Principal Test Engineer

Navy Federal Credit Union; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Navy Federal Credit Union is seeking an experienced QA/Test Automation Engineer to design and execute highly complex test plans and automated tests. You will analyze results, report risks, and collaborate with DevSecOps to ensure CI/CD alignment across mainframe, on-premise, and cloud environments.

Role requires expert testing knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to mentor teams in a fast-paced IT setting. Location includes Vienna, VA and Winchester, VA.

Qualifications

• Expert technical skills with various software programs.
• Expert knowledge of testing tools, dependent on project/product.
• SQL skills to query test-related databases.
• Advanced knowledge of Test System Management tools including Azure Boards, Azure Test Plans, and Micro Focus ALM.
• Knowledge of NFCU Test Automation Low Code Framework components including Gherkin, Cucumber, web element locators, xpath, HTML, CSS, Git, Selenium, and Azure Pipelines.
• Experience with API testing using Postman Pro.
• Advanced knowledge of NFCU systems including mainframe, on-premise, and cloud-hosted apps.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Expert knowledge of testing processes including test planning, execution, and defect management.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
• Experience in cross-functional, multi-dimensional teams.
• Strong SDLC understanding.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to present findings clearly at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Create highly complex Test Plans following Navy Federal standards.
• Analyze test results and present recommendations, risks, and impacts to stakeholders.
• Provide clear communication through reports, test documentation, and defect reporting.
• Coordinate testing of complex systems during System Integration and E2E phases.
• Participate in SDLC activities using Scrum and SAFe practices.
• Mentor peers and develop complex manual test cases with automation in mind.
• Execute and update automation scripts and ensure audit traceability in Azure DevOps.
• Develop automation that meets CI/CD and compliance requirements.
• Document defects with lifecycle procedures and collaborate with developers.
• Identify process improvements and test practices to optimize quality.

Skills

Test Automation

Test Planning

SQL

Azure DevOps

API Testing

Selenium

Gherkin/Cucumber

CI/CD

Communication

Scrum/SAFe

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Information Systems

ISTQB Foundation

ISTQB Advanced Certifications

ISTQB AI Testing

ISTQB Test Automation Engineer

DevOps Foundation (DOFD)

Tools

Azure Boards

Azure Test Plans

Micro Focus ALM

NFCU Test Automation Low Code Framework

Gherkin

Cucumber

XPath

HTML/CSS

Git

Selenium

Azure Pipelines

Postman Pro

Job description

Overview

Navy Federal Credit Union currently does not provide sponsorship for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Create highly complex Test Plans while following established Navy Federal Test Standards
• Perform highly complex analysis of test results, and present recommendations, potential alternatives, risks, and downstream impacts to all stakeholders
• Ensure clear, concise, and expert communication including progress reports, test plan and test case documentation, root-cause defect reporting, risk identification, and team impediments to facilitate an accurate understanding of testing activities
• Coordinate and perform testing of complex systems during System Integration and End-to-End testing phases
• Participate in highly complex System Development Life Cycles activities utilizing Scrum and SAFe agile best practices
• Participate in sizing and estimation for highly complex projects and changes
• Serve as subject matter expert and mentor to peers
• Create and update complex manual test cases within the approved and appropriate test tool(s)
• Build complex manual test cases with automation in mind by following established test management standards and best practices
• Execute existing highly complex automated test scripts
• Update highly complex automation test cases while trouble shooting errors
• Perform failure analysis utilizing tools such as Xpath troubleshoot web element issues
• Work with DevSecOps to develop test automation using NFCU's DevSecOps Test Automation Low Code Framework, ensuring adherence to established policies and best practices; troubleshoot more complex errors within automation scripts
• Develop test automation that meets audit traceability requirements by integrating required test artifacts into Azure DevOps and complying with DevSecOps CI/CD standards
• Create all required documentation (test results, knowledge articles, sign-off, etc.) following Navy Federal Testing Standards, tools and templates
• Document highly complex defects/bug and follow established defect/bug lifecycle procedures and policies
• Perform advanced root cause analysis for identified defects/bugs, provide detailed documentation and insights to developers for solutioning Collaborate with peers, Developers, business partners and all other stakeholders to ensure business needs are communicated, documented, and satisfied
• Perform analysis related to changes in policies, procedures, and products; determine downstream impacts on testing
• Analyze and identify complex processes or technology improvement opportunities, provide recommendations to include risk considerations and downstream impacts
• Provide recommendations related to testing practices to facilitate process optimization
• Participate in project and product team meetings, collaborating and contributing while maintaining line of sight on goals and objectives

