Sr Software Quality Assurance Engineer (Hybrid)

Company Description

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees, and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid work capacity.

Relocation assistance is available.

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Manager, the Sr Software Test Engineer (internal title) applies quality assurance software engineering and knowledge in the design of test plan, test cases, execution of tests and testing strategies for the validation and quality assessment of software products. Applies technical and process oriented expertise in the interpretation and application of testing processes aligned to the CAISO quality practices as relates to functional, security, performance, integration testing. Responsible for establishing and maintaining the Software Test Automation and Performance Test Engineering code base, integration and security testing posture, assessment of the appropriate level and depth of testing to be applied for the ISO’s software releases. Leads technical improvements for CAISO Enterprise Test Methodology, procedures, guidelines, and tools to ensure continued operational excellence. Provides technical training and expertise to department staff and others as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Review and analyze requirements, specifications, and technical design documents, provide timely feedback and plan test plan coverage accordingly.
2. Implements robust QA testing practices with a focus on early issue detection; including establishing testing methodologies, standards, tools and techniques for Security, Integration and Load/Performance Test Engineering.
3. Provides estimates of all technical aspects of testing including Integration, Security, Performance tests and Test Automation efforts. Optimizes sequencing and scope of technical testing aspect to drive lower Total Cost of Quality for ISO solutions.
4. May be required to lead testing efforts, related to the quality of tests and test records to ensure all ISO software meets or exceeds the established quality standards and drives sustained reduction in defect escape rates to higher environments.
5. Performs the role of QA Assurance Engineer: Design, develop, and execute test plans and test cases as per ISO’s Quality Assurance Center of Excellence guidelines.
6. Develops scripting on the test framework architecture, integration, and applies security principles related to software testing. Identifies and drives focus on high-value optimal scope for test automation.
7. Performs test automation and performance test engineering across all ISO applications including tool utilization, resourcing, architecture, and priorities. May be required to oversee the technical aspects of tests executed by testers or contractors.
8. Responsible for the planning and execution of the optimum level of Security, Integration and Performance Tests, assessing test results and making recommendations for areas and prioritization to address variances and performance tuning as needed, including recommendations to the QRB.
9. Establishes and maintains ISO’s Performance and Test Automation framework, perform code-reviews and maintenance of related scripts.
10. Establishes and maintains ISO’s Product base line and regression test labs/cases.
11. Trains testing staff on test techniques, processes and tools to enhance technical testing capabilities of the team.

Qualifications

Level of Education and Discipline

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Information Technology, Management of Information Systems, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience

Equivalent years of education and training, plus five (5) or more years related experience.

Certifications

Testing certifications from reputable organizations such as ISTQB desirable.

Type of Experience

Proven work experience in software quality assurance and strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and process. Hands-on experience in software quality assurance in one or more areas of software performance testing, UI test automation tools, or webservice testing. Strong technical background within an IT software development and maintenance environment with an emphasis in test automation, tool selections, and software quality assurance is required. Demonstrated proficiency in test automation tools and VBS for UFT; Python, SQL Python for Selenium or equivalent. Proficiency in performance testing tools, and webservice testing. Expertise in Security Testing, performance testing and transaction analysis, integrating automated tests within HP ALM. Experience with tools such as ALM, Jira and Confluence. UFT, Selenium or equivalent. LoadRunner Professional, Parasoft SOA Test, SOAP-UI, HP Quality Center (ALM), Linux, Windows, Oracle, SQL, XML, VB Script, Python, Perl, Java Script, SPLUNK SPL.

Additional Skills and Abilities

Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member. Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail. Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills. Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential. Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines and aggressive expectations. Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.

Additional Information

The pay range for the Sr Software Quality Assurance Engineer at the CAISO is $48.79 - $81.31 per hour.