Remote Full‑Lifecycle Quality Assurance Tester – Product, System & Release Validation Specialist (Work‑From‑Home – DRC Project Management Office)

About the Opportunity Join a mission‑driven public sector team that’s shaping the future of correctional services in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) is modernizing its technology landscape through a robust Project Management Office (PMO). To ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability, and compliance, ODRC is seeking a seasoned Remote Full‑Lifecycle Quality Assurance Tester to lead critical testing initiatives for core software products, system integrations, and release processes. Working from the comfort of your home office, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including developers, project managers, and operations specialists—to design, execute, and validate comprehensive test suites that safeguard the department’s mission of public safety and rehabilitation. This role offers a competitive salary, a robust benefits package, and a clear pathway for professional growth within the public sector technology arena. Why ODRC? ODRC’s PMO is at the forefront of adopting cutting‑edge technologies to improve inmate management, staff efficiency, and community outcomes. As a public‑sector organization, ODRC values integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement. Employees enjoy: Impactful work: Your testing ensures critical systems run flawlessly, directly affecting public safety and rehabilitation programs. Flexibility: 100 % remote work with flexible scheduling to support work‑life balance. Professional development: Access to certified training, mentorship programs, and conferences. Stability and benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. Key Responsibilities Test Planning & Design Develop detailed test models, plans, and scripts for product, system, unit, load, volume, and network testing aligned with ODRC release control standards. Define clear entry and exit criteria for each testing phase to ensure traceability and compliance. Collaborate with business analysts and developers to translate functional and non‑functional requirements into actionable test cases. Maintain an up‑to‑date test repository using version‑control tools (Git, Azure DevOps). Test Execution & Reporting Execute manual and automated test suites across diverse environments, including staging, pre‑production, and live systems. Log defects, track resolutions, and verify fixes in collaboration with the development team. Provide accurate daily status updates, test metrics, and risk assessments to the Test Lead and PMO stakeholders. Ensure all test artifacts adhere to ODRC’s quality standards and documentation policies. Release Control & Process Improvement Support the release management process by validating installation procedures, configuration settings, and rollback strategies. Assist the Test Lead in monitoring estimated‑to‑complete (ETC) vs. actual effort, proactively identifying schedule variances. Participate in retrospectives and continuous‑improvement workshops to refine testing methodologies and tools. Stay informed about emerging industry trends, security best practices, and regulatory changes, applying relevant insights to ODRC projects. Essential Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Professional Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands‑on testing experience within Agile environments, preferably in government or large‑scale enterprise projects. Technical Skills: Proficiency with test case management tools and scripting languages. Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and SQL for data verification. Experience with version control (Git, Azure DevOps, TFS) and CI/CD pipelines. Knowledge of formal requirements‑gathering methodologies (e.g., IEEE 830, BABOK). Core Competencies: Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, independent problem solving, and a collaborative mindset. Compliance Awareness: Understanding of U.S. governmental equipment handling policies; willingness to adhere strictly to all security and export regulations. Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications Certified Software Tester (CST), ISTQB, or equivalent certification. Experience with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner). Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes). Background in public‑sector or corrections‑related technology projects. Skills & Competencies for Success Analytical Acumen: Ability to dissect complex system behaviors, identify root causes, and propose effective solutions. Time Management: Proven track record of delivering tasks on schedule while balancing multiple priorities. Team Orientation: Comfortable working in a distributed team, sharing knowledge, and supporting peers. Adaptability: Quick to learn new tools, technologies, and regulatory requirements. Detail‑Oriented Mindset: Meticulous documentation and adherence to testing standards. Career Growth & Learning Opportunities ODRC invests in its people. As a Remote Full‑Lifecycle QA Tester, you will have access to: Continuous learning allowances for certifications, online courses, and industry conferences. Mentorship from senior QA architects and PMO leaders. Potential career pathways into QA Lead, Test Automation Engineer, or PMO Business Analyst roles. Opportunities to contribute to high‑visibility projects that shape statewide correctional technology strategies. Work Environment & Culture Our remote workforce thrives on trust, accountability, and open communication. We foster a culture that values: Inclusivity: Diverse perspectives are celebrated, and every voice matters. Transparency: Clear expectations, regular feedback loops, and accessible leadership. Well‑Being: Flexible hours, mental‑health resources, and virtual team‑building activities. Innovation: Encouragement to experiment with new testing frameworks and share best practices. Compensation, Perks & Benefits While exact figures are tailored to experience and qualifications, successful candidates can expect: A competitive base salary aligned with state government pay scales. Performance‑based incentive opportunities. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement savings plan with employer contributions. Generous paid time off, holidays, and sick leave. Remote‑work stipend for home office setup. Professional development budget and tuition assistance. Employee assistance program and wellness resources. Application Process If you are passionate about delivering high‑quality software solutions that make a real difference in the lives of Ohio’s citizens, we invite you to apply today. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications through the link below. Take the Next Step in Your Career Become a pivotal part of a dedicated team where your expertise drives excellence, reliability, and public safety. We look forward to welcoming a motivated testing professional who thrives in a remote, collaborative environment. Apply Now – Join ODRC’s PMO Team! Apply for this job