Senior Application Testing Specialist

Job Title: Senior Testing Specialist

Location: Remote

Project Name: Cost Allocation Tracking System (CATS) Migration

Duration: 24 Months

No of positions -2

Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished and detail-oriented Senior Manual Testing Specialist to lead and execute comprehensive manual testing strategies in support of enterprise system upgrade activities. This individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful validation and seamless deployment of system enhancements within complex mainframe environments. The role demands a deep understanding of manual testing methodologies, legacy technologies, and functional domains such as payroll and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).

This position requires a quality-focused professional with a solid foundation in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe infrastructure who can effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams to uphold system integrity and business continuity throughout the upgrade lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Test Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute end-to-end test strategies, ensuring alignment with system upgrade objectives and timelines.
• Design detailed test plans, test scenarios, and test cases based on functional and technical requirements.
• Conduct risk-based analysis to determine test coverage for critical business processes, particularly in payroll and HRIS domains.

Test Execution & Defect Management

• Perform thorough manual testing, including functional, regression, integration, and user acceptance testing (UAT), with an emphasis on validating data accuracy and system behavior post-upgrade.
• Identify, document, and track defects, ensuring timely resolution in collaboration with development and support teams.
• Validate batch processes, job scheduling, and report outputs within a mainframe context using JCL and COBOL understanding.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with business analysts, developers, infrastructure teams, and end-users to ensure test completeness and relevance.
• Participate in walkthroughs, reviews, and working sessions to understand upgrade impacts and communicate quality assurance findings effectively.
• Provide regular test progress reports, highlight risks and issues, and contribute to go/no-go decision-making processes.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain rigorous documentation of all testing deliverables in accordance with organizational standards and audit requirements.
• Ensure testing processes adhere to internal quality assurance policies, regulatory mandates, and industry best practices.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Testing Experience:
  Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in manual software testing, with demonstrated expertise in leading test activities for enterprise-level upgrade initiatives.
• Mainframe Proficiency:
  Strong working knowledge of mainframe systems, including hands-on experience with COBOL, JCL, TSO/ISPF, and VSAM file structures.
• Experience with test data management or test environment setup, particularly with mainframe.

• Domain Expertise:
  Proven background in testing payroll systems and HRIS platforms, particularly during major upgrade and migration efforts.
• Technical Acumen:
  Ability to interpret and analyze COBOL programs and JCL to facilitate effective test case development and troubleshooting.
• Analytical & Communication Skills:
  Exceptional analytical abilities with acute attention to detail. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry-recognized certifications such as ISTQB, Certified Software Tester (CSTE), or equivalent.
• Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall software development life cycles.
• Experience working in government, public sector, or large enterprise IT environments.
• Exposure to automated testing tools or frameworks, even if the role is predominantly manual.