Manual QA

Job#: 3029360

Job Description:
Mid-Level Manual QA Engineer

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (Hybrid - 3-4 days onsite per week)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Mid-Level Quality Assurance Engineer with 3-5 years of experience to support highly complex and/or multiple software projects. This role requires strong manual testing expertise, particularly with desktop installer applications and user interface testing, as well as experience validating server-side components.

The QA Engineer will be responsible for designing, executing, and maintaining test plans, test cases, and testing processes while ensuring product readiness and quality throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). The ideal candidate will also mentor junior QA engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the QA organization.
Key Responsibilities
Test Planning & Execution

• Create, maintain, and execute test plans, test cases, test scripts, and test data for manual and automated testing
• Participate in peer reviews of test plans and test cases; update artifacts based on feedback
• Execute manual test cases for user-facing components, desktop installer applications, and server-side systems
• Identify test cases suitable for regression test libraries
• Record test results and maintain traceability between requirements and test cases

Defect Management & Troubleshooting

• Track, prioritize, and manage defects using a test repository/defect tracking system
• Perform root cause analysis and problem resolution when defects occur
• Work closely with application development teams to support defect resolution
• Flag requirement, design, and quality gaps early in the development lifecycle

Quality Metrics & Release Readiness

• Establish and report fact-based metrics related to test efficiency, effectiveness, and product readiness
• Provide risk-based input to Senior QA Engineers, QA Specialists, and QA Managers
• Participate in product readiness and release decision-making
• Support QA and Release Specialists in building realistic implementation and testing timelines

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Collaborate with business analysts to validate clarity and completeness of business requirements
• Assist in defining test data strategies and selecting appropriate test environments
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for QA standards, practices, and processes
• Update Quality Center (or equivalent) following defined standards
• Become proficient in application development technologies used by internal teams

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor junior QA engineers and provide guidance on testing tools, techniques, and best practices
• Provide constructive feedback on existing QA processes and standards

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional software testing experience in complex or multi-project environments
• Strong experience with manual testing, particularly desktop installer and user interface testing
• Experience testing server-side components
• Strong understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
• Ability to estimate, coordinate, and direct testing efforts across multiple projects
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to prioritize workloads efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent work experience

Technical Skills
Required / Strongly Preferred

• Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, UNIX
• Databases: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, strong SQL experience
• Programming/Markup: Java, C++, HTML, XML, Web Services
• Test & Defect Tools: Experience with test repository and defect tracking systems
• Financial services or brokerage industry experience (preferred)

Additional Preferred Experience

• Web-based application testing
• Performance testing
• CI/CD tools: TeamCity, Jenkins
• Build tools: Gradle, Maven
• Development tools: IntelliJ IDEA, Bitbucket
• Mobile testing tools and platforms:
  • XCTest, UI Automator
  • iOS and Android OS, native application installation and configuration
• Mainframe environment experience:
  • MVS, JCL, TSO, batch job processing
• Software development experience as a Client/Server or Web Application Developer (J2EE) (preferred, not required)
• Containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes (plus)

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.