Principal Software Development Engineer (PSDET), IT Software Engineers

Remote, Massachusetts

Principal Software Development Engineer (PSDET), IT Software Engineers

  • Remote, Massachusetts
  • Full time
  • Opening on: Apr 25 2025
  • Hybrid

At Ascensus, technology is more than just a solution. It powers the business that helps millions of people save for what matters—retirement, education, and healthcare.  Our technology experts tackle exciting challenges in collaborative teams, but work in an environment where individual and career development is always valued.  Technology associates leverage their talents and passion, building new and innovative platforms, creating programs founded in automation in agile frameworks, and driving existing and new markets—all of which supports the rapid growth of a dynamic industry leader.

Section 1: Position Summary

As a Principal Software Development Engineer in Test at Ascensus, you will ensure our software meets the highest quality standards. You will be a member of a scrum team, responsible for planning a strategy, as well as implementing automated tests in a highly automated CI/CD environment. This role demands tactical and strategic skills and is a member of one or more cross-functional scrum team members and is expected to actively participate in the continual improvement efforts of the team. 

As a Principal, you may assist other scrum teams and participate in our Engineering Huddles to learn and share best practices within Ascensus. Research new technologies and tools to remain abreast of current and emerging technologies, and to introduce new opportunities for innovation. Passionate about quality and continuous delivery.

Section 2: Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop automation tests and frameworks within our CI/CD environment using test automation frameworks.
  • An ideal Principal Software Test Engineer should be capable of providing guidance to a group of diverse Software Quality Analysts and Test Engineers, able to handle challenging fast-paced environment with a desire and passion to work at the forefront of technology
  • Work in an agile development environment, collaborating with the team to deliver quality software iteratively
  • Develop end-to-end software test frameworks, test suites, and tools to validate product-specific features and use cases.
  • Conduct feasibility study on automation coverage, test types, and levels of tests
*Design and develop targeted automation/regression tests for cutting-edge features
  • Manage multiple project releases with multiple dependencies acting as a liaison with IT teams to ensure delivery of the high-quality product
  • Provide guidance on testing best practices and methodologies
  • Effectively plan, define Test Strategy, Automation Strategy, provide QA estimates, provide test management and reporting throughout the software delivery life cycle
  • Should be able to understand the technical details of the product(s) and assist the Development team in troubleshooting issues.
  • Analyze the quality of the product before rolling to Customers by analyzing and validating Defect leakages
  • Ability and willingness to assist with all tasks within an Agile scrum team, writing stories, development & manual testing.
  • Provide strategic and tactical improvements for quality practices and procedures

Supervision  

  • N/A

Section 3:  Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

  • Expert experience working in a Senior/Lead Software Test Engineering role, developing test automation in an agile/iterative environment. 
  • Expert experience with at least one Object-Oriented Programming Languages such as Java or C#
  • Proficient experience working with Database testing techniques using Oracle, Sybase, SQL server, with a strong understanding of database schemas
  • Proficient experience testing with Microservices, Cloud-based platform
  • Strong experience with a scripting language 
  • Experience working with performance Engineers or Performance tools such as BlazeMeter, JMeter, and/or Taurus
  • Strong knowledge of testing best practices and methodologies
  • Experience with automation for ADA testing and Cross Browser testing
  • Strong Automated Test tool proficiency with Practical experience on any Automation framework/ scripting like Selenium, Cucumber, RestAssured
  • Experience with Behavior Driven Development, Test Driven Development.
  • Strong Manual testing proficiency using a test management tool.
  • Experience with White box, gray box, black box test development,
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a clear, concise technical writing style
  • Excellent listening, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Problem Solving/Analytical Skills - Critical thinking and the ability to lead as part of a problem-solving group
  • Ability to prioritize and be responsible for the execution of project tasks in a high-pressure environment
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and department initiatives
  • Ability and Willingness to learn quickly
  • Ability to work independently as well as in teams
  • Understand own strengths and weaknesses, has professional standards regarding attendance, personal accountability, and integrity
  • Experience with one or more Continuous Integration solutions such as TeamCity, Jenkins, or other Monitoring tools
  • Advanced Knowledge of networking components and infrastructure is a plus
  • Must have strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities
    Possess hands-on experience with test management and defect management tools
  • Experience with Agile Testing Quadrant and Risk-Based Testing


For virtual remote positions, we require an uninterrupted workspace during business hours and an internet work speed of 25 Mbps or better.  If you are unsure of your internet speed before applying, please check with your service provider.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Be aware of employment fraud. All email communications from Ascensus or its hiring managers originate from @ascensus.com or @futureplan.com email addresses. We will never ask you for payment or require you to purchase any equipment. If you are suspicious or unsure about validity of a job posting, we strongly encourage you to apply directly through our website.

For all virtual remote positions, in order to ensure associates can effectively perform their job duties with no distractions, we require an uninterrupted virtual work space and there is also an expectation of family care being in place during business hours. Additionally, there is an internet work speed requirement of 25 MBps or better for individual use. If more than one person is utilizing the same internet connection in the same household or building, then a stronger connection is required. If you are unsure of your internet speed, please check with your service provider. Note: For call center roles specifically, it is a requirement to either hardwire your equipment directly to the internet router or ensure your workstation is in close proximity to the router. Please ensure that you are able to meet these expectations before applying. No associate is permitted to work at a location outside the United States for any length of time, except for approved business travel on a limited basis. Exempt Associates traveling outside the United States on personal travel or while on PTO may work on a limited basis (e.g., occasionally checking and responding to business-critical emails or dialing into business-critical meetings) from their personal devices but not from a company-provided computer.


At Ascensus, we aspire to make a difference for others. We are a technology-enabled services company that helps people save for a better future through our network of institutional, financial advisor, and state partners. Our culture is guided by sound principles, is committed to high standards, operates with transparency, and welcomes diversity—housed within our Core Values: People Matter. Quality First. Integrity Always.®


Ascensus provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, criminal conviction record or any other protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws (“Protected Status”).

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