Junior QA Test Engineer

Job Overview

As a SaaS Software Test Engineer with expertise in automation, you will ensure that our cloud-based applications meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance. You will design and execute both manual and automated tests, contribute to building robust automation frameworks, and collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and DevOps teams to integrate testing into every stage of the development lifecycle.

Basic Qualifications:

You meet our “must haves” for this role if:

Test Design & Execution -

• Collaborate with developers, product managers, and senior QA engineers to understand product requirements and acceptance criteria
• Create, maintain, and execute test cases/test plans for functional, regression, integration, API, and UI testing. Familiarity with Zephyr tool or ADO, a plus.
• Execute manual test cases to ensure software meets quality standards
• Identify, document, and track bugs using tools like JIRA, Azure DevOps, or similar
• Assist in regression, functional, and UI testing across different platforms and devices
• Participate in test planning, reviews, and sprint ceremonies within an Agile/Scrum environment
• Support the QA team in building and maintaining test documentation (test plans, test cases, bug reports)
• Design automated test scripts and frameworks to support CI/CD pipelines. Automation skills, a plus.

Automation Framework Development

• Understanding of basic automation frameworks, tools, a plus.
• The role would require you to develop and enhance automation frameworks using tools like Functionize, Selenium, Playwright, or similar. Learn and begin contributing to test automation under the guidance of senior engineers
• Ensure automation scripts are scalable, maintainable, and integrated with build systems.

Quality Metrics & Reporting

• Track test coverage, defect trends, and automation success rates and report to the manager.
• Report QA progress and risks to stakeholders.

Collaboration & Agile Practices

• Work closely with development, product, and DevOps teams to “shift-left” testing and identify defects early.
• Participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and daily stand-ups.

Performance & Security Testing

• Any experience with Performance testing, a plus.
• Any experience with JMeter, a plus
• Support security testing activities in collaboration with the security team.

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase test efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay updated on emerging QA tools, frameworks, and SaaS testing best practices.
• Passionate to learn how GenAI or ChatGPT can help manual work.

Preferred:

You’re exactly who we’re looking for if:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IT, or equivalent practical experience.
• 1–3 years in software testing.
• Basic understanding of SDLC, STLC, and QA methodologies

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with automation tools (Functionize, Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, or similar).
• Solid understanding of SaaS architecture, APIs, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Familiarity with bug tracking and test management tools (e.g., JIRA, Zephyr, TestRail)
• Experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI) and defect tracking systems (JIRA, TestRail).
• Familiarity with performance testing tools (JMeter, k6) and REST API testing (Postman, RestAssured).
• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Enthusiasm to learn automation, scripting, or programming skills (Python, Java, or JavaScript a plus)

Soft Skills

• Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong collaboration and communication abilities within cross-functional teams.
• Proactive in learning and adapting to new technologies.

U.S. Citizens only- Due to customer requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.  Ability to gain and maintain Trusted Role is required.

Location: Hybrid(3x/week) VA, DC

 Exostar - The Company:

Exostar’s cloud-based platforms create exclusive communities within the Aerospace and Defense, Life Sciences, and other highly regulated industries where members securely collaborate, share information, and operate compliantly. Within these communities we build trust. By analyzing community data, we provide insights and intelligence, enabling organizations to make better, timelier decisions, to mitigate risk, and operate more efficiently.

• We believe in employee development: we promote internally and provide training and educational assistance
• We provide a fun, engaged workplace, with social and community-building events
• We offer comprehensive benefits and flexible time off plans

Exostar is an Equal Opportunity Employment Employer.  The company provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability status or genetic information.  Exostar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons in all facets of employment including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, benefits, transfers and working conditions.