IT Application Developer Senior QA (UI & Automation)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: IT Application Developer Senior QA (UI & Automation)

Company: State of Nebraska - Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Location: Lincoln, NE, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Quality Assurance / Software Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years preferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This senior QA role focuses on enhancing software quality through advanced UI and automation testing strategies for web, mobile, and enterprise applications.

• Key responsibilities include the design, development, and maintenance of scalable automation frameworks and test suites.

• The position demands robust experience in both automated and manual testing, including functional, regression, integration, and end-to-end test execution.

• Successful candidates will integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines, perform API testing, and contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and software testing lifecycle (STLC).

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "IT Application Developer Senior QA" suggests a hybrid role where the individual not only tests applications but also contributes to their development, particularly in the context of automation. This implies a strong understanding of coding principles and the ability to build and maintain testing tools and frameworks. The emphasis on "UI & Automation" highlights the critical need for expertise in user interface testing and the development of automated testing solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable UI automation frameworks and comprehensive test suites.

• Create and execute automated and manual test cases for functional, regression, integration, and end-to-end testing scenarios.

• Validate user interface functionality, usability, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), and cross-browser compatibility across various platforms and devices.

• Conduct API testing using tools like Postman or similar, ensuring seamless data exchange and service integration.

• Integrate automated tests into Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or equivalent technologies to enable frequent and reliable releases.

• Analyze test results, meticulously identify defects, and collaborate closely with development teams for timely issue resolution.

• Actively participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, contributing to a collaborative development environment.

• Ensure strict adherence to established QA standards, testing best practices, and overall software quality processes.

• Mentor junior QA engineers, sharing expertise in test automation, framework development, and quality assurance methodologies.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the automation strategy and overall software quality initiatives within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a hands-on senior QA engineer who can not only execute tests but also build and manage the testing infrastructure. The mention of API testing, CI/CD integration, and mentoring suggests a role with significant technical depth and leadership potential within the QA domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent experience in coding computer applications, programming, or software development can be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the degree requirement. Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience, education, or training in coding computer applications or programming.

• Preferred: Three (3) or more years of dedicated experience in software quality assurance and test automation. Required Skills:

• Strong programming proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, or C#.

• Hands-on experience with UI automation frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Cypress, Playwright).

• Expertise in developing and maintaining test automation scripts and test suites.

• Proficiency in API testing using tools such as Postman, SoapUI, or similar.

• Experience with CI/CD tools and concepts (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI).

• Solid understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).

• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and participation in Agile ceremonies.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with enterprise, SaaS, mobile, and web applications.

• Knowledge of security testing principles and practices.

• Experience with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.

• Familiarity with test management tools (e.g., TestRail, Zephyr) and defect tracking systems (e.g., Jira).

• Certifications in UX research, usability testing, or accessibility standards (e.g., CPACC, WAS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual requirement of a degree or equivalent experience, coupled with a minimum of two years of coding/programming experience (which can be substituted for education), offers flexibility. The preference for 3+ years specifically in QA and automation indicates a strong emphasis on practical, specialized experience beyond general programming. The inclusion of security testing, Docker, and Kubernetes as preferred skills suggests a forward-thinking approach to QA within the DHHS technology stack.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and maintain robust test automation frameworks.

• Examples of automated test scripts and test suites for web, mobile, or enterprise applications.

• Case studies showcasing successful integration of automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.

• Evidence of API testing implementation and results.

• Documentation or examples illustrating defect identification, analysis, and resolution processes. Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in documenting test plans, test cases, and test strategies.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to process improvements in QA methodologies.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to track and report on key quality metrics and KPIs.

• Illustrate experience with Agile development processes and how QA integrates within them.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a senior QA role, especially one involving automation framework development, will invariably require a portfolio. This section infers the types of artifacts and evidence that would be most compelling for a candidate in this position, focusing on practical application of automation, CI/CD, and process improvement within an SDLC context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated hiring rate is $36.060 per hour.

