Program QA Lead
Posted: 03/03/2026
Job Number: MXhXMk1HRllpQVBnaDZWQmhSL1dwQT09
Pay Rate: 50-60 Hourly USD
Job Description
The Program QA Lead will oversee quality assurance activities across multiple large-scale, enterprise-wide initiatives. This role requires both strategic QA leadership and hands-on testing execution. The candidate will establish QA standards, manage cross-functional testing efforts, and ensure quality governance across concurrent projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead QA efforts for multiple enterprise-level initiatives.
- Develop and implement QA strategies, standards, frameworks, and governance models.
- Create and review test plans, test cases, and defect management processes.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to QA Analysts while contributing directly to testing activities.
- Oversee vendor-led testing efforts and ensure alignment with enterprise standards and integration requirements.
- Manage QA schedules, dependencies, risk mitigation strategies, and testing milestones.
- Execute manual test cases, including functional, regression, and integration testing.
- Support release management, configuration control, and end-to-end traceability across the QA lifecycle.
- Define, monitor, and report QA metrics (e.g., defect density, test coverage, exit criteria).
- Collaborate with program managers, business analysts, developers, and vendors to prioritize defects and testing scope.
- Ensure adherence to QA governance standards across all project phases.
- Promote QA best practices across cross-functional teams.
Minimum Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in software quality assurance or testing roles.
- 5+ years of QA leadership experience managing program-level QA initiatives.
- 1+ year of experience with cloud-based SaaS implementations.
- 2+ years of experience in multi-vendor or multi-system integration environments.
- 2+ years of combined experience in manual and automation testing.
- 2+ years of experience developing QA strategies, test plans, test cases, and quality metrics.
- 1+ year of experience using test management tools such as Azure DevOps, JIRA, or HP ALM.
- 2+ years of experience applying QA processes within Agile, Iterative, or Waterfall methodologies.
- Ability to work in a hybrid environment with regular onsite presence.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
- Experience in regulated industries or mission-critical system implementations.
- Experience in public sector, utilities, transportation, or similar environments.
- Familiarity with test data management, performance testing, and vendor validation processes.
- Exposure to automation frameworks and tools.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, CSM, SAFe, or QA certifications.
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and team mentoring skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to translate technical QA concepts to business stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing stakeholder expectations in complex environments.
- Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on testing execution.