Application Testing Specialist will support software packaging and system administration tasks for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We are seeking a detail-oriented Hardware, BIOS, and Application Testing Specialist to support testing efforts across hardware platforms, BIOS/firmware updates, and enterprise application deployments. The role focuses on executing tests, documenting results, verifying functionality, and validating packaged applications, rather than developing packages. Experience supporting U.S. government environments—particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—is strongly preferred.
This goal of this program within the Department of Veterans Affairs is to provide high-level engineering, testing and planning support to mission critical application deployments across the VA enterprise. This support ensures the deployed infrastructure and processes are consistent with expected business volumes and response time requirements and adhere to VA guidelines and best practices. The Solution Delivery engineering staff focuses on capacity planning and capacity projections, application support and development in conjunction with the business line. The Solution Delivery engineering staff performs assessment of components to meet anticipated workload volumes.
Responsibilities...
- Execute test plans for desktops, laptops, peripherals, and related hardware.
- Validate BIOS updates, configuration settings, and general firmware behavior.
- Perform compatibility, regression, and functional testing on new hardware models.
- Log, track, and clearly communicate defects to engineering or vendor teams.
- Engage internal customer to validate packaging requirements and create test results documentation validating requirements and scale to large environment.
- Ensure prerequisites or dependencies as well as VA packaging/deployment standards are validated in the solution delivered.
- Test MSI/MST packaged applications and validate successful installation, uninstallation, and upgrades.
- Execute PowerShell-based deployment or validation scripts (no scripting expertise required beyond running/test interpretation).
- Confirm that packaged applications meet enterprise and government requirements for performance, compatibility, and security.
- Document test outcomes using standardized QA templates.
- Write thorough test cases, test results, and defect reports.
- Maintain organized, accurate testing documentation for audits and government review.
- Follow established QA processes and contribute to continuous process improvement.
- Provide clear, concise communication to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Perform basic system administration tasks (e.g., imaging systems, collecting logs, reviewing event viewer entries).
- Troubleshoot common Windows issues related to hardware, BIOS settings, and application behavior.
- Use enterprise tools (e.g., MECM/SCCM, Intune, virtualization platforms) at a user/tester level.
- Handle multiple requests to ensure all packages are delivered within SLA & meet the business emergencies whilst maintaining VA standards.
- Validate customizations and changes made during the packaging process.
- Prepare, build, update and maintain repeatable, clean virtual machines using VMware vSphere.
- Apply knowledge of VA testing standards, technical policies, and compliance expectations.
- Work with VA stakeholders or contractors in a structured, process-heavy environment.
- Adhere to federal security, documentation, and change control procedures.
Requirements...
- 4+ years of experience in QA, hardware testing, or system validation roles.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured test procedures.
- Familiarity with Windows operating systems, imaging tools, and enterprise environments.
- Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and log collection.
- Excellent written documentation skills.
- Knowledge of Active Directory, Microsoft Registry, and ability to query or modify settings is preferred.
- Prefer at least 3-5 years of experience of IT system administration experience.
- Knowledge of Powershell and/or CMD scripting is helpful.
- Proven track record in demanding, customer service oriented environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with federal government clients, especially the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Knowledge of MECM/SCCM, Intune, BIOS configuration utilities, or virtualization platforms.
- QA certifications (ISTQB, CompTIA ITF+/A+) or equivalent experience.
Clearance: Ability to obtain government clearance.
