Experience: 5+ years, QA testing, Azure DevOps/Jira, test script development
Job Description & Details
"The state modernization wave is creating a massive demand for experts who can validate complex integrations and data conversions. Companies are hunting IV&V analysts who can bridge business rules with automated test execution, especially in regulated environments like workers compensation. This remote QA Testing Lead/SME role offers a year\u2011long contract with a chance to influence a high\u2011visibility public sector project while traveling to Jefferson City, MO each month.\n\n# Job Summary\nWe are seeking a seasoned IV&V Analyst to own test strategy, scenario creation, and defect management for a large\u2011scale state modernization effort. The candidate will review vendor test plans, monitor execution in Azure DevOps/Jira, analyze defect trends, and ensure traceability from Agile user stories to final validation. Strong risk\u2011mitigation skills and familiarity with Workers Compensation processes are a plus.\n\n# Top 3 Critical Skills Table\n| Skill | Why it's critical | Mastery Level |\n|-------|-------------------|--------------|\n| Test scenario/script development | Drives accurate validation of business rules from Agile stories | Senior |\n| Azure DevOps / Jira defect lifecycle management | Enables traceable, timely issue resolution across multiple vendors | Senior |\n| Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) & risk mitigation | Guarantees every requirement is tested and risks are proactively addressed | Senior |\n\n# Interview Preparation\n1. **How do you design test scenarios from ambiguous Agile user stories?**\n *What the interviewer is looking for:* Ability to extract clear acceptance criteria, map them to functional requirements, and create comprehensive, reusable test cases.\n2. **Explain your process for managing defects in Azure DevOps or Jira, from detection to closure.**\n *What the interviewer is looking for:* Familiarity with defect lifecycle states, prioritization techniques, and reporting metrics that drive decision\u2011making.\n3. **Describe how you build and maintain a Requirements Traceability Matrix throughout a project.**\n *What the interviewer is looking for:* Systematic linking of requirements, test cases, and defects, and how you use the RTM to identify coverage gaps.\n4. **What steps do you take to assess a project schedule in MS Project and mitigate testing risks?**\n *What the interviewer is looking for:* Experience with schedule critical path analysis, risk registers, and contingency planning specific to testing activities.\n5. **Can you discuss any experience you have with Workers Compensation processes and how it influenced your testing approach?**\n *What the interviewer is looking for:* Domain knowledge, ability to translate regulatory rules into test conditions, and attention to compliance.\n\n# Resume Optimization\n- IV&V Analyst\n- Test scenario development\n- Azure DevOps\n- Jira\n- Defect lifecycle management\n- Requirements Traceability Matrix\n- MS Project scheduling\n- Risk mitigation\n- Workers Compensation domain\n- Agile user stories\n\n# Application Strategy\nWhen reaching out to the recruiter, send a concise email that starts with a friendly greeting, attaches your updated resume, and clearly highlights your top three relevant skills (e.g., test scenario creation, Azure DevOps/Jira defect management, RTM expertise). Reference specific projects where you applied these skills, and mention any experience with Workers Compensation or large\u2011scale state modernization initiatives. End by expressing enthusiasm for the remote\u2011plus\u2011travel model and your readiness to start within the contract timeline.\n\n# Career Roadmap\n| Current Role | Typical Experience | Core Focus | Next Position |\n|--------------|-------------------|------------|--------------|\n| QA Testing Lead/SME | 5\u20117 years in functional/IV&V testing | End\u2011to\u2011end test strategy, risk mitigation | Senior QA Lead (8\u201110 yrs) |\n| Senior QA Lead | 8\u201110 years leading multi\u2011vendor testing | Portfolio oversight, stakeholder alignment | QA Manager (10\u201112 yrs) |\n| QA Manager | 10\u201112 years managing QA teams | Process improvement, governance | Director of QA (12\u201115 yrs) |\n"