Quality Assurance Analyst [QAA-2026-09]

Agate Software; Okemos (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule after 90 days

Job summary

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

You will create and maintain test cases, prioritize by risk, execute manual tests, validate data with SQL, and collaborate with PMs and BAs to solidify customer

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 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.

Job description

At Agate Software, we are building a better world by revolutionizing how government agencies and nonprofits manage their grant processes. Our solutions empower our customers to maximize their resources, drive compliance, and focus on their core missions of distributing millions of dollars in funding for critical social services.

Our success is built on three pillars: Innovation, Integrity, and Impact. For over 20 years, Agate Software has been at the forefront of transformative innovation in the grant management industry. Our journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a commitment to pushing boundaries. By simplifying complex workflows, enhancing transparency, and turbo-charging efficiency, we enable our customers to maximize the impact of their funding.

Always challenging the status quo, we strive to set new industry standards and we are seeking the brightest minds to join us in this mission. If you're ready to apply your expertise in a dynamic, growth-oriented, mission-driven environment, read on to see how this position aligns with your skills and interests!

Please note that this is an onsite position that is eligible for a hybrid schedule (3 days required onsite/2 days remote) after the first 90 days.

Whatwe’relooking for

We’reon the hunt for a QA Analyst who turns fuzzy requirements into crisp, testable outcomes and raises the bar on quality across projects. You’llenforce simple, repeatable QA guardrails, push back early when stories are thin, and insist on clear acceptance criteria so our team can meetour commitments foraccuratebuilds withfirst-passquality. You like clean handoffs, fast feedback loops, and results that speak for themselves.

What You'll Do

• Create andmaintaintest 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 withProject Managers and Business Analyststo solidifycustomerrequirements.
• Establish lightweight QA guardrails (where test cases live, howthey’rewritten, howthey’rekept current).
• Tighten UAT: shorten cycles, reduce rework, and improve signal quality.
• Publish simple metrics (coverage, escaped defects on covered flows, UAT cycle time).
• Buildan initialbacklog of high-ROI automation candidates as we scale.

What You'll Bring

• :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 withDevelopers, Project Managers, and Business Analysts; healthyEQand respectfulprofessional pushback.
• SQLproficiencyfor data validation and sanity checks.
• Bias for simple, repeatable process over heroics

What Success Looks Like

• Predictable, measurable QA on assigned projects within 60-90 days.
• Fewer escaped defects on covered flows and faster UAT turnaround.
• Requirements clarified earlier; fewer "thin" stories entering testing.
• Guardrails adopted by peers (shared templates, consistent test artifacts).
• A rankedautomation-candidatelist with impact notes.

At Agate Software you'll be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference through cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to our impactful work. Ifyou'reready to make a significant contribution to communities in need and grow your career in an inspiring and challenging environment,

Diversity Commitment:

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where an expansive range of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are the foundation for innovation. We strive to attract, develop, and retain the brightest minds from all walks of life, and we encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, and all those who can provide different perspectives that contribute to the diversification of our team. Individuals who embrace innovation and intellectual curiosity are invited to bring their unique personal and professional experiences to the table to enrich our creativity, thought leadership, and discovery.

Work Authorization:

Please note that some customer assignments may require additional eligibility, vetting, or access approvals based on contract, security, or regulatory requirements.

To all recruitment agencies:

We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.