Quality Assurance (QA) Automation Engineer (Test Engineer – Automation Focus)

Overview: The QA Automation Engineer will design, develop, and implement automated test frameworks and scripts to ensure software applications are reliable, production-ready, and compliant with USCB DCMD requirements. This role bridges manual testing and development, applying modern automation tools, BDD practices, and CI/CD strategies to enhance testing efficiency and software quality. Background: The DCMD Testing Coordination Branch provides system owner and stakeholder support for data collection functional areas during development, testing, and production. The branch coordinates solution-level testing (User Acceptance Testing (UAT), integration, exception, readiness testing) and supports both Headquarters (HQ) and field operations for the Decennial Census. Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and implement automated test scripts and testing frameworks to validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of software applications prior to release and deployment. • Evaluate, recommend, and implement automated test tools and strategies that improve test efficiency and reduce manual effort. • Develop, maintain, and upgrade automated test scripts using modern programming languages such as Cucumber, JavaScript, and TypeScript. • Apply Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) practices to automation testing and support the development of test automation aligned with CI/CD pipeline. • Implement automated test executions within CI/CD workflows to support continuous integration and delivery. • Perform Application Programming Interface (API) testing and develop reusable API test frameworks. • Support defect tracking and test case management using tools such as Jira and the X-Ray plugin. • Design, implement, and conduct comprehensive test and evaluation procedures to ensure system and business requirements are satisfied. • Write, implement, and report statuses for automated and manual system test cases. • Analyze test cases and produce regular progress and defect tracking reports. • Serve as a subject matter expert in QA automation, provide expertise in support for user requirements for complex to highly complex software applications and platforms. • Participate in all phases of risk management, test strategy development, and test tool selection in support of Agile and Waterfall methodologies. • Design, develop, execute, and maintain automated test scripts and testing environments. • Write and execute manual and automated test cases based on system requirements, • Apply BDD practices in automated testing efforts. • Utilize automation testing tools and frameworks, such as Cucumber, JavaScript, and TypeScript. • Support defect tracking and test case management using tools like Jira and its X-Ray plugin. • Attend meetings to gather information required for test planning, test case development, and automation strategies. Qualifications: Requires five (5) years of experience in software testing and quality assurance with a minimum of three (3) years in test automation engineering. • Strong knowledge of software testing methodologies and risk-based testing strategies. • Hands-on expertise with automation tools/frameworks such as Selenium, Cypress, Cucumber, Junit/TestNG, Robot Framework. • Experience scripting in Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, or similar. • Proficiency with Jira, GitLab, Jenkins, or equivalent Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) and defect tracking systems. Desired Qualifications: • Federal experience with U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), Department of Commerce (DOC), or similar large-scale government testing programs. • Knowledge of cloud-based test automation (e.g., Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure). • Familiarity with accessibility testing, performance testing, and security-related test automation. Education: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification(s): Relevant industry certifications (e.g., International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) or equivalent) are desired. Location: USCB (Decennial Census Management Division (DCMD) – Testing Coordination Branch) 4600 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746 (Remote; potential situational onsite support/meetings subject to Census approval) Work Schedule: Standard Monday–Friday hours observing federal holidays, with some flexibility in start and end times to accommodate operational needs. Benefits and EEO: At Ardent Eagle Solutions, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees and their families: • Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage • Matching 401(k) Plan • Continuing Education Assistance • Paid Time Off This job description is intended to describe the general scope of work and level of work that is needed to perform while on task with Ardent Eagle Solutions. Other duties may be assigned. Selected candidates may undergo a government security investigation and must fulfill eligibility criteria for accessing classified information. US citizenship may be a prerequisite for certain roles. Ardent Eagle Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer Apply tot his job