Summary IT Specialist (APPSW) Test Automation Engineer position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. Responsibilities This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available. Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed. Positions filled with applications from this pool will be placed into positions where artificial intelligence duties occupy the majority of the work performed. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information. Duties Design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts using cutting-edge tools like Selenium, Cucumber, and more. Implement Behavior Driven Development (BDD) practices, crafting clear and effective test scenarios in Gherkin syntax. Develop and execute API tests with Parasoft and Ready API to ensure seamless integration and performance. Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using Git and leading automation platforms. Collaborate with developers, business analysts, and QA team members to ensure comprehensive test coverage and alignment with requirements. Analyze test results, identify defects, and work closely with development teams to resolve issues quickly. Document test plans, test cases, and test results to maintain transparency and quality standards. Continuously improve test automation frameworks, processes, and best practices to stay ahead of industry trends. Participate in code reviews, providing feedback on testability and overall quality. Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in test automation and quality assurance. Identify and implement AI-driven enhancements in test automation, such as intelligent test case prioritization, automated defect classification, and adaptive test maintenance. Assess existing testing processes and propose AI-powered solutions to increase automation, reduce manual effort, and improve overall system performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to pilot and adopt AI-based tools for test automation and quality assurance. READ ALL SECTIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL TO SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION. Applicants must qualify for the series and grade of the posted position. Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. Your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and proficiency of any required competencies to perform the specific position for which you are applying. To qualify for the 2210 IT Specialist series, the applicant must demonstrate the following competencies: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; know about available products and services; and is committed to providing quality products and services. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Minimum Qualifications: Grade 14 To qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have specialized experience at the GS-13 level, or equivalent, designing, developing, and maintaining automated test scripts using tools such as Selenium, Cucumber, and other automation platforms; implementing Behavior Driven Development (BDD) practices, including crafting test scenarios in Gherkin syntax; developing and executing API tests with Parasoft and Ready API to ensure integration and performance; integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using Git and automation platforms; collaborating with developers, business analysts, and QA team members to ensure comprehensive test coverage and alignment with requirements; analyzing test results, identifying defects, and working closely with development teams to resolve issues; documenting test plans, test cases, and test results to maintain transparency and quality standards; continuously improving test automation frameworks, processes, and best practices; participating in code reviews and providing feedback on testability and overall quality; staying current with emerging technologies and trends in test automation and quality assurance; demonstrating hands-on experience in automated software testing, with a focus on BDD and proficiency in Selenium, Gherkin, and Cucumber; conducting API testing using Parasoft and Ready API, and integrating with CI/CD tools and processes (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, AWS DevOps); applying knowledge of the software development life cycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud); conducting performance and load testing using tools such as JMeter and LoadRunner; demonstrating strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, and strong written and verbal communication abilities. Minimum Qualifications: Grade 15 To qualify at the GS-15 level, you must have specialized experience at the GS-14 level, or equivalent, leading the design, development, and maintenance of automated test scripts using advanced tools such as Selenium, Cucumber, and other industry-leading platforms; implementing and overseeing Behavior Driven Development (BDD) practices, including crafting and reviewing test scenarios in Gherkin syntax; directing the development and execution of API tests with Parasoft and Ready API to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance; integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using Git and leading automation platforms, and providing strategic direction for automation initiatives; collaborating with developers, business analysts, and QA teams to ensure comprehensive test coverage and alignment with business and technical requirements; analyzing test results, identifying defects, and leading efforts to resolve issues in coordination with development teams; documenting and reviewing test plans, test cases, and test results to maintain transparency and uphold quality standards; continuously improving test automation frameworks, processes, and best practices to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies; leading code reviews and providing expert feedback on testability and overall software quality; staying current with emerging technologies and trends in test automation and quality assurance, and guiding the organization in adopting new tools and methodologies; demonstrating hands-on experience in automated software testing, with a focus on BDD and proficiency in Selenium, Gherkin, and Cucumber; managing API testing using Parasoft and Ready API, and integrating with CI/CD tools and processes (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, AWS DevOps); applying expert knowledge of the software development life cycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud); leading performance and load testing initiatives using tools such as JMeter and LoadRunner; providing advanced analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, and demonstrating strong written and verbal communication abilities. PLEASE NOTE: This specialized experience is REQUIRED and must be explicitly documented/described in your resume, or you will be disqualified from further consideration. You may be asked to take a Code Signal online assessment. Qualification standards and additional information for this position can be found here: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2200/information-technology-it-management-series-2210-alternative-a/ Education Additional Information See announcement cutoff dates below under How to Apply. Are you ready to help deliver reliable, high-quality digital services to over 330 million Americans? The Social Security Administration is seeking passionate Test Automation Engineer to join our innovative technology team. Whether you're a seasoned expert in test automation or an early-career developer eager to learn from the best, this is your chance to play a pivotal role in ensuring our applications are robust, secure, and ready for the future. We are especially interested in engineers who understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to revamp and optimize test automation processes, making our systems more efficient and effective for both users and employees. As part of our team, you'll work with the latest tools and methodologies-including Selenium, Cucumber, Gherkin, Parasoft, Ready API, and Git-on mission-critical projects that impact millions of lives. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive quality through automation, and help shape the standards for digital government services. You will also have the opportunity to explore and implement AI-driven testing solutions, such as intelligent test case generation, self-healing tests, and predictive analytics for defect detection and prevention. If you're passionate about quality, automation, and making a difference, apply today and help us build the future of digital government services! Recruitment incentive may be authorized. Outstationing may be available at the GS15 level. Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. This Direct Hire announcement may be used to fill the same or similar position in another office. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.