Senior QA Analyst / Manual Testing Specialist

Role: Senior QA Analyst / Manual Testing Specialist
Location: Naperville, IL
Experience: 6 8 Years 
Role Overview 
We are looking for an experienced Senior QA Analyst with a strong background in manual testing, test planning, and quality assurance processes. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience across the full testing lifecycle, strong analytical skills, and working knowledge of SQL and Agile environments. Exposure to automation testing is a plus.
 Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute end-to-end manual testing activities across multiple applications

• Plan, organize, and implement testing strategies and QA processes

• Develop and maintain test plans, test scenarios, test cases, and test data

• Perform system analysis, assessment, and defect root-cause analysis

• Execute test cases against application components and validate business requirements

• Write and execute complex SQL queries and stored procedures for backend data validation

• Log, track, and manage defects using HP ALM and JIRA

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an Agile/Scrum environment

• Ensure adherence to QA standards, best practices, and data protection guidelines

• Support continuous improvement of testing methodologies and processes

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 6 8 years of experience in manual software testing and quality assurance

• Strong experience in test planning, execution, and defect management

• Solid understanding of QA methodologies, SDLC, and STLC

• Hands-on experience with HP ALM and JIRA

• Strong SQL skills (MySQL preferred), including complex queries and stored procedures

• Experience working in Agile software development environments

• Knowledge of data protection and quality assurance standards

• Exposure to test automation tools is an added advantage

Preferred Skills

• Some experience with automation testing frameworks

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and documentation abilities