• Job Description

  Req#: 5268898
  Salary : $92,760.00 - $124,752.00 Annually
  Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
  Job Type: Project (limited duration)
  Remote Employment: Remote Optional
  Job Number: 2026-01832
  Department: Employment Security Department
  Division: Office of Modernization
  Opening Date: 04/01/2026
  Closing Date: 4/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
  
  Description
  This is a project position that is funded through December 2027.
  The ideal candidate for the IT Quality Assurance Senior Specialist position is a seasoned technology professional who brings deep expertise in software quality assurance, automated testing, and modern engineering practices. They thrive in complex, enterprise-level environments and understand how to build and maintain rigorous testing standards that support mission-critical systems.
  With a strong command of QA methodologies, they are adept at defining test strategies, establishing long-term quality objectives, and ensuring that every solution delivered across the Finance portfolio meets the highest standards of reliability, efficiency, and user satisfaction.
  This candidate excels in collaborative, cross-functional settings and is comfortable working across agency, divisional, and disciplinary boundaries. They are a natural partner to product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders, translating technical insights into actionable plans that support organizational goals. As a senior authority within the Finance Technical team, they bring a leadership mindset-coaching and mentoring both FTEs and contractors, guiding teams through complex testing challenges, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Their ability to anticipate dependencies, mitigate risks, and ensure comprehensive test coverage makes them a trusted advisor during all phases of the software development lifecycle.
  Above all, the ideal candidate understands the critical role technology plays in supporting the Employment Security Department's statewide programs and services. They are motivated by the opportunity to safeguard systems that impact job seekers, employers, internal staff, and partner agencies across Washington. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for public-sector innovation, they ensure that every deployment is stable, secure, and aligned with the agency's mission to serve the people of Washington with professionalism, responsiveness, and integrity.
  
  Duties
  Design, develop, implement, update, monitor, communicate and enforce agency standards associated with software quality assurance.
  
  • Lead and manage software quality assurance standards and practices including quality control, test management, test planning, test development, test execution, defect management, and test data collection and reporting.
  
  
  • Independently and proactively seek to understand business, division, agency, and state strategic objectives, ensuring that systems and services maintain alignment whenever possible. Document and communicate where alignment is not met and facilitate the implementation of remediation and/or mitigation plans.
  
  
  • Ensure team creates and maintains a knowledge management framework in Azure Dev OPS (ADO) using Wiki. In addition, team must meet established goals for the publication of knowledge base articles.
  
  Independently design, develop, implement, and manage software testing across the portfolio.
  
  • Define, document, and maintain quality assurance goals for the portfolio
  
  
  • Define, document, and maintain test goals, objectives and priorities that have long term effects on software quality including organizational, fiscal, and technical dependencies
  
  
  • Define effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction metrics for the test process, identifying opportunities for improvement including test analysis and design (effectiveness), test implementation and execution (efficiency), test results reporting, and exit criteria evaluation (satisfaction)
  
  Independently plan, design, develop and execute tests for highly complex mission critical applications and information systems.
  
  • Analyze functional, non-functional, and technical requirements to determine and define testing scope
  
  
  • Develop, document, and maintain comprehensive test plans and test procedures for feature enhancements, modifications or replacements of mission critical applications and information systems that are highly complex and have wide-area impact
  
  
  • Develop, document, implement, and maintain comprehensive and well-structured test cases and test scripts for manual and automated tests using a variety of software development/collaboration tools, platforms and languages including, but not limited to C#, Selenium, SQL, PowerShell, JavaScript, JSON, Command-line Git, JMeter, MS Test / NUnit, Azure Dev OPS Test Hub
  
  To request a detailed position description, click
  
  Qualifications
  
  • A combination of education and/or relevant IT experience, as listed below, equal to 11 years
  
  
  • OR Associate's degree in computer science or closely related field AND 9 years of IT experience in business analysis, testing, or systems development
  
  
  • OR Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field AND 7 years of IT experience in business analysis, testing, or systems development
  
  AND:
  
  
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency in software quality assurance strategies, methodologies, and processes
  
  
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency in development architecture and use of automated test tools such as Selenium/Atata/AccelQ as well as writing automated test scripts using a variety of scripting languages such as C#, JavaScript, Windows Batch, and PowerShell
  
  
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency of defect tracking tools and techniques
  
  
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency of test management tool(s) and techniques
  
  
  • 2 years of experience with knowledge and progressive experience with database technologies
  
  
  • 2 years of experience with knowledge of hosting environment variables, e.g., Windows Operating Systems (OS) and commands
  
  AND:
  
  Ability to demonstrate and adhere to the following ESD Employee Competencies:
  
  
  • Accountability: Accept personal responsibility for work and actions
  
  
  • Communication Effectiveness: Effectively convey ideas and information
  
  
  • Critical Thinking: Use purposeful and reflective judgment to process, analyze, interpret, explain, evaluate, illustrate, and compare information.
  
  
  • Customer Service: Commit to providing value-added services to external and internal customers
  
  
  • Inclusiveness: Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to help achieve organizational goals
  
  
  • Interpersonal abilities: The ability to relate to your co-workers, mitigate conflict, and inspire others to participate.
  