• Based on a standard 40-hour work week, this equates to an annual salary of approximately $75,000 - $75,000.

• Estimated Annual Salary: $75,000 (based on 40 hours/week and stated hourly rate).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive pay and benefits package.

• Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Retirement opportunities, including state retirement plans.

• Professional development opportunities to enhance skills and career growth.

• Access to additional benefits detailed on the State of Nebraska's careers website. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours are expected, with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and team coordination.

• This is an on-site role, requiring regular and reliable attendance at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate ($36.060) is used to calculate an approximate annual salary. This estimate is presented as a benchmark. The benefits listed are based on the provided text and general knowledge of state government employment packages, emphasizing aspects relevant to long-term career stability and professional growth, which are often key considerations for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government / Public Sector (Social Services / Health & Human Services)

Company Size: Large (State Agency)

Founded: The State of Nebraska government has a long history, with the Department of Health and Human Services operating as a key agency within it. The specific founding date of the current DHHS structure is not provided but it operates as part of a long-standing governmental entity.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Health & Human Services (Agency 25) department, specifically within an IT Application Development team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with business analysts, product owners, UX designers, and other development teams.

• The Senior QA role implies a potential for mentorship and leadership within the QA function, suggesting a team that values knowledge sharing and skill development.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as the QA engineer will work with various stakeholders to ensure software quality. Methodology:

• The job description explicitly mentions participation in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, indicating an Agile development environment.

• Emphasis on CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices suggests a modern, iterative approach to software delivery.

• The role requires a focus on quality assurance processes, best practices, and continuous improvement.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need to analyze test results and identify defects.

Company Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/ (General DHHS website, for broader context)

State Careers Portal: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working for a state government agency like DHHS implies a focus on public service, stability, and established processes, potentially balanced with modern IT practices like Agile and DevOps as indicated. Understanding this environment is crucial for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Technical Specialist

This role is positioned as a Senior QA role, indicating a level of expertise and experience beyond entry-level or mid-level positions. The responsibilities include designing and maintaining frameworks, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to automation strategy, all of which are characteristic of a senior individual contributor.

Reporting Structure:

The Senior QA will likely report to an IT Manager, QA Lead, or Development Manager within the DHHS IT department. They will collaborate closely with developers, business analysts, and product owners, indicating a matrixed reporting or project-based interaction structure.

Operations Impact:

The impact of this role is direct and significant:

• Software Quality: Ensuring high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly applications directly impacts the effectiveness of DHHS services for Nebraska citizens.

• Efficiency: Automating testing processes reduces manual effort, speeds up release cycles, and lowers the cost of defect remediation.

• Risk Mitigation: Thorough testing, including UI, functional, API, and security aspects, minimizes the risk of production failures and data breaches.

• User Experience: Validating UI, usability, and accessibility ensures that applications are accessible and easy to use for all citizens, regardless of ability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific automation tools, programming languages (Java, Python, JavaScript, C#), and CI/CD technologies.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a QA Lead, Automation Architect, or Team Lead role, taking on more responsibility for strategy, team management, and project oversight.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to other areas of the SDLC, potentially moving into DevOps engineering, application development, or business analysis roles.

• Domain Expertise: Develop in-depth knowledge of health and human services applications, which can be valuable within the public sector.

• Mentorship: Continue to develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior QA engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IT Application Developer Senior QA" title suggests a career path that bridges traditional QA with development. Growth here can involve deeper technical specialization in automation and development, or a move towards leadership in QA or broader software engineering management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Government Office Building

The position requires the individual to work from the Nebraska State Office Building (NSOB) in Lincoln. This implies a structured, professional office environment common in government settings.

Office Location(s):

• Nebraska State Office Building (NSOB), Lincoln, NE.

