QA engineer - Java automation and Data Validation - Onsite - Pittsburgh, PA - Contract to Hire

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and test scripts using Java and industry-standard automation tools.
  
  
• Execute functional, regression, integration, and end-to-end testing for web and backend applications.
  
  
• Perform comprehensive data validation and data reconciliation across databases, APIs, ETL processes, and downstream systems.
  
  
• Create and execute SQL queries to validate data accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
  
  
• Analyze business and technical requirements and develop detailed test plans, test cases, and test scenarios.
  
  
• Identify, document, track, and verify defects through resolution.
  
  
• Collaborate with development teams to troubleshoot issues and improve application quality.
  
  
• Participate in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.
  
  
• Ensure testing best practices, standards, and processes are followed throughout the software development lifecycle.
  Generate test execution reports and provide quality metrics to project stakeholders.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  
  
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance and Software Testing.
  
  
• Strong hands-on experience with Java-based automation frameworks.
  
  
• Experience with automation tools such as Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, or similar technologies.
  
  
• Strong SQL skills with experience validating large datasets across relational databases.
  
  
• Experience in data validation, ETL testing, data migration testing, and backend testing.
  
  
• Knowledge of API testing using tools such as Postman, REST Assured, or similar.
  
  
• Experience working with defect management tools such as Jira.
  
  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  
  
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or Azure DevOps.
  
  
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
  
  
• Experience in Banking, Financial Services, Healthcare, or Retail domains.
  
  
• Familiarity with data warehousing concepts and ETL tools.
  
  
• Exposure to performance and load testing methodologies.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Programming:  Java
  
  
• Automation Tools:  Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, REST Assured
  
  
• Databases:  Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL
  
  
• Data Validation:  SQL, ETL Testing, Data Migration Testing, Data Reconciliation
  
  
• API Testing:  Postman, REST Assured
  
  
• Version Control:  Git
  
  
• Defect Tracking:  Jira
  
  
• CI/CD:  Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Azure DevOps

A proactive QA professional with a strong automation background, exceptional attention to detail, and expertise in validating complex data flows. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working in fast-paced Agile environments and possess the ability to ensure both application functionality and data integrity.