QA Lead (EU/UK-based, globally operating)

As a QA Lead at NEOWIZ SANTA MONICA, your main responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the quality assurance efforts for multiple game titles. You will coordinate internal and external QA processes, manage testing teams across different time zones, and ensure seamless communication between developers and stakeholders. Additionally, you'll be integral in managing compliance, localization, and functional QA to deliver bug-free gaming experiences.

NEOWIZ SANTA MONICA requires candidates to have a minimum of 4 years of experience in game QA, specifically in roles such as Test Lead or Test Manager. Familiarity with QA methodologies, bug tracking tools like JIRA or TestRail, and the ability to manage external QA vendors are essential. Excellent communication skills and fluent proficiency in English are also necessary to ensure effective collaboration with international teams.

The QA Lead at NEOWIZ SANTA MONICA plays a critical role in supporting game releases through meticulous QA test planning, execution, and reporting. You will oversee build testing, validate compliance with platform standards, and manage post-launch quality for DLCs and patches, ensuring our products consistently meet high standards before reaching the players.

Preferred qualifications for the QA Lead role at NEOWIZ SANTA MONICA include experience with AA or high-profile indie games, knowledge of platform certification processes for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam, and familiarity with automated testing tools and localization QA. These qualifications will enhance your ability to manage the various dimensions of QA effectively.

NEOWIZ SANTA MONICA offers a fully remote position with flexible work hours alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. You'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of innovative games, a supportive and collaborative work culture, and access to career development and leading industry tools that will enable your professional growth.

When managing multiple projects, I prioritize testing tasks by assessing project timelines, critical game features, and potential risks. I communicate with development teams to understand the most impactful areas that require immediate testing, ensuring that our resources are allocated effectively to deliver quality products on time.

My approach to managing external QA vendors involves clear communication, outlining expectations from the outset, and establishing regular check-ins. I make sure to integrate their feedback into our in-house processes and foster a collaborative environment that emphasizes quality output and effective problem-solving.

I am well-versed in various QA methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, and Test-Driven Development (TDD). I adapt the methodology used based on the project scope and team preferences, ensuring that testing practices align well with the development cycle and contribute to overall quality.

When defects are found late in the development process, I conduct a thorough analysis to determine the defect's root cause and assess the impact on the project timeline. I then work closely with the development team to prioritize fixes while communicating potential delays to stakeholders to ensure transparency.

I ensure compliance with platform certification requirements by staying up-to-date with the latest guidelines from Sony, Microsoft, and Steam. This involves early collaboration with certification teams and maintaining thorough documentation for each submission package, which helps mitigate risks associated with compliance failures.

In a previous role, I noticed inefficiencies in our bug tracking process. I proposed implementing a more structured template for bug reports, which included additional fields for reproducing issues and categorizing them by severity. This led to a 30% reduction in the time it took to resolve critical bugs and improved overall team communication.

I typically use tools such as JIRA and TestRail for bug tracking and managing test cases. These tools allow for real-time collaboration and monitoring of QA processes, enabling teams to provide updates efficiently and ensuring that we can trace bugs from reporting to resolution.

When conflicts arise between QA and development teams, I address them by facilitating open discussions that encourage all parties to express their concerns. I promote a collaborative atmosphere where we can jointly explore solutions and mutual understanding, ultimately focusing on the shared goal of delivering a high-quality game.

I have substantial experience with localization QA, including managing linguistic testing and ensuring that translated content meets quality standards. I collaborate with localization teams to create test cases that cover cultural nuances and context, which helps ensure that the final product resonates well with various markets.

My strategy for ensuring timely delivery of bug-free products involves establishing a clear testing schedule that aligns with development timelines, conducting regular build validations, and utilizing efficient test automation where applicable. Additionally, I implement sprint reviews to provide feedback that informs future testing cycles and maintains a focus on quality right through to release.