• This is a fixed, on-site location, with no remote work options available for this role. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with developers, business analysts, product owners, and UX teams, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, development workstations, and the necessary software licenses for testing tools, IDEs, and communication platforms will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, stand-ups, and ad-hoc discussions will facilitate interaction and knowledge sharing among team members.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• While standard business hours are expected, the nature of development and testing cycles may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines. However, the emphasis is on regular and reliable attendance at the physical office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a government building is a key differentiator. Candidates should expect a stable work environment with established procedures, but also opportunities for collaboration within a dedicated IT team focused on public service applications.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess qualifications against minimum and preferred requirements. Candidates with strong alignment to the "IT Application Developer Senior QA" profile will be prioritized.

• Technical Interview(s): This will likely involve coding challenges, scenario-based questions related to test automation, framework design, API testing, and CI/CD integration. Expect questions probing your understanding of Java, Python, JavaScript, or C#, and your experience with tools like Selenium, Postman, and Jenkins.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your experience with Agile methodologies, collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and mentoring junior staff. You may be asked to describe how you handle challenging defect situations or improve testing processes.

• Portfolio Review/Demonstration (Potential): While not explicitly stated, a senior role may involve a discussion or demonstration of past projects, automation frameworks you've built, or case studies of successful automation initiatives. Be prepared to walk through examples of your work.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss the role, team dynamics, and overall fit within the DHHS IT department.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Automation Frameworks: Showcase the architecture and design of automation frameworks you've developed or significantly contributed to. Explain the technologies used and the rationale behind your choices.

• Demonstrate ROI: For each project or case study, clearly articulate the impact of your QA work, especially automation. Quantify improvements in test execution time, defect detection rates, and reduction in production issues.

• Code Samples: Be prepared to share anonymized code samples of automation scripts or utility functions that demonstrate your programming proficiency and adherence to best practices.

• Process Improvement: Present examples of how you've improved QA processes, introduced new tools, or mentored team members.

• Tailor to DHHS: If possible, tailor your portfolio examples to be relevant to government or large enterprise applications, focusing on aspects like security, accessibility, and scalability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Exercises: Practice coding problems in Java, Python, JavaScript, or C#, focusing on areas relevant to test automation (e.g., data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming).

• Automation Scenarios: Be ready to design an automation strategy for a given application feature or scenario. This might involve identifying testable components, selecting appropriate tools, and outlining the framework structure.

• CI/CD Integration: Prepare to discuss how you would integrate automated tests into a CI/CD pipeline, including considerations for build triggers, reporting, and feedback loops.

• Troubleshooting: Practice diagnosing and explaining how you would troubleshoot common automation failures or complex defects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior QA role, especially one with "Developer" in the title, the interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and practical experience in building and maintaining automation solutions. A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, C# (proficiency in at least one is required).

• UI Automation Frameworks: Selenium WebDriver, Cypress, Playwright, or similar.

• API Testing Tools: Postman, SoapUI, or equivalent tools for testing RESTful or SOAP APIs.

• Version Control: Git (highly probable, used in conjunction with GitHub Actions/Jenkins).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Test Management Tools: TestRail, Zephyr, ALM, or similar for test case management and execution tracking.

• Defect Tracking Systems: Jira, Bugzilla, or similar for logging, tracking, and managing defects.

• Reporting Tools: Capabilities within test frameworks, CI/CD platforms, or dedicated reporting tools for summarizing test results and quality metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, familiarity with how applications integrate with backend systems or databases is beneficial.

• CI/CD Platforms: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, or similar for automating build, test, and deployment processes.

• Containerization (Preferred): Docker for creating consistent testing environments.

• Orchestration (Preferred): Kubernetes for managing containerized applications and testing environments at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the likely technology stack based on the required skills (Java, Python, JS, C#, UI automation, API testing, CI/CD) and preferred skills (Docker, Kubernetes). A candidate's familiarity with these tools will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality First: A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and secure software applications that serve the citizens of Nebraska effectively.

