QA Test Lead: NiSource

Title: QA Test Lead Location: onsite 2-3 days per week in Columbus, Ohio. Duration: 6 Months Visa: USC and GC Interview: Phone/Zoom Job Type: C2C Qualifications: Experience Leading a team Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems or Computer Science required, or equivalent experience 5 to 7 years of in-depth knowledge and experience in project work, process management, and quality assurance Extensive knowledge and experience with Testing Tools: ALM and Jira Knowledge and experience of Performance Testing: ALM Performance Center Knowledge and experience of Automation Testing: UFT, Gherkin, Ruby, Jenkins, Cucumber Knowledge and experience with SQL coding Proven track record of leading strategic projects or the test function combined with the ability to execute at tactical project-level activities and tasks Demonstrable experience as a change agent having effectively implemented change in large cross functional organization Experience working with distributed teams Strong written and communication skills Ability to work with ambiguity Self-motivated, driven individual who is comfortable working in a global, matrixed, fast-paced environment Deep understanding of quality assurance and testing practices within the SDLC Brings an awareness of current market trends around tools and best practices Waterfall and Agile Responsibilities: The Applications Test Lead is accountable for the testing work related to applications in a particular functional domain (for instance, Customer, Transmission and Distribution, Corporate applications, or a particular technology stack), and is a key member of project and program teams, where either Waterfall and Agile methodologies are used. The Applications Test Lead will have a thorough knowledge of testing and quality assurance tools and methodologies, as well as all phases of the systems development life cycle. He/she will have experience in using automation tools and utilities. The responsibilities of this role include facilitating the creation of test plans across the functional and technical teams, facilitating the development of the test scenarios and test scripts, setting up and organizing the technical capabilities, the processes and the people to conduct manual testing and or utilization of automation tools. Maintaining the test scripts with a focus on creation of reusable scripts, and tracking quality assurance metrics that meet or exceed the PMO requirements will be important activities for the test lead. In addition to the skills required for a test lead working in a traditional waterfall project, a test lead or engineer in an Agile team should be competent in test automation, test-driven development, acceptance test-driven development, white-box, black-box, and experience-based testing. Job Summary The Applications Test Lead is accountable for the testing work related to applications in a particular functional domain (for instance, Customer, Transmission and Distribution, Corporate applications, or a particular technology stack), and is a key member of project and program teams, where either Waterfall and Agile methodologies are used. The Applications Test Lead will have a thorough knowledge of testing and quality assurance tools and methodologies, as well as all phases of the systems development life cycle. He/she will have experience in using automation tools and utilities. The responsibilities of this role include facilitating the creation of test plans across the functional and technical teams, facilitating the development of the test scenarios and test scripts, setting up and organizing the technical capabilities, the processes and the people to conduct manual testing and or utilization of automation tools. Maintaining the test scripts with a focus on creation of reusable scripts, and tracking quality assurance metrics that meet or exceed the PMO requirements will be important activities for the test lead. In addition to the skills required for a test lead working in a traditional waterfall project, a test lead or engineer in an Agile team should be competent in test automation, test-driven development, acceptance test-driven development, white-box, black-box, and experience-based testing. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Ensures testing processes are in alignment with NiSource PMO methodology and standards Brings an awareness of current market trends around tools and best practices Has an understanding of the NiSource QA framework and implements QA templates effectively Helps others to gain an understanding of the QA framework. Sets forth testing best practices and ensures each tester is following best testing practices according to the NiSource QA Framework Determines staffing requirements for test planning and execution Works with business leads to understand the end to end business process & identify test scenarios Reviews and understands project specific requirements Ensures proper traceability between test scripts and requirements Reviews test scripts for accuracy and completeness Identifies required data for thorough testing across all levels of testing needed Responsible for providing daily program level testing metrics & reporting Responsible for conducting daily standup with testers Conducts weekly program level status report/status meeting Completes/Updates Test Approach Completes/Updates any PMM (Project Management Methodology) required documentation Train Testers to ensure users know how to execute Tests and log Defects Creates a daily Test Plan during all Testing phases Creates and maintains program level planning tracking towards completion Serves as the point of escalation for any and all Testing related issues Facilitates remediation/mitigation of identified risks/issues Facilitates program level progression of Testing in all phases of Testing Responsible for program level quality of Testing activities and Testing results Runs daily audit report to ensure compliance with audit Tracks completion status for each cycle of Testing and ensure Test Plans are complete and accurate Defines scope of Testing for each release Defines and tracks completion of items on Exit Criteria checklist for weekly review with program leads Understands requirements enough to be able to determine accurate priority and severity of Defects Sets forth and adheres to Defect standards Sends daily Defect aging report and follows up on Defects that are past SLA Facilitates daily Defect triage meetings Works with Deployment Lead to ensure all checklist items are accounted for Identifies areas of process improvements and implements improvement measures with buy-in from Program Leads Works with OCM & training leads for anything Testing related Coaches and mentors junior test team members Adheres to administrative processes and deadlines Other duties, as required Comments/Special Instructions Application Test Lead Workday learning, or Workday implementation or experience would be a bonus