Software Test Engineer

AIR's Tek Office is seeking an experienced Software Test Engineer to join its talented group. The Software Test Engineer will lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of testing for AIR's modernization initiatives, including implementation of a new ERP system. The role is responsible for defining test strategy, managing test cycles and resources, coordinating with business and technical stakeholders, and ensuring release readiness through functional, integration, regression, and user acceptance testing. This position reports to the Director, Enterprise Resource Planning.

This position offers hybrid work flexibility, requiring three days per week in AIR's Virginia office, with occasional travel for meetings, training sessions, and conferences.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Deploy and maintain test automation tools.
• Build and implement test scripts and automated test programs.
• Finalize and document test procedures and results; complete final test cycles and produce test reports.
• Automate unit testing, cycle/system and regression testing, test plans
• Create and execute master test plans, schedules, entry/exit criteria, and release-readiness checkpoints.
• Implement automated testing processes within the CI/CD pipeline.
• Understand and optimize coverage (code, condition, etc.) testing of new applications and systems.
• Lead testing across internal teams and vendors, including functional, integration, system, regression, performance (as needed), and UAT support.
• Manage defect triage, prioritization, and escalation; confirm fixes and drive timely resolution.
• Partner with development managers to review software specifications and controls.
• Duties may evolve based on business needs.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field or at least 5 years of experience.
• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, software development or software/application testing with 2+ years in a test engineer role.
• Experience managing testing for complex, cross-functional applications (ERP experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience developing test strategies, plans, schedules, and governance across multiple releases/environments, with strong knowledge of SDLC methodologies (Agile, DevOps, hybrid) and proficiency in test and defect management tools such as Jira, TestRail, or Azure DevSecOps.
• Experience with test automation frameworks (e.g., Microsoft Playwright, Selenium or equivalents) and strong stakeholder management skills, including facilitation of defect triage and go/nogo discussions.
• A testing certification (e.g., ISTQB) is considered a plus.

Skills

• Strong technical aptitude and ease working with a range of software tools.
• Working knowledge of relevant programming languages based on project needs.
• Understanding of common database technologies and data structures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication to report results and recommend improvements.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within a development team.
• Familiarity with QA practices, including test planning and defect tracking.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and meet tight deadlines.

Disclosures:Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender,gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.org or call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an "@air.org" domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to recruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

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