Manual Tester/QA Analyst - US Citizenship Required

Ignite IT

Ashburn, Virginia, USFull-timeMidPosted Recently

PostmanSQLJIRACI/CD

Best fit for

This role is best for mid-level QA engineers with hands-on experience in REST API testing, Postman / Newman, SQL, Performance testing (JMeter / k6 / LoadRunner) open to working from Ashburn, Virginia, US.

Skills you need for this role

Detected from the job title, description, and tags.

API / backend testing

REST API testing — Almost every QA role now expects you to validate JSON contracts and status codes.
Postman / Newman — Standard tool for API exploration and shareable collections.

Programming languages

SQL — Data validation and back-office QA rely on solid SQL.

Domain & process

Performance testing (JMeter / k6 / LoadRunner) — Different discipline from functional QA — expect scenario and metrics questions.
Accessibility (WCAG / axe) — Regulatory + brand-critical — often owned by QA teams.
Agile / Scrum — You'll be expected to describe how you fit QA into short iterations.
Test management (Jira / Zephyr / TestRail) — Process fluency — writing test cases, tracing coverage, and reporting defects.

Job description

Ready to ignite your career and work alongside innovative IT professionals supporting critical federal mission systems? Join our team supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection and help ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of enterprise applications used in support of national security operations. As a Manual Tester / QA Analyst, you will support quality assurance efforts throughout the software development lifecycle by executing manual testing activities, validating system functionality, performing API and database testing, and supporting recurring environment validation and regression test activities within Agile development teams. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate closely with developers, business analysts, and stakeholders to identify, document, and resolve software defects. Your Role

Execute manual functional, integration, regression, and user acceptance testing for enterprise web applications and services
Develop and maintain test cases, test scenarios, and test documentation based on business requirements and user stories
Conduct exploratory and ad hoc testing to identify application defects, usability concerns, and edge-case issues
Support recurring automated regression and environment validation test runs by reviewing results, documenting issues, and coordinating with development teams
Perform API testing using Postman, including request/response validation and test data generation
Validate backend system functionality and application data using SQL queries and database testing techniques
Assist in developing and implementing quality control methodologies to ensure compliance with QA standards, guidelines, and procedures
Participate in formal and informal reviews throughout the software development lifecycle
Support basic Section 508 accessibility testing activities and document accessibility-related findings
Track, document, and retest defects using Agile lifecycle and defect management tools
Collaborate with Scrum teams during sprint planning, backlog refinement, standups, and release activities
Support version control and configuration management activities using Git and GitLab
Assist with test evidence collection and documentation required for audits, compliance reviews, and release approvals
Communicate testing status, risks, and defect trends to project stakeholders and team leadership Requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a DHS Public Trust clearance
4+ years of experience performing manual software testing in enterprise or government environments
Experience with functional, regression, integration, and user acceptance testing methodologies
Experience performing API testing using Postman or similar tools
Experience writing and executing SQL queries for backend data validation and database testing
Familiarity with Git, GitLab, or similar version control platforms
Experience documenting defects, test results, and validation activities
Knowledge of QA methodologies, test plans, test cycles, and software release processes
Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience supporting DHS, CBP, or other federal government programs
Familiarity with automated testing concepts and recurring regression test suites
Experience with Jira, Confluence, or similar Agile management tools
Understanding of REST APIs, JSON, and XML
Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and release validation processes
Exposure to Section 508 accessibility standards and testing practices
Basic windows command-line knowledge or scripting experience is a plus Benefits
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Referral program
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance Ignite IT is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristic. In accordance with EO 13665 Final Rule, Ignite IT will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Applicants selected may be required to possess and maintain a government clearance US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

Job highlights

•Role: Manual Tester/QA Analyst - US Citizenship Required
•Company: Ignite IT
•Location: Ashburn, Virginia, US
•Type: Full-time
•Experience: Mid
•Seniority: Mid
•Posted: Recently

Key skills: Postman · SQL · JIRA · CI/CD

How to prepare for this interview

A 5-step prep plan tailored to this job's stack.

1Refresh at least one automation framework (Selenium or Playwright) end-to-end — the interview will drill into it. Selenium interview questions →
2Practice API-testing scenarios — auth flows, contract validation, and running collections in CI. API testing Q&A →
3Warm up on SQL joins, group-bys, and window functions — most QA rounds include a data-validation query. SQL Q&A →
4Do at least one AI mock interview end-to-end so you're comfortable narrating your answers under time. AI Mock Interview →
5Run your CV through the ATS review so it clears keyword filters for this role before you apply. Resume ATS Review →

Likely interview questions for this role

Tuned to the stack we detected on this job.

Q1.How do you design a test suite for a REST API from an OpenAPI spec?
Q2.How do you handle authentication (OAuth / JWT) inside automated API tests?
Q3.How would you run a Postman collection inside a CI pipeline?
Q4.Write a SQL query to find duplicates across two columns and how you'd fix them in test data.
Q5.How do you design a load test scenario from a production traffic pattern?