Test Engineering, Lead Associate

The Backend Data Validation and Performance Test Engineer will be responsible for validating and assessing large‑scale backend data systems to ensure accuracy, integrity, reliability, and high performance across CMS enterprise applications. This role requires strong expertise in backend database testing, ETL validation, big‑data ecosystems, performance benchmarking, and cross‑system data comparison between backend outputs and frontend/UI results. The engineer will closely partner with Data Coaches, Data Analysts, DBAs, and Agile delivery teams to ensure all backend data processes meet program, architectural, and CMS compliance standards.

Implements the testing processes and ensures all test activities follow those processes. Produces reports on each test activity and tracks test metrics. Monitors for continual test process improvement through failure analysis, throughput analysis, yield analysis, and report to management periodically.

Mandatory Requirements:

• 5 years with BS/BA; 3 years with MS/MA; 0 years with PhD
• Hands‑on experience in backend data testing or data QA roles.
• Strong expertise in backend database validation using PostgreSQL, Snowflake, and advanced SQL.
• Demonstrated experience validating data within big‑data environments (Databricks, Snowflake, etc.).
• Experience with backend performance testing, including workload analysis, query performance tuning, and data pipeline benchmarking.
• Proficiency using collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Slack.
• Solid experience working in Agile or SAFe environments.
• Ability to write clear user stories, defect tickets, and acceptance criteria.
• Proven ability to translate user stories and functional requirements into detailed backend test cases.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with Product Owners, DBAs, Developers, and architecture teams.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and deliver high‑quality results with minimal direction.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder eligible for Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Requirements:

• Candidates with the following skills will receive preferential consideration:
• Experience documenting test cases and results in TestRail.
• Prior experience supporting Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) programs.
• Experience with Tableau or Grafana for data visualization, dashboards, and system performance monitoring.
• Experience performing security or penetration testing using Burp Suite or similar tools like Postman for API testing.
• Section 508 accessibility testing using JAWS or similar tools.