At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to test and enhance mission-critical software for the FBI.
- Company: Ariel Partners, a leading IT solutions provider with a focus on integrity and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and potential for Secret Clearance sponsorship.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with strong team collaboration and Agile practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public safety while developing your skills in software testing and automation.
- Qualifications: 1 year of software testing experience and a passion for learning new technologies.
Our team provides focused agile software development and maintenance for CODIS, a mission-critical application for the FBI. Today, CODIS is a client server application developed using Microsoft .NET that supports a database repository of DNA profiles from individuals, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking serial crimes to each other and identifying suspects by matching DNA profiles from crime scenes to individuals’ profiles. Additionally, the CODIS software is used to assist with the identification of unidentified human remains, missing persons and disaster victims
We are seeking a motivated Junior Test Engineer with at least 1 year of professional experience in software testing or development support. This role will contribute to the delivery of high-quality software solutions by assisting with testing, automation, and documentation efforts. The ideal candidate will have foundational knowledge of software development and testing practices, with eagerness to grow in areas such as automation, CI/CD, and cloud-native systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in designing and executing test cases for software development, enhancement, and deployment activities.
- Support configuration management, automated building, automated testing, and deployment processes.
- Document and maintain test results, user feedback, and defect tracking.
- Collaborate with developers and senior test engineers to validate requirements, system designs, and enhancements.
- Contribute to CI/CD pipelines by supporting automated testing and code quality checks.
- Perform data validation and management tasks using SQL.
- Develop high-fidelity mockups and assist in user interface/experience testing activities.
- Support database migration testing, ensuring data integrity and fidelity during transitions.
- Participate in Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, stand-ups, retrospectives) and document test-related activities in Jira/Confluence.
- Provide feedback on usability, performance, and compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards.
- Work with APIs and front-end/backend systems to support functional, regression, and integration testing.
Required Skills & Technologies
- Basic knowledge of software testing methods (manual and automated).
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and version control (e.g., Git).
- Exposure to SQL for data validation and ETL process support.
- Understanding of Agile tools such as Jira and Confluence.
- Foundational experience with at least one programming language (e.g., Java, C#, or JavaScript).
- Interest in learning cloud-based environments (AWS, Azure, or similar) and modern frameworks.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
- US Citizen with Active Secret Clearance or we can sponsor your Secret Clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Minimum 1 year of experience in software testing, QA support, or related software development role.
- Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and testing best practices.
- Enthusiasm to grow in test automation, cloud-native applications, and advanced testing tools.
If you are interested in getting more information about this opportunity, please contact Irina Rozenberg
Recruiting@arielpartners.com at your earliest convenience.
At Ariel Partners, we solve the most difficult problems that inhibit technology from enabling our customers to achieve their goals. Our vision is to be recognized by our stakeholders as an elite provider of IT solutions, so when they have their biggest challenges, we are on their short list. We are looking for team members who share our values of: Integrity to do the right thing even when it hurts; Commitment to the long-term success and happiness of our customers, our people, and our partners; Courage to take on difficult challenges, accept new ideas, and accept incremental failure; and the constant pursuit of Excellence. Ariel Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
Entry level Test Engineer (with Active Secret clerance) in Stafford employer: Ariel Partners
Ariel Partners is an exceptional employer located in the DMV area, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Junior Test Engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to mission-critical software solutions for the FBI while benefiting from a commitment to employee growth through hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies and agile methodologies. With a focus on integrity, commitment, and excellence, Ariel Partners provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Entry level Test Engineer (with Active Secret clerance) in Stafford
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Ariel Partners or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Ariel Partners.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Ariel Partners.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Ariel Partners that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Entry level Test Engineer (with Active Secret clerance) in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Ariel Partners.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Ariel Partners and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ariel Partners
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Ariel Partners uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
