QA Automation Engineer /Mclean VA , 6 months contract to hire

J ob Description SQL coding test is a must Priority given to the local candidates for interview. Location: Hybrid - Onsite in McLean Tuesday through Thursday. Location: Must be on-site in McLean 3x a week- on-site from Day1 Duration: 6 months Role: • Write and execute automation testing for REST APIs and web-based applications as well as maintain existing automated tests and tools • Communicate effectively with stakeholders for crafting test plans, resolving test scenarios and constantly update the existing test sets • Review and understand project or application requirements, conduct ambiguity review • Pair with software engineers to identify and prevent gaps with automation/regression coverage and even build frameworks. • Design and implement automation frameworks that work across multiple platforms • Be part of transforming monolithic applications into more scalable and resilient distributed systems with high quality, using cloud technology • Assist in building and configuring test environments, manage and create test data • Prepare robust test strategy, test plan, test cases, log defects and produce status reports for both manual and automation testing • Follow a lightweight Agile Scrum/Kanban methodology • Utilize JIRA as the defect tracking system and report issues promptly and accurately • Ensure reproducibility, auditability and traceability of deliverables Qualifications: • 5+ years of QA Automation experience. Good exp with writing SQL queries. • Strong knowledge of programming using OOPS concepts • Strong API QA experience • Experience in Defect Tracking via different defect tracking/management tools (specifically JIRA) and Automation Testing Tools (Functional Regression and system Testing) • Experience in root cause analysis and defect diagnosis techniques. Ability to document software defects, and report defects to developers and project manager • Management and analysis of data collected • Ability to do white and black box testing • Banking and Payments ( eg. ACH, WIRES, RTP, P2C) experience is a plus • Excellent communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to a variety of audiences • Excellent communication skills - the ability to liaise with and influence a range of internal and external stakeholders. • Should have a Bachelor degree.