As an SDET Engineer III at OpenGov, you will take an active role in enhancing and extending our existing automation frameworks while developing new functionalities. Your responsibilities will include creating automated tests for regression and performance testing, collaborating with product managers and developers to design testing plans, and mentoring junior engineers in best practices for quality assurance. This role sets a solid foundation for improving the quality of our applications and streamlining software delivery, helping our teams operate effectively.

To qualify for the SDET Engineer III position at OpenGov, candidates should possess a BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent experience, and a minimum of 5 years in the industry, including at least 2 years as an SDET or test automation engineer. Proficiency in object-oriented programming languages such as TypeScript, Java, or JavaScript, as well as experience with test automation frameworks like Playwright, Cypress, or Selenium, is required. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of Continuous Integration tools and be experienced in both manual and exploratory testing.

The SDET Engineer III at OpenGov plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between product managers, developers, and UX designers. By being part of agile development cycles, you'll ensure quality is integrated throughout the software development process. Your collaborative skills will help in developing comprehensive test plans and driving continuous improvement in quality practices, ultimately benefiting the entire team by enhancing communication and efficiency.

SDET Engineer IIIs at OpenGov utilize industry standard test automation frameworks such as Playwright and Selenium for designing automated tests. Additionally, knowledge of CI/CD tools and services is crucial for running tests effectively and analyzing results. By leveraging tools like GitHub Actions and testing tools for APIs and microservices, you will be equipped to conduct rigorous regression and performance testing, ensuring our software upholds its high standards.

OpenGov is a performance-driven organization that values innovation and continuous improvement. As an SDET Engineer III, you’ll have significant opportunities for professional development and growth, including mentoring junior engineers, leading quality initiatives, and collaborating on new innovative projects. Your contributions directly impact the efficiency of government operations, offering a meaningful and rewarding career path, with recognition and promotion opportunities based on your performance.

When preparing to answer this question, detail your proficiency with multiple test automation frameworks such as Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress. Include specific examples of how you’ve implemented these tools in past projects, mentioning any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Make sure to highlight your collaborative efforts with teams during this process to show your team-oriented approach.

For this question, start by outlining your process for understanding the feature requirements with the team. Discuss the importance of creating well-structured test plans and documentation. Illustrate your approach by referencing any tools you utilize or standards you adhere to, and emphasize how you ensure that automated tests are scalable and maintainable.

When responding to this question, elaborate on the performance testing strategies you've employed, such as load testing or stress testing using tools like k6. Discuss how you define performance benchmarks and analyze results to create actionable insights that lead to continuous optimization of the applications. Sharing an example of a specific project would demonstrate your practical experience.

Here, illustrate problem-solving skills by explaining your step-by-step approach to investigating discrepancies. Discuss how you validate the test environment and logs, communicate findings with relevant team members, and collaborate to rectify issues. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and your commitment to maintaining software quality.

For this question, detail your familiarity with CI/CD processes and tools such as Jenkins or GitHub Actions. Explain how you have integrated testing into these processes to ensure all code changes are tested promptly, and share examples of how CI/CD practices improved your team's deployment reliability or speed. Showcasing concrete outcomes adds credibility.

When discussing exploratory testing, emphasize its role in enhancing software quality during the test approach. Talk about scenarios where you utilized it to discover unforeseen issues, especially in new feature developments or before critical releases. Provide insights into how exploration led to improvements not captured in automated tests.

For this question, outline your methods for ongoing learning, such as attending industry conferences, following relevant online forums, reading testing blogs, or participating in local meetups. You can mention specific resources that have been valuable to you and how you apply newfound knowledge to evolve your testing practices effectively.

During your response, convey a specific scenario where you provided guidance to a junior engineer. Discuss the skills they were working on and how you supported them through pair programming, code reviews, or one-on-one sessions. Highlight the progress they made, and express the importance of nurturing talent within your team.

Explain your familiarity with various test management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches. Discuss how you select and adapt methodologies to fit project needs, ensuring that test management processes align with development timelines and requirements while capturing relevant metrics for continuous improvement.

In answering this question, focus on your ability to adapt quickly and implement effective testing strategies despite tight deadlines. Share techniques you've used to balance thorough testing with rapid development, such as risk-based testing or prioritizing critical paths, and express your commitment to maintaining high-quality standards even under pressure.