Princeton Information is seeking a Senior or Lead Software Test Analyst with experience testing mainframe applications. Excellent written and verbal communications skills with a strong ability to form relationships quickly are integral to success in this position. The role is responsible for testing mainframe applications, finding/identifying problems with the code, and documenting their testing. The candidate will lead and mentor other Test Analysts. This position is an ideal fit for a technically strong hands-on Test Lead who can successfully manage testing activities while utilizing his / her experience with good project management practices. This position does not have direct reports. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead and plan test activities on complex projects fairly independently and often through multiple phases of a project. Controls and monitors daily test activities for assigned area or application(s) in compliance with the standard process. Develop estimates on the complete scope of test effort. Analyzes functional specifications, identifies test scenarios and designs verification test cases with steps. Identifies risks and develops mitigation strategies. Reviews test cases written by Test Analysts for completeness of test coverage. Establishes test environment configurations and setups. Executes and maintains verification and regression manual test cases and / or automated test scripts. Conducts defect management activities, including investigation and recording of unique defects with sufficient, but necessary steps to reproduce the issue. Validates defect resolution. Mentor or train other Test Analysts in processes, methods, tools and best practices. Provides valuable feedback to improve testability and improve product quality during technical and design reviews. Administers, configures and utilizes test tools. Effectively communicates progress on test activities in oral and written forms. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from a four year college or university in computer science, management of information services or a related field. PMI CAPM or PMP certification is strongly preferred. EXPERIENCE: 5 or more years testing on projects with full lifecycle, including developing and executing test cases, and defect management. 5 or more years of performing in the Test Lead role. Mainframe and test automation experience is required. Credit card processing experience is desired. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the waterfall software development lifecycle (SDLC). Thorough knowledge and use of quality management methods, tools, and technology used to create and support quality application software that meets the needs of the client/business partner. Software testing methodologies should include but are not limited to functional, system, integrated and regression testing. Extensive knowledge of the principles, processes, phases and roles of application development methodologies. Solid analytical skills with a high degree of critical thinking and flexibility. Creative and innovative problem solver. Understanding of test automation tools and techniques. Decisions require technical expertise but are often bound by policy, procedure or past practice. Working knowledge of defect management and resolution techniques. Familiar with Mainframe development technologies. Experience with project management principles, methods and tools that is demonstrated through leadership on test projects. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with individuals at a level appropriate for the audience. The ability to communicate with all interfacing departments in a professional and efficient manner is critical for the success of meeting expectations of a quality software delivery. Ability to manage change throughout the test process. Ability to deliver results under pressure. Ability to manage conflicting interests and identify compromises Ability to demonstrate interpersonal and teambuilding skills, working with technical and non-technical individuals at various levels of management and non-management positions Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, clients, vendors and the public. TECHNICAL SKILLS: Knowledge of testing mainframe applications. Must be proficient with Quality Center. Automated testing experience is Desired. Princeton Information is one of the nation's top five privately-held IT consulting firms, in business since 1985. Princeton Information services a clientele of primarily Fortune 500 companies nationwide. With annual revenues over $120 million, Princeton Information operates across the US from multiple regional offices. Our Commitment to Our Consultants As a privately held company, Princeton Information is solely committed to the success of clients and consultants - not to any shareholders. PI's success is grounded in the relationships we build with our consultants. We seek the best people; provide career path counseling; as well as the most challenging opportunities in business and in IT. As part of its culture of loyalty and commitment to its consultants, Princeton Information is committed to doing all we can to ensure our consultants have the best possible search, placement and work experience possible. Our Services Working with one Princeton Recruiter will gain you access to over 500 open requirements with the top clients in the US across all industries (finance, insurance, pharmaceutical, commercial, telecom, media, manufacturing) nationwide. Our local recruiters have in-depth knowledge of our clients and opportunities. They will work with you to find you the best possible opportunities for you and your career. Our Relationships Our relationships with our clients, as well as our consultants, are critical to our success! We have a robust sales organization that ensures that Princeton has the inside track on what attributes a person needs in order to be successfully placed and engaged at our clients. We know the technical and non-technical skills that our clients are looking for and we ensure that you are educated about the client prior to your interview with them. Princeton is committed to going above and beyond to ensure that each meeting you have with a client is a successful one!