• Efficiency & Automation: A drive to automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and improve the overall efficiency of the software development lifecycle.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with developers, business analysts, product owners, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, adopting new technologies, and refining processes to enhance productivity and outcomes.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities to ensure the successful delivery of robust applications.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile Integration: Active participation in Agile ceremonies and cross-functional team collaboration is expected.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is shared openly and constructively, and where issues are discussed transparently.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical expertise, and lessons learned among team members, particularly through mentoring.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collective approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges, leveraging the diverse skills within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Government IT departments often balance stability and process with the need for modern development practices. The values likely reflect a dedication to public service, coupled with a pragmatic approach to leveraging technology for efficiency and quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy Systems Integration: Potentially integrating new automated testing solutions with existing, perhaps older, enterprise systems.

• Diverse Application Landscape: Testing a variety of applications (web, mobile, enterprise) with different technologies and architectures.

• Balancing Automation & Manual Testing: Determining the optimal balance between automated and manual testing efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage and efficiency.

• Staying Current with Technology: Keeping pace with evolving automation tools, frameworks, and CI/CD practices in a dynamic tech landscape.

• Government Bureaucracy: Navigating procurement processes for new tools or technologies, and adhering to government-specific compliance and security standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced automation techniques, performance testing, or security testing automation.

• Cloud Technologies: Exposure to cloud environments and how testing integrates within cloud-native development.

• DevOps Practices: Further development in CI/CD pipeline management, infrastructure as code, and related DevOps principles.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities to grow leadership and coaching skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential for attending relevant QA and automation conferences or pursuing professional certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a large, established organization like a state government. The growth opportunities are geared towards advancing technical skills, leadership capabilities, and adapting to modern software development methodologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in designing and implementing a scalable UI automation framework from scratch. What were the key considerations?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss architectural patterns (e.g., Page Object Model, Behavior-Driven Development), technology choices, and the rationale behind them. Highlight how you ensured scalability and maintainability.

• "How do you approach integrating automated tests into a CI/CD pipeline? What are the common challenges and how do you overcome them?"

  • Preparation: Detail your experience with Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or similar tools. Explain build configurations, test execution strategies, and reporting mechanisms. Discuss how to handle test failures and provide rapid feedback.

• "Walk me through a complex defect you discovered. How did you diagnose it, what was the root cause, and how did you ensure it was resolved?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on your analytical process, communication with developers, and the impact of your findings.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the State of Nebraska DHHS, and what attracts you to this specific QA role?"

  • Preparation: Research DHHS's mission and recent initiatives. Connect your skills and career goals to the public service aspect and the technical challenges of the role.

• "How do you handle disagreements with developers or product owners regarding bug severity or testing scope?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your collaborative approach, data-driven arguments, and focus on achieving the best outcome for the application's quality and user experience.

• "Describe a time you mentored a junior QA engineer. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Showcase your ability to teach, guide, and foster growth in others, aligning with the senior aspect of the role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: Organize your portfolio by project type or skill area (e.g., UI Automation Frameworks, API Testing, CI/CD Integration).

• Quantify Impact: For each example, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., reduced test execution time by X%, increased defect detection rate by Y%, enabled Z% test coverage).

• Highlight Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the code, design patterns, and tools used in your projects in detail.

• Focus on Process: Explain not just what you built, but how you built it, including your thought process, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

• Accessibility & Usability: If you have examples related to accessibility or usability testing, highlight them, as these are important for public sector applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to a senior QA role with development and automation responsibilities within a government context, emphasizing technical depth, problem-solving, and alignment with public service values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link for the State of Nebraska Careers.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with UI automation, test framework development, API testing, CI/CD integration, and programming languages (Java, Python, JavaScript, C#). Use keywords from the job description, such as "SDLC," "STLC," "Agile," "DevOps," and "Software Quality Assurance."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your work, including automation scripts, framework designs, API test results, and case studies demonstrating process improvements or quantifiable impacts. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Practice Technical Questions: Review common interview questions related to test automation, programming logic, and troubleshooting. Practice coding exercises in your primary language.

• Research DHHS: Understand the mission and services of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This will help you articulate your interest and align your experience with the organization's goals during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.