IT Quality Assurance - Entry (Testing)

Are you looking for the ideal next step in your IT career? Can you imagine yourself working with and learning from, a fun, innovative, and inclusive team of IT professionals focused on a multi-year, multi-million-dollar, complex technology project hat will modernize the Department of Retirement Systems’ pension systems? If this sounds like you, the role of IT Quality Assurance - Entry (Testing) at the Department of Retirement Systems may be just the opportunity you've been looking for!This is a multi-year project position that is expected to be completed in summer 2027.

This recruitment is open until filled. Applications received for this job opportunity will be reviewed immediately, so your prompt response is encouraged. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the recruitment process.
 
The Opportunity: 
In the role of entry level IT Quality Assurance – Testing you will be responsible for providing quality assurance with successfully performing testing activities with functional and non-functional requirements throughout the lifecycle of the Creating Outstanding Retirement Experience (CORE), Pension Administration Modernization Project (PAM) project. In this role you will work to ensure that systems and processes are functioning and tested as specified in the business requirements.

Some of what you’ll do during the scope of the project includes:   

• Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test scripts. 
• Create and maintain test data and environments for CORE.
• Perform and support functional and non-functional testing activities.
• Perform and support interface and integration testing activities.
• Identify, manage, and resolve bugs found in testing to ensure all issues are made visible to the test coordinator and ensure they are effectively solved.  
• Perform and support other testing activities to also include User Acceptance Testing.
• Maintain testing standards and methods to instill confidence in the system by ensuring quality assurance testing is performed to the highest level of accuracy and quality. 

What we’re looking for: 

• Demonstrated experience in identifying problems; analyzing business, management, or technical needs; evaluating alternatives; and recommending next steps. This experience is typically gained through at least three (3) years of professional experience.
   
• Demonstrated experience preparing procedures and related documentation such as internal user documentation, manuals, and training materials. This experience is typically gained through at least two (2) years of professional experience.
   
• Demonstrated experience participating in user acceptance testing or similar system testing including documenting bugs, identifying test data, participating in research for anomalies. This experience is typically gained through at least one (1) years of professional experience.
   
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas: 

Planning 
 Accurately scopes and estimates the length and difficulty of tasks and projects.  Identifies clear goals, objectives, and outcomes.  Breaks down work into process steps; develops schedules and assignments and anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks.  Measures performance against goals and evaluates results.
 
Problem Solving 
Analyzes problem to identify the root cause(s).  Evaluates possible courses of action; uses reason, logic, and creativity to reach conclusions.  Develops timely, effective solutions that take into consideration alternatives, risks, and consequences in relation to organizational goals, resources, and constraints.
 
Attention to Detail 
Plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.  Follows processes and procedures in the completion of work.  Carefully monitors the details and quality of work and double-checks work product to ensure accuracy and consistency.
 
Commitment to Diversity
Recognizes the value of diversity. Helps create an environment that embraces and supports diversity, equity and inclusion.

The following skills are not required but will set you apart: 

• Experience supporting the testing needs of at least one (1) large scale (enterprise) system modernization effort.   
• Associate degree or higher in information technology, legal, public administration, business administration or related field.
• Experience with requirements traceability and testing software such as Azure DevOps (ADO), Jira, or like software.   
• Professional certification in software testing or business analysis.
• Experience with Washington State Retirement Systems and Plans.   

Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Be sure to complete all sections of the electronic application and answer all supplemental questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work history section of the application template. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete. Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely matches the desirable qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.
 
 Applications without the following attachments will be screened out as incomplete: 

• A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position;
• A chronological resume outlining your experience to-date.

Important Information: 

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• Candidates who are current or recent state employees, we will also review the personnel file as part of our process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review;
• Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
• DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. 

Why Work for DRS?

At DRS, we are one team. We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and we serve over 930,000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers. 

Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information, tools, expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers’ expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful.

At DRS, team members enjoy:

• A modern work environment
• Flexible work schedules
• Free parking
• Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Infants at Work Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Subscription to LinkedIn Learning
• Commitment to team member safety and wellness
• Community involvement/charitable giving

Veteran's Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veteran's Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or redact any personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and year of birth. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. 

The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. DRS does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7208 or TTY Relay Service at 711.

Come join our team!  

Salary : $70,692 - $95,112