Senior Quality Assurance Engineer

We are looking for a full-time, remote Senior QA Engineer with 5+ years of experience, who plays a critical role in driving a quality-first, insight-driven approach throughout the software development lifecycle. This position is part of an experimental initiative to evaluate the effectiveness of Rapid Software Testing (RST) practices within the organization. The ideal candidate is a strong tester first—capable of investigating complex systems, adapting testing strategies to context, and clearly communicating risk—while being able to contribute to automated checks using existing frameworks when appropriate. The position emphasizes skilled exploratory testing, critical thinking, and risk analysis to provide meaningful insights into product quality and release confidence. Automation is used intentionally to support testing where it delivers clear value; however, testing skill and judgment are the primary focus of this role, not tool ownership.Our client provides integrated software and marketing solutions for the hospitality industry, specializing in short-term rental management. Their platform provides vacation rental companies with a Property Management System, integrates with booking, guest communications, and financial reporting systems, and it is built with partner organization integration in mind.ResponsibilitiesLead testing efforts for large-scale, web-based, and SaaS systems using Rapid Software Testing and context-driven testing principlesDesign and execute exploratory testing sessions to identify critical risks, edge cases, and unexpected system behaviorContinuously assess what testing is most valuable based on product context, constraints, and evolving understandingApply testing heuristics (e.g., SFDPOT, HICCUPPS, RCRCRC) and system modeling techniques to guide test design and coveragePerform deep investigation of defects to understand root causes and systemic risk, not just surface symptomsCollaborate closely with Product and Engineering teams to clarify requirements, challenge assumptions, and improve testability.Act as a quality advocate by surfacing risk early and supporting informed decision-makingParticipate in design, refinement, and technical discussions to provide testing insight and risk-based feedbackCommunicate findings clearly and concisely, focusing on risk, impact, coverage, and unknowns, rather than pass/fail metricsContribute automated tests using existing automation frameworks (e.g., Playwright, Karate) when automation meaningfully improves feedback or reduces riskMaintain and extend automated coverage for stable, repetitive, or high-risk scenariosEvaluate and articulate when automation is appropriate and when exploratory testing provides greater valueCollaborate with automation-focused engineers to ensure automated checks complement exploratory testing effortsPlan and perform functional, E2E, and regression testing with an emphasis on learning and discoveryProvide test summaries that communicate quality signals, risks, mitigations, and confidence levels to leadershipSupport high-confidence releases with minimal production risk and customer impactMentor and coach QA Engineers on exploratory testing, critical thinking, and Rapid Software Testing practicesContribute to the evolution of testing practices by sharing insights, heuristics, and effective investigative techniquesRequired ExperienceExcellent English communication skills5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance or Software Testing for web-based and/or SaaS applicationsStrong hands-on experience with exploratory testing and context-driven testing approachesDemonstrated ability to assess risk, model system behavior, and adapt testing strategies as understanding evolvesExperience explaining testing coverage and quality risk without reliance on exhaustive scripted test casesExperience using and extending existing automation frameworks; framework ownership is not requiredWorking knowledge of Playwright, Karate, Selenium, or similar tools sufficient to add or maintain automated checksFamiliarity with CI/CD pipelines and how automated checks fit into release workflowsSolid understanding of REST APIs, backend validation, and SQL for data verificationDesired ExperienceBachelor's degree in Computer Science or some type of technical engineeringProficiency in at least one programming or scripting language (Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, or Python)Self-directed, curious, and proactive in identifying risks and improvement opportunitiesStrong critical thinking and problem-solving abilitiesComfortable working in ambiguous, fast-changing environmentsPassionate about testing as a skill and discipline, not just tool execution Success in this RoleSuccess is measured by the quality of insights and risk identification provided tothe team, not by the volume of test artifacts or automation output. This role isexpected to improve visibility into product risk, support informed releasedecisions, and demonstrate the value of Rapid Software Testing in a real-worldproduction environmentAdditional InformationKnowing your ideas are heard and matter think bigYou get to own your job and be recognized for your contributionsWork with smart and creative peopleMaking mistakes is human. Lets learn from them. Be transparentWe recognize you as an individual no presumptions or judgment. Be the extraordinary you15 days Paid Time Off (PTO), 1 floating day, 3 sick days, and designated national holidaysStart: ASAPAbout VelozientWe are a privately held, nearshore software development company providing outsourced development resources to North American companies. Our mission is to offer development talent that enjoy taking on challenging work, want to grow their skills and experiences building software, and excel in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment. We are focused on providing world-class remote resources to work as valued client team members. If this type of opportunity excites you, then consider joining our team