Qualifications

• Expert technical skills working with various software programs
• Expert knowledge of testing tools, dependent on the project/product
• Working knowledge of various database types and SQL skills required to query test related databases
• Advanced knowledge of Test System Management tools including Azure Boards, Azure Test Plans, and Micro Focus ALM
• Working knowledge of NFCU Test Automation Low Code Framework components including Gherkin, Cucumber, web element locators, xpath, HTML, CSS, Git version control, Selenium, and Azure Pipelines
• Working knowledge of API testing using Postman Pro
• Advanced knowledge of NFCU systems and environments including mainframe, on-premise, and cloud hosted applications
• Expert research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Expert written and verbal communication skills
• Expert knowledge of testing processes including test planning, test execution, and defect management
• Ability to handle fast-paced work environment with tight deadlines
• Extensive experience working and participating in cross-functional, multi-dimensional teams and projects
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Expert knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle
• Expert organizational, planning and time management skills
• Expert skill communicating with all levels within an organization
• Expert skill presenting findings, risks, conclusions, alternatives, and information clearly and concisely
• Expert skill exercising initiative and using good judgment to make sound decisions
• Expert knowledge of Navy Federal's services, products, and functions
• Extensive experience working in an IT environment
• Expert knowledge of Navy Federal business processes and applications
• 7-10 years of experience in technology testing
• Subject matter expert within business area/specialization with understanding of interrelationships of different disciplines
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training or experience

Desired Qualifications

• ISTQB Foundation level certification (CTFL)
• ISTQB Advanced certifications (Agile Tester, Test Analyst/Test Manager)
• ISTQB AI testing certifications (AI Testing, Testing with Generative AI)
• ISTQB Test Automation Engineer
• DevOps Institute DevOps Foundation (DOFD) certification

Additional Information

Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Location:

• 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
• 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526
• 141 Security Drive, Winchester, VA 22602

About Us

Navy Federal provides much more than a job. We provide a meaningful career experience, including a culture that is energized, engaged and committed; and fierce appreciation for our teams, who are rewarded with highly competitive pay and generous benefits and perks. Our approach to careers is simple yet powerful: Make our mission your passion.* FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For 2026* Yello and WayUp Top 100 Internship Programs 2025* Computerworld Best Places to Work in IT 2026* Most Loved Workplace - America's Top Most Loved Workplaces 2025* 2025 PEOPLE Companies That Care* Newsweek Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2026* Military Times 2025 Best for Vets Employers* Forbes 2026 America's Best Large Employers* Forbes 2025 America's Best Employers for New Grads* Forbes 2025 America's Best Employers for Tech Workers* 2025 RippleMatch Campus Forward Award Winner for Overall Excellence* Military.com Top Military Spouse Employers 2025* 2026 Handshake Early Talent Award* Newsweek America's Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging and Community 2026From Fortune Magazine. 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune Magazine, Fortune Media (USA) Corporation, and its affiliates are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Navy Federal Credit Union. Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law. Accommodations: If you need accommodation or assistance for a qualifying condition to complete the online application (or during any stage of the hiring process), you can contact Navy Federal's Medical Accommodations team at [e-mail] or by calling 1-888-503-6013. This team cannot provide any information on job postings or application status. Disclaimers: Navy Federal reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower grade level based on business need. An assessment may be required to compete for this position. Job postings are subject to close early or extend out longer than the anticipated closing date at the hiring team's discretion based on qualified applicant volume. Navy Federal Credit Union assesses market data to establish salary ranges that enable us to remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range, based on your experience, location and market position. For additional details regarding compensation and benefits, review the Benefits page of the Navy Federal Career Site. Bank Secrecy Act: Remains cognizant of and adheres to Navy Federal policies and procedures, and regulations pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act.