Description
Seeking a Mainframe tester for a multi-year initiative to modernize current Legacy applications to a more scalable and flexible platform on a distributed environment. The current Legacy applications are decades old and are running on the Mainframe using IBMs zOS. Client is looking to migrate those applications to a distributed, virtualized, on-premise platform using Linux OS, Dell's Transaction Processing Environment (TPE), Batch Processing Environment (BPE) and TSF (Transaction Security Facility) along with other third party software applications.
Primary duties of this position will be to perform all testing activities required to validate the portfolio of related business applications and interfaces in the portfolio.
Specific responsibilities include:
This position will consist of analysing Cobol, CICS, batch programs and JCL in order to identify testing requirements and develop detailed test plans, test scenarios and test cases. Perform testing activities for Cobol, CICS and batch programs on both the Mainframe and distributed platforms.
Develop and adhere to standard Software Quality Assurance methodologies and best practices. In addition, the individual will execute testing activities for Mainframe systems that are being migrated to a distributed platform. Identify tests based on system specifications and/or business needs and perform defect management activities. This role is also responsible for identifying testing issues and risks and reporting it to the Testing Lead.
Required Skills:
The candidate must have a thorough understanding of the SDLC, and Software Quality Assurance concepts and best practices and a minimum of (5-7) years experience in software testing. The candidate must be able to manage defects to closure or resolution and develop QA metrics.
Must have the ability to work closely with other testers and developers, participate in defect meetings and be able to interact with both technical and business team members. The candidate should also have working knowledge of Mainframe and distributed environments, specifically zOS and Linux (Redhat).
- Must be able to decompose the Mainframe assets into subsystems which can be tested.
- Strong communication (verbal and written) skills are required.
- Proficient in Software Testing techniques, methodologies and defect management.
- Understand the differences in testing objectives (eg functional testing, unit testing, integration testing, etc.) and how to build a test schedule and construct appropriate testing cycles, test plans and scripts to meet the different objectives
- Working knowledge of the HP Suite of testing tools, including Quality Center (QC) and Quick Test Professional (QTP).
- In-depth knowledge developing test strategies and test plans for large complex systems.
- Expert in creating test plans, developing test scenarios for Cobol, CICS and Batch Programs, and creating QA metrics and reports.
- Demonstrated skills in facilitating and organizing test execution of test cases/scripts in a proficient manner.
- Ability to identify gaps in test coverage to meet business requirements/needs.
- Proven analytical skills.
- Responsible for coordinating activities that impact testing initiatives.
- Experienced in managing testing milestones, estimates and timelines.
- Strong problem/conflict resolution skills.
- Must be able to adapt to an ever-changing environment.
- Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
Success Criteria:
In order to be successful in this role, at minimum the candidate should:
- Be innovative, energetic, energizing, flexible and eager to learn
- 5-7 years as a Tester for Mainframe systems
- Knows how to get to the real technical issue and/or root cause of defects
- Understands diverse technology and integration points (eg Mainframe vs. distributed, Java technologies, cobol/CICS, secure transfer protocols, DB2, VSAM)
- Be able to stay on task and meet project milestones
- Organize, manage and provide clear guidance to teams in order to reach the testing goals and tight deadline
- Be able to practice, candor, transparency and collaboration
Deliverables to be expected:
- Update testing action items, issues, risks, decisions (tracked and managed in Sharepoint)
- Develop and execute Test Cases/Scripts
- Provide daily updates on defects in HPALM
Preferred Skills:
- Preference will be given to candidates who have configured test automation tools for use with Mainframe on zOS.
- Experience testing in public service is a plus.
- Proficient in testing integrated and complex systems.
- Minimum 3 years Mainframe programming experience.
- 5 years as a QA Tester.