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, or any other status protected by law.