QA Analyst (Hybrid) – Grant Management Software

Agate Software; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Agate Software is seeking a QA Analyst to transform fuzzy requirements into crisp, testable outcomes. You will enforce simple QA guardrails, push back early on thin stories, and insist on clear acceptance criteria to ensure accurate builds with first-pass quality.

The role emphasizes collaboration with PMs, BAs, and developers and aims for measurable improvements in test coverage and cycle times. The position is onsite with a hybrid option after 90 days, requiring strong SQL validation, and a

Qualifications

• 3+ years of QA experience across the SDLC in fast-moving teams.
• Strong test design and risk-based prioritization; comfort saying "not ready" when criteria are weak.
• Clear, concise communication with Developers, Project Managers, and Business Analysts; healthy EQ and respectful professional pushback.
• SQL proficiency for data validation and sanity checks.
• Bias for simple, repeatable process over heroics

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain test cases tied to acceptance criteria and real user flows.
• Prioritize by risk to protect the highest-impact paths first.
• Execute manual tests; log "dev-ready" defects with clear repro steps and data.
• Validate data with basic SQL (read/write simple queries, joins, filters).
• Push for clarity early: flag gaps, reject unclear stories, and partner with Project Managers and Business Analysts to solidify customer requirements.
• Establish lightweight QA guardrails (where test cases live, how they’re written, how they’re kept current).
• Tighten UAT: shorten cycles, reduce rework, and improve signal quality.
• Publish simple metrics (coverage, escaped defects on covered flows, UAT cycle time).
• Build an initial backlog of high-ROI automation candidates as we scale.

Skills

Test design

Risk-based prioritization

Clear communication

SQL proficiency

Team collaboration

Job description

Agate Software is seeking a QA Analyst to transform fuzzy requirements into crisp, testable outcomes. You will enforce simple QA guardrails, push back early on thin stories, and insist on clear acceptance criteria to ensure accurate builds with first-pass quality.

The role emphasizes collaboration with PMs, BAs, and developers and aims for measurable improvements in test coverage and cycle times. The position is onsite with a hybrid option after 90 days, requiring strong SQL validation, and a