Lead I - Software Testing

UST; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

UST is seeking an experienced QA/Software Testing professional with 8+ years to own end-to-end testing across projects. The ideal candidate will excel in Manual/Functional Testing, SQL-based Database Testing, API Testing, and Defect Management, working with distributed onshore and offshore teams.

You will lead test planning, execution, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, adapting to CST/IST hours when required, and contribute to process improvements across SDLC.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Software Testing/QA.
• Strong hands-on in Manual and Functional Testing.
• Strong SQL DB testing with complex queries.
• Experience with JSON and API response validation.
• Familiar with SDLC and defect management processes.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end QA and testing activities across projects.
• Analyze requirements to identify testing scenarios.
• Prepare test plans, estimates, test scenarios, and test cases.
• Execute functional, regression, integration, and API testing.
• Log, track, and close defects with the team.

Skills

End-to-end QA ownership

Manual Testing

Functional Testing

SQL / Database Testing

API Testing

Defect Management

Test Case Management (Zephyr)

JIRA

JSON

Onshore/Offshore collaboration

Communication Skills

Tools

Zephyr Enterprise

JIRA

Postman

Katalon Studio

Job description

Role Description

Job Title: Senior QA / Software Testing Engineer

Experience Range:

8+ Years

Hiring Location:

[Specify Location]

Role Type:

QA / Software Testing

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced QA / Software Testing professional with 8+ years of experience who can independently own end-to-end testing activities across projects. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Manual/Functional Testing, Database Testing with SQL, API Testing, and Defect Management, along with excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
The candidate should be comfortable working with distributed onshore and offshore teams, taking ownership of testing deliverables, and supporting project activities during early morning CST / evening IST working hours when required.

Must Have Skills

• 8+ years of experience in Software Testing / Quality Assurance.
• Strong hands-on experience in Manual and Functional Testing.
• Strong Database Testing experience with SQL.
• Ability to write and execute medium to complex SQL queries.
• Hands-on experience with Stored Procedures and database validation.
• Strong experience in API Testing.
• Ability to create, execute, maintain, and document comprehensive test cases based on business and technical requirements.
• Strong experience in Defect Management, including defect reporting, tracking, re-testing, and closure.
• Experience working with Test Case Management tools; Zephyr Enterprise preferred.
• Good understanding of Software Testing Processes and SDLC.
• Experience with JIRA and/or similar defect tracking tools.
• Good understanding of JSON and API response validation.
• Ability to independently own testing activities from test planning through test execution and reporting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Good to Have Skills

• Performance Testing experience using JMeter.
• API testing experience using Postman.
• Test Automation experience using Katalon Studio, Harness, or similar tools.
• Exposure to automated test execution and CI/CD environments.
• Experience working with Confluence.
• Exposure to automation frameworks and automated regression testing.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
• Presentation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience working with distributed/global teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end QA and testing activities across assigned projects.
• Analyze business and technical requirements and identify appropriate testing scenarios.
• Prepare test plans, test estimates, test scenarios, and test cases.
• Execute functional, regression, integration, and database testing activities.
• Perform SQL-based database validation, including complex queries and Stored Procedures.
• Perform API testing and validate request/response data, including JSON payloads.
• Log, track, prioritize, re-test, and close defects in collaboration with development teams.
• Maintain test cases and testing documentation using Zephyr Enterprise or similar tools.
• Prepare and communicate test execution status, defect metrics, risks, and quality reports.
• Coordinate effectively with developers, business analysts, product owners, and project stakeholders.
• Work closely with onshore and offshore teams to ensure timely completion of testing deliverables.
• Proactively investigate issues, ask relevant questions, and identify potential quality risks.
• Support continuous improvement of testing processes, standards, and practices.
• Take ownership of assigned deliverables and ensure testing activities are completed within project timelines.

Behavioral / Soft Skills

• Strong ownership and accountability.
• Self-motivated with a proactive, go-getter attitude.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Curious and willing to learn the business/domain.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking ability.
• High attention to detail with a strong quality mindset.
• Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively.
• Willingness to ask questions and proactively investigate issues.
• Coachable, adaptable, and open to feedback.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders.
• Strong presentation skills are an added advantage.

Role Expectations

The successful candidate should be capable of independently managing the complete testing lifecycle, including:
Test Planning → Estimation → Test Case Preparation → Test Execution → Defect Management → Re-testing → Test Reporting → Stakeholder Coordination → Closure
The candidate should also be comfortable collaborating with distributed/onshore teams and attending meetings during early morning CST / evening IST hours, typically 7:00–10:00 AM CST, when required.

Ideal Candidate

A strong functional QA professional with 8+ years of experience and proven expertise in Manual/Functional Testing, SQL/Database Testing, and API Testing. The candidate should demonstrate strong ownership, independence, analytical thinking, communication skills, and willingness to learn the business domain.

Skills

API Testing, Database Testing, Functional Testing, JSON, Confluence, Zephyr, Postman, Manual Testing, Katalon Studio, SQL, Test Automation