Quality Assurance Data Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Quality Assurance Data Engineer in Ramsey, NJ.

Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled QA Tester with deep experience in validating analytics solutions, including dashboards, data models, ETL logic, and reporting layers. The ideal candidate has strong expertise in writing test plans, test cases, and regression test suites, with the ability to work closely with BI Engineers, Data Engineers, and Product Managers. This role requires exceptional SQL proficiency, attention to detail, and the ability to test complex data transformations end-to-end.

Key Responsibilities:
Test Planning & Documentation:
* Develop comprehensive test plans, test strategies, and test scenarios for analytics and BI solutions (dashboards, metrics, transformations, semantic layers)
* Document expected behavior, test data needs, and success criteria for analytics deliverables
* Define and maintain regression testing plans to ensure ongoing reliability of data products

Execution of Testing:
* Execute manual tests across ETL pipelines, data models, and business intelligence tools
* Validate data accuracy using complex SQL queries and compare outputs from upstream/downstream systems
* Perform end-to-end testing of new features, enhancements, and bug fixes
* Conduct smoke testing for deployments and validate incremental data loads

Defect Tracking & Collaboration:
* Log defects with clear reproduction steps, impact analysis, and risk assessment
* Work with BI/Data Engineers to reproduce issues and validate fixes
* Collaborate with product owners and analysts to ensure test coverage aligns with business requirements

Quality Governance:
* Ensure adherence to quality and testing best practices within the analytics development lifecycle
* Provide recommendations for improving testing processes and validation frameworks
* Participate in sprint planning and contribute QA perspectives to acceptance criteria

REQUIREMENTS:
Technical Skills:
* Advanced SQL skills (joins, window functions, CTEs, aggregations, performance debugging)
* Strong experience testing data pipelines, ETL processes, and data transformations
* Experience validating BI dashboards (Looker, Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
* Ability to test metric logic, KPIs, and semantic models for correctness and consistency
* Strong grasp of data warehousing concepts (star schema, SCD types, fact/dimension modeling)

QA Skills:
* Demonstrated experience writing high-quality test plans, test cases, test scripts, and regression suites
* Experience with tools such as Jira, TestRail, Zephyr, or equivalent
* Skilled in converting user stories and acceptance criteria into testable scenarios
* Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments

Soft Skills:
* Excellent communication and documentation abilities
* Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple testing cycles
* Problem-solving mindset with focus on root cause analysis

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with Looker, dbt, Snowflake, BigQuery, or similar modern data stack technologies
* Familiarity with Git-based CI/CD workflows (Bitbucket, GitHub, and GitLab)
* Exposure to automated data testing frameworks (e.g., Great Expectations, Soda, dbt tests)
* Prior experience in enterprise analytics, BI engineering, or data governance environments

Success Criteria:
A successful contractor will:
* Provide complete and accurate test coverage for data products
* Quickly identify data integrity issues and collaborate effectively to resolve them
* Produce reliable documentation that can be reused by teams long-term
* Reduce regression bugs across analytics releases

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

By clicking ?Apply Today? you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.