Software Tester - job 1 of 2

As a Software Tester at Peraton, you will be tasked with supporting Live Assistance Workstream Leads by conducting rigorous testing of various applications, including voice technologies and chatbots. Your responsibilities will include defining and executing compliance test cases, managing test cases within the IRS Enterprise Life-Cycle Management tool, and ensuring that all deliverables comply with accessibility standards. You will utilize tools like JAWS and Dragon Naturally Speaking and conduct compliance demonstrations, ensuring that each product meets the necessary requirements.

To be considered for the Software Tester position at Peraton, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience of at least 5 years in a related field. Familiarity with accessibility testing tools such as ZoomText and Voiceover is essential, alongside a solid understanding of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Candidates should also be U.S. citizens or Green Card holders holding an IRS MBI clearance, with experience in software QA and testing environments.

A Software Tester at Peraton will frequently use testing tools that are integral to the IRS environment, including JAWS, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and Object Inspector, among others. Mastery of these tools will be crucial for conducting accessibility compliance tests and ensuring that voice and contact center applications function as intended, providing a smooth user experience for all customers.

Accessibility knowledge is extremely important for a Software Tester at Peraton. You will be responsible for ensuring that developments comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and that users with disabilities can effectively use the applications being tested. A solid understanding of accessibility tools and guidelines will help you accurately conduct your tests and contribute significantly to the organization's mission of providing equitable technology solutions.

Preferred qualifications for a Software Tester at Peraton include an active MBI clearance, experience with federal and government projects, and specialized knowledge in 508 Compliance. Familiarity with IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) and Rational Quality Manager (RQM) can also be highly advantageous, as these are valuable tools in managing testing processes within the enterprise environment.

When discussing your experience with accessibility testing, detail the specific tools you have used, such as JAWS or ZoomText. Explain the projects you've worked on where you had to ensure compliance with WCAG. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you were able to address them effectively, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios.

For creating effective test cases, I emphasize thorough requirement analysis to ensure alignment with project specifications. I often use a clear, structured format that outlines the objectives, inputs, execution steps, expected outcomes, and logging details. Sharing examples from past roles where your test cases uncovered critical issues can further exhibit your attention to detail.

I regularly engage in professional development through workshops or online courses to stay updated on testing methodologies and tools. Additionally, I make it a practice to collaborate with team members and participate in industry webinars to exchange knowledge about the latest trends in software testing. Emphasizing adaptability and continuous learning is key.

I prioritize effective time management by breaking down tasks into smaller segments, which helps me maintain focus and ensure quality work. I also communicate proactively with my team on progress, allowing us to adjust priorities as needed. Sharing specific instances of meeting deadlines despite challenges will illustrate your resilience during the interview.

Communication is vital in my role as a Software Tester. I often collaborate closely with developers, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure understanding of testing protocols and findings. Clear, concise reporting of defects and thorough discussions about expectations lead to improved outcomes. Cite examples where effective communication led to a successful project completion.

Describe a specific bug that was complex and required critical thinking to solve. Detail the steps you took to identify, isolate, and ultimately resolve the issue, including collaboration with developers and any testing tools used. Demonstrating analytical thinking and teamwork can greatly impress interviewers.

In functional testing, I approach it by understanding the application requirements first. I then create test scenarios that cover the complete functionality from a user’s perspective. Executing tests diligently and comparing outcomes with expected results plays a crucial role in validating the bug-free delivery of the application.

I have worked with automation testing tools such as Selenium and QTP to enhance testing efficiency. I believe automation is essential for repetitive test cases while maintaining accuracy. Sharing instances of automated tests in your previous projects will showcase your technical proficiency and ability to optimize testing processes.

To ensure compliance with testing standards, I stay up-to-date with industry guidelines and frameworks, such as those from ISO. I review testing processes regularly and engage team members in sustaining best practices. Highlighting instances where compliance directly influenced project success can add weight to your response.

I am passionate about contributing to missions of national significance, and I see Peraton as a leader in developing innovative security solutions. I admire the commitment to quality and excellence and want to apply my skills in a challenging environment that emphasizes both professional growth and meaningful contributions to society.