Senior QA & Automation Consultant

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Senior QA & Automation Consultant for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Financial Services clients in Chicago, IL.Role OverviewWe are seeking a versatile Senior Consultant to bridge the gap between Quality Assurance and Test Engineering. In this Hybrid QA/Automation role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end testing lifecycle from initial strategy to automated execution.A core requirement of this position is that you will partner closely with Developers, QA, and Software Engineers in Test (SET) to architect, design, and implement robust automation solutions. You will define the testing strategy and perform deep-dive manual analysis while ensuring that automation frameworks align with broader development goals to serve our global risk management needs.Responsibilities:1. Testing & Quality Ownership

• Test Lifecycle: Take ownership of the development of comprehensive test plans and the creation/execution of test cases for functional, system-wide, integration and regression testing.
• Defect & Troubleshooting: Take full ownership of identifying, documenting, and troubleshooting complex system issues through to final resolution.
• Regression Management: Proactively maintain the regression suite. You are expected to take the lead in identifying, troubleshooting, and fixing regression failures to ensure stable, continuous delivery.

2. Collaborative Automation Engineering

• Framework Design: Collaborate with Dev, QA, and SET team members to design and scale automated test frameworks that are maintainable, efficient, and performant.
• Clean Code & Development: Develop high-performance automation scripts using Core Java, adhering to Clean Code principles and software engineering best practices. Focus on building a modular, reusable, and scalable test suite that minimizes technical debt.
• Readable Automation: Utilize Cucumber to translate complex requirements into clear, human-readable test scenarios. Ensure that feature files are logically structured so that the intent and test coverage are immediately transparent to both technical and non-technical team members.

3. Platform & DevOps

• Unix/Linux: Demonstrate hands-on experience working in Unix/Linux platforms; must be highly proficient with Linux commands for log analysis, process management, and environment configuration.
• CI/CD Integration: Manage and optimize the automation pipeline within a Continuous Integration environment using tools such as XLR, Bamboo, Jenkins, and Ansible.
• Cloud Readiness: Experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a significant plus.

Required Skills:

• Education: A 4-year bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Hybrid Experience: Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a combined QA and Automation role.
• Testing Expertise: Proven experience in manual testing, test planning, and defect lifecycle management is required.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Core Java.
• Tools: Expert-level experience with Cucumber, Maven, and Git.
• Platform: Proficiency in the Linux command line and shell environment.
• Soft Skills: Strong ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines (Dev/SET/QA) while maintaining the independence to code and troubleshoot complex failures autonomously.

Preferred Skills:

• Cloud: Experience with Google Cloud (GCP) or similar cloud providers.
• Industry: Prior experience in financial services, trading platforms, or risk management technology.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at https://sgainc.com/ . SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.#LI-NK1