QA Lead

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a QA Lead in Peoria, IL.

Job Summary:
The QA Lead for the modernization program will act as the QA Quarterback-owning the execution of the Master Test Strategy and ensuring alignment across internal teams and external partners. This role emphasizes hands-on leadership in planning, coordination, and governance of all testing phases. The QA Lead will drive quality assurance activities for smoke, functional equivalence, integration, and performance testing, ensuring compliance standards and ISO guidelines.

Responsibilities:
* Act as liaison between internal QA, and offshore testing teams; CST Hours for collaboration
* Review and approve test plans, test suite, test cycles, test execution traceability matrices, and exit criteria documentation
* Drive automation strategy using Playwright, Postman, and Beyond Compare
* Oversee test data management and validate integration points with external systems
* Lead defect triage and resolution workflows
* Prepare and present test execution reports, quality metrics, and risk assessments
* Provide mentorship and guidance to QA Analysts and cross-functional teams
* Own the Software Test Life Cycle (STLC) for Phoenix, including planning, execution, and reporting.
* Ensure risk-based prioritization of test scenarios and adherence to quality gates

REQUIREMENTS:
* ISTQB Foundation Level (Advanced Level preferred)
* 7+ years in Quality Assurance, with at least 3 years in lead role
* Experience in large-scale modernization or migration projects
* Experience with at least one of the scripting languages (JavaScript, Perl, Ruby, Python), object-oriented languages (Java, C#), API Testing (SOAPUI, PostMan) and any automation frameworks/harnesses will be a plus
* Strong understanding of functional and integration testing for modernization projects
* Expertise in Azure DevOps test and defect management features
* Familiarity with automation frameworks (Playwright, Selenium) and API testing tools (Postman, SoapUI)
* Solid knowledge of SQL Server, data migration validation, and comparison tools
* Excellent coordination and communication skills across distributed teams
* Strong understanding of relational databases, distributed architecture, and web application concepts
* Fully understands software development lifecycle and experience with a variety approach to software testing; Agile methodology will be a plus
* Excellent reasoning and research skills; Ability to see the -big picture- and manage the details
* Possess a -test to break- attitude toward testing; Ability to understand complex business processes Intermediate level SQL skills with data migration project experience is desired
* Ability to interpret and enforce Master Test Strategy and quality governance, across all testing phases (Smoke, FET, Integration, UAT, Performance)
* Insurance domain experience will be a plus

Preferred Qualifications:
* Insurance domain experience
* Familiarity with mainframe-to-modern platform migrations
* Exposure to offshore team coordination and vendor management

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.