Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer - Sargent & Lundy

Description

Sargent & Lundy is a global leader in power and energy consulting, where innovation meets integrity, diversity, and a commitment to quality. We stay at the forefront of today’s opportunities in advanced nuclear power, decarbonization, smart grids, battery energy storage systems, hydrogen applications, electric transportation grids, digital modernization, and more. Our distinctive capabilities provide domestic and international clients and partners with a thoroughly reliable source of comprehensive expertise. Sargent & Lundy offers challenge, growth, flexibility, competitive salaries and benefits.

We are seeking an experienced quality assurance professional with a strong passion for leading teams and ensuring software excellence. As the Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer, you will oversee our QA initiatives, ensuring the highest quality standards and seamless user experiences for our engineers and support staff. You will collaborate cross-functionally with Product Engineering and Delivery teams to develop and implement testing strategies that elevate the quality of our software solutions.

The responsibilities for a Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer include but are not limited to:

Quality Assurance Leadership

• Create a comprehensive automated and manual test strategy that aligns with our goals and delivery methodology for all testing types (functional, non-functional, performance, regression).
• Devise and enforce quality testing process standards to ensure that all software applications meet the defined quality criteria.
• Drive testers to task completion while providing guidance throughout the process.
• Oversee the creation and execution of test plans, test cases, and automated tests, ensuring they align with project timelines and deliverables.

Test Strategy and Execution

• Build regression test bed that continuously improves using risk-based frameworks and boundary value analysis.
• Make DevOps compatible test methodology with adequate hands-on test automation.
• Oversee and manage the test environment and collaborate with our Data team to manage test data.
• Design detailed test plans for each solution within the program, outlining test objectives, scope, schedule, resource allocation, and test environments.
• Deliver quality solutions with custom built and commercially purchased applications working with external providers.
• Continuously improve testing processes by identifying areas for optimization and implementing new testing methodologies.

Quality Analysis and Reporting

• Craft and provide key metrics to inform stakeholders and create improvement opportunities.
• Find risks within the program and develop mitigation strategies to minimize risk.
• Identify, document, and track defects, managing the QA process to prioritize resolution and ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in testing tools and methodologies, integrating innovative approaches into the QA process.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to define testing requirements and establish clear quality metrics.
• Drive the adoption of best practices in software testing, including exploratory testing, performance testing, and security testing.
• Facilitate code reviews and quality assurance workshops to enhance team collaboration and maintain high coding standards.
• Promote requirement traceability matrices among the product team to promote visibility decision making and accountability.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule with the expectation of 3 days per week in our downtown Chicago office, and 2 days remote from home.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, with at least 5 years in a lead role.
• Prior experience of establishing TCOE and industrializing testing and QA as part of product quality
• Previous experience leading QA initiatives with outside vendors.
• Strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes, with a focus on automated testing frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Katalon, Appium).
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse group of engineers.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous eye for detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform or Blurp.

Why Join Us?

• Work in an established company that values innovation and growth.
• Engage with a collaborative team that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge projects and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Sargent & Lundy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

Awards & Recognition