Please note that this position is contingent upon the successful award of a contract currently under bid. Summary: Goldbelt Apex is seeking a detail-oriented Testing and Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and compliance of deliverables in a complex federal data governance initiative. This role focuses on validating outputs, conducting performance and functional testing, monitoring quality metrics, and supporting user acceptance processes. The specialist will perform independent reviews, identify defects, and verify adherence to established standards across project artifacts and tools. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in quality assurance for federal data efforts within a stable, high-retention organization committed to excellence and mission success. *This role is based in Falls Church, VA with possible telework. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: • Develop, execute, and document test plans, test cases, and test scripts for functional, regression, integration, and performance validation. • Validate metadata accuracy, catalog integrity, data quality, and compliance with governance standards and requirements. • Conduct performance and scalability testing of data-related tools and environments; produce detailed test reports and findings. • Perform user acceptance testing (UAT) for self-service interfaces, portals, or governance tools, including coordination with stakeholders for feedback and acceptance. • Monitor and report on data quality metrics, defect trends, and compliance indicators throughout the project lifecycle. • Identify, log, track, and verify resolution of defects using approved defect-tracking processes and tools. • Review deliverables for completeness, consistency, and adherence to federal standards and privacy requirements (e.g., HIPAA). • Collaborate with project teams and subject matter experts to clarify requirements, reproduce issues, and support remediation efforts. • Contribute to continuous improvement of testing processes and quality assurance practices. Qualifications Necessary Skills and Knowledge: • Solid understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC) and quality assurance methodologies. • Proficiency in writing, executing, and maintaining test plans, cases, and scripts. • Familiarity with defect tracking, reporting, and root-cause analysis processes. • Ability to perform various types of testing (functional, regression, integration, performance) in regulated environments. • Strong analytical skills to evaluate outputs against requirements and identify discrepancies. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. • ISTQB Foundation Level certification or equivalent recognized QA/testing credential (preferred at time of hire; required within first year if not held). • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or related roles, including at least 2 years in federal, healthcare, or regulated environments. • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute test artifacts, validate data-related outputs, and support user acceptance processes. • Proficiency with common testing tools and defect-tracking systems. • Active Secret security clearance (or eligibility) at the level required for federal access. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience conducting performance testing (e.g., using tools such as JMeter) or working in sandbox/test environments. • Familiarity with federal data governance, metadata validation, or health IT quality assurance processes. • Prior involvement in UAT coordination, data quality monitoring, or compliance auditing in regulated settings. • Knowledge of agile or hybrid project environments and iterative quality practices. Pay and Benefits The salary range for this position is $88,526.00 to $105,341.00 annually At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.