Junior Accessibility Test Engineer

Executive Office of Technology Services and Security; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) is seeking an Accessibility Test Engineer to join Mass Digital. You will evaluate the accessibility of web and mobile products, collaborating with developers to identify and remediate WCAG 2.1 issues.

This is a full-time contract role based at 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108, with a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of accessibility testing using automated and manual tools and assistive technologies.
• Understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and assistive technology use on web and mobile platforms.
• Experience with screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver).
• Familiarity with tools such as WAVE and ANDI or similar accessibility testing tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct automated and manual accessibility testing on websites, web apps and mobile apps based on established accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1).
• Use assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, keyboard and additional manual testing tools) to evaluate accessibility.
• Document accessibility issues, providing clear and actionable recommendations for remediation.

Skills

Accessibility testing

Collaboration

Communication

Attention to detail

Tools

WAVE

ANDI

JAWS

Job description

The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) is the state’s lead office for information technology. We provide enterprise level information technology services including network management and security; computer operations; application hosting; desktop provisioning and management; and modern and responsive digital services to 40,000 internal stakeholders plus the residents, business owners and visitors to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This role will sit within the Massachusetts Digital Service (Mass Digital) within EOTSS and report to the Chief IT Accessibility Officer. Mass Digital helps organizations across state government use the best technology, design, and data to make people’s interactions with state services simpler, faster, and more meaningful.

About Our Work

EOTSS and Mass Digital have a vital mission to ensure that the state’s digital services and information are accessible, reliable, and available to everyone we serve. Massachusetts is a diverse state, and people that access our services have diverse needs. Approximately 26.5% of adults in the state have a disability, which can make it difficult to use state websites, digital content, and other information technologies. Factors such as cultural and linguistic diversity and technology access and literacy also affect people’s ability to meaningfully access state services.

Today, many people interact with state services online. However, state web properties are managed by many different state organizations. The accessibility of these digital tools varies, as does the capacity of each organization to make them more accessible.

To address these challenges, we are developing a statewide Digital Accessibility and Equity Program, under the leadership of the state’s first Chief IT Accessibility Officer and building a team to support the program.

About The Role:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Accessibility Test Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will assist in evaluating the accessibility of our digital products, including websites, web apps and mobile applications. You will work closely with developers and other team members to identify and remediate accessibility issues to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1.

This position is a full-time contract opportunity. The primary work location for this role will be at 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This position would be expected to follow a hybrid remote model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct automated and manual accessibility testing on websites, web apps and mobile apps based on established accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1.
• Use assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, keyboard and additional manual testing tools to evaluate accessibility.
• Document accessibility issues, providing clear and actionable recommendations for remediation.
• Prioritize multiple accessibility testing requests based on project deadlines and business needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, to ensure accessibility is integrated into the product development lifecycle.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of accessibility testing documentation and procedures.
• Assist with testing tool and assistive technology demonstrations for teams to explain expected outcomes during issue remediation.
• Prepare detailed accessibility testing reports and document findings.
• Perform ongoing learning and research to learn about the latest accessibility updates, tools, and best practices.
• Support user testing with individuals who have disabilities, ensuring real-world usability feedback.

Required Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of accessibility testing using automated and manual tools and assistive technologies.
• Understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and assistive technology use on web and mobile platforms.
• Experience with screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver).
• Familiarity with and usage of tools such as WAVE and ANDI or similar accessibility testing tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Experience with mobile accessibility testing on iOS and Android platforms.
• Ability to clearly describe issues, recommend a fix and work with teams to remediate findings.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for improving the user experience for everybody.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for reporting accessibility issues and collaborating with team members to remediate findings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of accessibility regulations and laws, such as ADA.
• Knowledge and experience with document accessibility testing and remediation for Office documents and PDFs.
• Experience testing using dictation software, switch devices and additional software that emulates a keyboard or mouse.
• CPACC, WAS, or Trusted Tester certification is preferred.
• Ability to inspect code and identify accessibility issues and assist with code remediation.
• Experience creating or remediating accessible documents is preferred.
• Eager to learn and grow in the field of digital accessibility.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive attitude.
• Team-oriented, but also able to work independently.
• Passionate about inclusivity and improving the experience for users with disabilities.