508 Test Engineer-FQA

Position Summary

The Section 508 Senior Quality Assurance Analyst (FQA) ensures USDA digital products meet federal accessibility requirements and deliver inclusive user experiences. This role combines functional QA with specialized accessibility testing across web, mobile, documents, and integrated systems. The analyst partners with Product Owners, Developers, Designers, and SMEs to embed accessibility into requirements, design, testing, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Accessibility & Section 508 Compliance Testing

• Perform Section 508 and WCAG 2.2 AA testing using DHS Trusted Tester methodology where applicable.
• Use accessibility tools including ANDI, Axe, WAVE, JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, contrast analyzers, keyboard-only navigation, and screen-reader validation.
• Validate content structure, headings/landmarks/ARIA, alt text, labels and form controls, dynamic content, focus order, error handling, and multimedia captions/transcripts.
• Plan and execute functional, system, regression, and integration testing aligned to FQA standards.
• Develop test plans, accessibility scripts, and traceability to user stories, acceptance criteria, and requirements.
• Validate API integrations and data accuracy when accessibility-related interactions are involved.
• Document accessibility findings, defect reports, remediation guidance, and compliance status for each release.
• Provide Section 508 compliance sign‑off and leadership updates during review cycles.
• Partner with AppDev, UI/UX, DSO, and Product Management to incorporate accessibility early (“shift‑left”).
• Review UX/UI prototypes and designs for accessibility before development begins.
• Participate in sprint ceremonies, planning, and backlog refinement with clear accessibility criteria.
• Collaborate with automation engineers to include accessibility checks in CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Selenium, FitNesse, GitLab CI).
• Ensure recurring accessibility issues are detected via automated scans prior to release.
• Provides technical leadership to junior QA analysts.
• Meeting with the software/product designers to determine quality assurance parameters.
• High-level analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Critical thinker.
• Ability to multi-task under tight deadlines and report status.
• Ability to document QA procedures for the team.
• Ability to validate the deployment of software releases.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of Quality Assurance experience (functional/system/regression) in complex, multi‑tier applications.
• 2+ years focused on accessibility/Section 508 compliance testing.
• Deep knowledge of WCAG 2.2, Section 508 Refresh, and DHS Trusted Tester processes.
• Hands‑on experience testing web, mobile, PDF/Office documents, and integrated systems.
• Proficiency with ANDI, Axe, WAVE, JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, and contrast/color analysis tools.
• Experience with Jira/Xray, Confluence, or similar test management tools.
• Strong defect management and communication skills; ability to produce clear remediation guidance.
• Ability to attain Federal Government Position of Trust; U.S. Citizenship; background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• DHS Trusted Tester certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience with Appian, Java/microservices, Linux/JBoss, Docker/OpenShift.
• CI/CD accessibility integration experience.
• Experience interpreting VPATs and document remediation (PDF/UA).
• Familiarity with JAWS scripting and advanced screen reader techniques.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering degree; or an Engineering degree from an accredited* institution.In accordance with DOD Cyber Workforce Qualifications Matrices Management, Security+ is required for candidates that do not possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering degree; or a degree in Engineering from an accredited* institution. The U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs located at https://amspub.abet.org/aps/name-search?searchType=institution identifies accredited postsecondary institutions and programs that are within the U.S. and its territories. Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Citizenship & Clearance Requirements:

• Required: U.S. citizenship required.
• Required: Ability to obtain a Federal Government Position of Trust. Must pass a background investigation.

Target Salary Range

Compensation for roles at Synergy is determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the requirements of the role; level of experience; education and certifications; the individual’s combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities; as well as alignment with market data, federal and state laws, and other business and contract considerations. The estimated pay range for this position is: $68,412.00–$97,732.00. The disclosed range has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and represent just one component of Synergy’s total compensation package for employees. 

Candidate AI Policy

Synergy is committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate evaluation process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly granted. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Synergy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants for employment or its employees on the basis of age, race (including hair texture/style), creed, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, sex, medical condition, pregnancy (childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, personal appearance, organ donation and hair length associated with race, genetic information or characteristics, family responsibilities, familial status, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, political affiliation, arrest records and criminal convictions, credit information, matriculation, homeless status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local law. Discrimination or harassment based upon these protected categories is expressly prohibited. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including job selection, assignment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination.

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