Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst (26781) Minneapolis, MN | Contract Job Description Fulcrum Consulting, an LRS company is seeking a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst for our client in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Our client is seeking a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive test plans to ensure high-quality and timely delivery of complex technology projects. This role involves working closely with both business partners and technology teams to validate functional and non-functional requirements, resolve defects, and provide feedback on system design. The QA Analyst will lead testing efforts, maintain testing standards, and mentor junior QA team members while championing quality assurance practices within the organization. Key Responsibilities: + Test Design & Planning: + Develop test approaches, test plans, and schedules to effectively validate technology projects against functional and technical specifications. + Write test cases/scripts, create test data, and document expected test results. + Design test case automation processes and execute tests. + Review system specifications at appropriate points in the SDLC. + Test Execution & Reporting: + Manage and execute testing processes to ensure all functional and non-functional requirements are met. + Maintain records of test results using designated tools. + Provide consistent and timely test execution status reports to the project team and business partners. + Review system and functional documentation, offering suggestions for improvements. + Defect Management: + Actively manage the defect resolution process, producing comprehensive defect descriptions, identifying the cause, scope, risks, and impact. + Facilitate defect reviews and collaborate with technology teams and business partners on design and usability improvements. + Validate product fixes and escalate issues that may affect schedule, budget, or product quality. + Business Partner Collaboration: + Translate business partner needs into functional test plans. + Analyze business requirements and ensure that test plans validate functionality, interfaces, performance, and data integrity. + Participate in business requirement discussions and design sessions with technology teams and business partners. + Continuous Improvement: + Stay current with quality assurance principles, testing tools, processes, and quality control methodologies. + Contribute to developing, improving, and documenting testing procedures for Ameriprise. + Apply appropriate testing methodologies to all assigned projects and incorporate industry-standard tools into testing processes. + Senior Leadership & Mentoring: + Provide training on quality processes to technology teams and act as an internal consultant. + Coach and mentor junior QA Analysts and technology project teams on quality assurance best practices and methodologies. + Champion the use of quality assurance principles, advanced testing tools, and processes within the organization. Qualifications: + Education & Experience: + Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 8+ years of quality assurance experience across various projects. + Demonstrated ability to lead and execute testing efforts across multiple business lines and systems independently. + Skills & Competencies: + Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills. + Proven ability to deliver quality testing results on time and manage multiple projects simultaneously. + Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders and team members. + Expertise in translating user requirements into test scenarios, defining test data, and developing test cases across different environments. + In-depth knowledge of business operations and processes. + Strong knowledge of industry best practices for Quality Assurance and process improvement. + Technical Skills: + 3+ years of experience with JIRA and JIRA Xray plugin, including reporting, dashboards, gadgets, and Confluence. + Familiarity with a defined development life cycle methodology (e.g., CMMI, AQMS).o Preferred experience in the finance domain (life insurance and annuities). + Other Skills: + Team player with self-motivation to meet deadlines + Demonstrated experience in solving complex system-related problems. Fulcrum Consulting, an LRS company, is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for employment will receive consideration without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, gender identity, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or protected veteran status. Hourly rate between $20 - $125 per hour