Associate QA Analyst (Internal Only)

The Associate QA Analyst at Employee Navigator is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the application’s integration with partners. This includes debugging partner integration issues, performance testing, reviewing requirements, and conducting API testing using tools like Postman and Swagger. The role also involves end-to-end testing of payroll workflows, ensuring a smooth transmission between Employee Navigator and payroll systems.

To qualify for the Associate QA Analyst position at Employee Navigator, candidates should have at least one year of experience with the Employee Navigator application, particularly in benefits and payroll management. A strong understanding of creating plans, company setups, and interpreting payroll transmission data is essential. Familiarity with tools like Postman, Testmo, and Gitlab will also be important.

Associate QA Analysts at Employee Navigator use a variety of tools to perform their duties effectively, including Postman for API testing, Testmo for test management, Gitlab for version control, and Swagger for testing API documentation. Familiarity with Selenium and Java for automated testing enhances the overall quality assurance process.

The Associate QA Analyst plays a vital role in the Partner and Payroll team by ensuring that the application integrates flawlessly with our partners’ systems. This position involves debugging issues, engaging with product and development teams to clarify requirements, and employing thorough testing methods to uphold the integrity of our payroll workflows.

The work environment for an Associate QA Analyst at Employee Navigator is collaborative and supportive, centered on continuous improvement and innovation. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and approach problems from different angles, contributing to a vibrant culture where quality matters. The office in Frederick, Maryland, fosters a sense of community and teamwork.

To identify defects as an Associate QA Analyst, I begin by thoroughly understanding the application’s requirements and functionalities. I employ a systematic approach, conducting exploratory testing alongside scripted test cases. Utilizing tools like Postman and Swagger, I also perform API testing and analyze error logs to uncover unexpected behaviors.

Yes, I have hands-on experience with API testing, specifically using Postman and Swagger. I test various endpoints to ensure they return the correct outputs for given inputs, validate the integrity of data flowing between systems, and perform stress testing to evaluate performance under load.

I prioritize testing tasks by assessing the criticality of new features and their potential impact on users. I collaborate with developers and product managers to understand the nuances of changes, focusing on high-risk areas first while balancing time constraints to ensure comprehensive coverage.

I maintain open communication with developers by providing clear documentation of any identified issues, including reproduction steps and expected outcomes. By engaging in collaborative debugging sessions, I seek to foster a strong partnership, ensuring timely and effective resolution of integration issues.

I have a solid understanding of reading payroll transmission data. I analyze the data sheets for errors, ensure compliance with payroll standards, and identify trends or discrepancies that may affect payroll processing, leveraging my knowledge to address potential impacts on users.

I prefer a combination of both manual and automated testing methodologies. Manual testing is effective for exploratory and usability testing, while automated testing, especially using tools like Selenium, proves valuable for repetitive tasks and regression testing, ultimately ensuring quality across releases.

If I discover a critical defect late in the release cycle, I would first assess its impact and discuss it with the team to prioritize addressing the issue. This may involve coordinating with developers for a quick turnaround and ensuring all stakeholders are informed. Transparency is key during such situations.

For payroll workflows, my end-to-end testing process involves validating each step, from data entry in the partner sandbox to transmitted data in the Employee Navigator application. I ensure that all workflows, including enrollments and reports, function as expected, confirming there are no interruptions in processing.

I stay updated on the latest QA trends and tools by actively participating in online communities, attending webinars, and reading industry publications. Engaging in discussions with peers and taking courses on new technologies helps me maintain and enhance my skill set constantly.

I bring a strong foundation in quality assurance, with extensive knowledge of the Employee Navigator application and a passion for improving processes. My proactive approach to testing, eye for detail, and keen problem-solving skills equip me to contribute effectively to the team's success.