  
  • Security: Preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ESD systems and data in accordance with the policies, procedures, and best practices established and maintained by the ESD information security team. Immediately report any Security event, incident, or breach in reporting. Technical Problem-Solving Skills
  
  AND:
  
  Technical Problem-Solving Skills:
  
  • Ability to analyze and solve extremely complex problems through a methodical process. Fixes application errors or failures on extremely complex applications or processes.
  
  
  • Seeks opportunities to resolve problems and submits findings to supervisor for review
  
  
  
  • Works independently to analyze extremely complex problems, communicating findings and recommendation
  
  Systems Analysis:
  
  
  • Ability to understand business processes or portions of large and extremely complex projects and propose technical solutions that can improve those processes; design information systems to automate business processes
  
  
  • Understand portions of business processes of extreme complexity by reviewing the documentation of others
  
  
  • The methods used to perform the analysis are often innovative in nature.
  
  Process Analysis:
  
  
  • Ability to read and develop diagrams to illustrate business and/or technical (application) processes
  
  
  • Understand extremely complex processes
  
  
  • Ability to conceptualize and communicate processing alternatives to improve efficiencies or solve business problems.
  
  Programming:
  
  
  • Ability to configure and code using agency and custom development tools
  
  
  • Ability to plan, document, and code components of extremely complex systems
  
  
  • Able to maintain applications and processes (fixes application errors or failures and completes service request enhancements)
  
  
  • Ability to write unit test plans and perform unit testing
  
  
  • Ability to think in non-linear terms, comfortable with event driven processes, object-oriented designs, service-oriented designs, and applications that consist of code running on multiple platforms
  
  Data Management:
  
  
  • Understanding of data management constructs, tools, and practices for managing data
  
  
  • Understanding of database management system features during the design and development of systems or system enhancements. For example, changing tables, data types, enforcing constraints, etc.
  
  
  • Understanding of data model syntax and terminology
  
  
  • Understand customer business rules to evaluate data on reports and determine reasonableness/accuracy
  
  Technical Writing/Documentation:
  
  • Documenting technical processes and writing technical material in a way that non-technical people can understand
  
  
  • Ability to document extremely complex technical processes using prescribed methods
  
  
  • Ability to maintain technical documentation written by others and keep it up to date
  
  
  • Documentation is typically done independently with the review of a supervisor
  
  
  Required equity competencies:
  
  
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow
  
  
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
  
  Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
  
  • Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check
  
  
  • This position has access to federal tax information and therefore, per RCW 41.04.821 and the IRS publication 1075, is required to have a criminal history record check through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  
  Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
  Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
  
  Supplemental Information
  Our drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
  Opportunity for All
  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
  The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
  If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact or at 253-306-2999 or the , prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
  This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  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 Benefits
  Employees 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 Compensation
  State 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 Security
  All 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 Forgiveness
  If 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 Leave
  Washington 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 Leave
  Leave 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
  01
  
  Are you a current or former Washington State government employee?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  02
  
  Have you attached your cover letter and resume to your application? Please ensure both documents are included as they are crucial for the evaluation process.
  • Yes
  • No
  
  03
  
  What kind of experience do you bring to this position?
  • A combination of 11 years of education and/or relevant IT experience as noted in the job annoucement.
  • Associate's degree in computer science or closely related field AND 9 years of IT experience in business analysis, testing, or systems development.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field AND 7 years of IT experience in business analysis, testing, or systems development
  • Other
  • None of the Above
  • None of the above
  
  04
  
  Which of the following required experience do you bring to the position. Select all that apply.
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency in software quality assurance strategies, methodologies, and processes.
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency in development architecture and use of automated test tools such as Selenium/Atata/AccelQ as well as writing automated test scripts using a variety of scripting languages such as C#, JavaScript, Windows Batch, and PowerShell
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency of defect tracking tools and techniques.
  • 4 years of experience with knowledge and technical proficiency of test management tool(s) and techniques.
  • 2 years of experience with knowledge and progressive experience with database technologies.
  • 2 years of experience with knowledge of hosting environment variables, e.g., Windows Operating Systems (OS) and commands
  • None of the above
  
  05
  
  Which of the following Preferred qualifications do you have experience with
  • Software and Application Testing Certificate of training completion from, Quality Assurance Institute (QAI),American Society for Quality (ASQ),International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB),International Institute for Software Testing (IIST).
  • Two years of experience working in a local/state/federal government environment where IT security best practices, policies, and procedures are required and audited, as well as having responsibility for developing, implementing, and enforcing these types of policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of various modules within D365 Finance & Operations (FO) and the ability to validate changes by the dev team on the D365 FO platform to meet specific business requirements.
  • Experience testing Azure services such as Azure Functions, Azure ADF, Service Bus to validate added business functionality.
  • None of the above
  • None of the above
  
  06
  
  Please describe your experience listed in the above question. Please also describe how long you have been using the applications and when you earned the certification if applicable.
  07
  
  ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
  • WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • Washington State Employee Referral
  • ESD Employee Referral
  • Employment Security Department's job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
  • Monster
  • College/university career fair or website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • VERG
  • Craigslist
  • CareerBuilder
  • Diversity Jobs
  • Handshake
  • Other
  
  Required Question

• About the company

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