Salary : $94,620.00 - $127,248.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04938
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: FTAA
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionDepartment of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Finance, Technology, & Analytics Administration (FTAA) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Test Lead - IT Quality Assurance Senior/Specialist on the Division of Information Technology (DIT) Quality Assurance team. The QA Team is responsible for validation and approval of coding changes for a large complex of eligibility systems that administer cash, food and medical assistance to the residents of Washington State.
The Test Lead is involved in all phases of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). The SDLC includes requirements and design definition, coding, testing and deployment. You will participate in the entire testing process including strategic planning, reviewing artifacts, test environment maintenance, test design, test execution, defect management, reporting of test results.
You will guide testing efforts for the Quality Assurance project team, working closely with testers, business analysts, technical teams, and business partners. You will mentor others in testing practices, support quality improvements, and review the work of others to ensure system updates are ready for production. You will also empower new testers to build confidence and skills through training, coaching, and clear expectations.
This project is anticipated to last until June 2027 but may be extended.
Some of what you'll do:- Ensuring the quality of coding changes delivered for ACES complex applications that are critical to the delivery of food, cash, and medical benefits.
- Lead the testing of complex projects; Oversees and manages essential environment maintenance and patching for multiple test environments, ensuring a stable foundation for the testing required to successfully support project deliverables.
- Make decisions and complete tasks regarding maintenance and the access of test environments.
- Apply strategic expertise to incorporate existing processes and develop new methods/procedure/approach to complete projects.
- Complete research on new technologies and tools, provides a recommendation for implementation and guides integration.
- Train new staff and provide enhanced training for existing staff using their advanced knowledge of testing principles, concepts and practices.
- Maintain relationships with State and Federal Agency partners to coordinate test efforts for shared functionality.
- Partners with project manager, business analysts and key business partners to ensure accurate bug triaging, prioritization, and swift issue escalation.
Most work can be conducted by various options such as teleworking or on site. Normal working hours are Monday- Friday, 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Occasional work in excess of 40 hours per week is required to support critical problem resolution, production operations, and off-hours/on-call rotation.
Who should apply?Professionals with the following:
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Information Technology Systems, Computer Science, and Seven years of professional experience as a test analyst using software testing methodologies, experience with hierarchical and relational database management systems, experience testing web and/or client server applications. Experience with industry test workflow and requirement definition tools. Experience using XML, SQL and file manager tools.
OR,
- An Associate's Degree or equivalent in Information Systems, Computer Science and nine years' of professional experience as a test analyst using software testing methodologies, experience with hierarchical and relational database management systems, experience testing web and/or client server applications. Experience with industry test workflow and requirement definition tools. Experience using XML, SQL and file manager tools.
OR,
- Eleven years' of professional experience as a test analyst using software testing methodologies, experience with hierarchical and relational database management systems, experience testing web and/or client server applications. Experience with industry test workflow and requirement definition tools. Experience using XML, SQL and file manager tools.
AND
- Two years of professional experience in a leadership role within a QA team.
Preferred qualifications, experience, or certification- Three years of experience solving complex problems through imaginative, innovative and creative leadership
- Software Testing Certification
Completed applications will include: - An updated resume that clearly describes your relevant experience. We encourage you to tailor your resume to this position and highlight specific examples of work involving your experience with hierarchical and relational database management systems, experience testing web and/or client server applications
- A Cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job, skills, and experience that make you the best person for the job
- Three or more professional references with current contact information
Note: Missing or generic resumes and cover letters that do not clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the qualifications and duties outlined in this posting may not be considered competitive.
Questions? Please contact and reference 04938
The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental InformationPrior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
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