Appian QA Tester and Automation Engineer

TSPi Position Description - Appian QA Tester and Automation Engineer The 90-Day Mission • Month 1:Execute deep-dive custom Appian plugin validation and integration testing for Appian modernization • Month 2:Audit and stabilize the existing Ruby/JRuby/FitNesseframework; eliminate "flaky" tests in the Jenkins pipeline. • Month 3:Standardize Docker-based execution environments and hand off a documented, high-reliability suite to the long-term team. Responsibilities Automation Engineering & QA Execution • Design, develop, and maintain automated test suites supporting Appian applications and custom plugins • Execute functional, regression, integration, and formal testing of complex software systems • Support plugin validation efforts by creating automated and manual test scenarios • Analyze failing automation tests, troubleshoot root causes, and implement framework improvements • Ensure automation coverage aligns with development and release priorities Automation Framework & Pipeline Support • Stabilize and refactor existing Ruby/JRuby automation frameworks to improve reliability and maintainability • Develop and maintain automation scripts using Ruby and FitNesse for Appian • Configure and support Jenkins-based automation pipelines to streamline continuous testing workflows • Implement Docker-based environments to standardize automated test execution • Design and optimize automated testing pipelines to improve efficiency across the development lifecycle Technical Design & Tooling • Maintain automation codebases using Git/GitHub source control workflows • Utilize Ruby Mine to develop, enhance, and troubleshoot automated tests • Support Ruby on Rails components related to test automation and application testing • Assist in integrating automated testing results with Jira/Xray for traceability and reporting • Collaborate with development teams to ensure automation aligns with application architecture Cloud & Infrastructure Support • Assist with management and operations of AWS-based test environments • Maintain scalable infrastructure to support automated testing execution • Monitor pipeline health and address performance or environment-related issues Quality Assurance Practices • Apply QA methodologies and testing best practices across the software lifecycle • Document defects, reproduce issues, and support remediation efforts • Participate in test planning, risk identification, and quality reviews • Ensure test artifacts and execution results are properly tracked and documented Communication & Collaboration • Work closely with developers, QA leads, and project stakeholders to prioritize automation improvements • Provide status updates on automation health, risks, and testing progress • Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on improving delivery quality and efficiency Required Skills / Experience • Minimum 2 years of professional experience in software quality assurance, automated testing, or test engineering activities. • Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience • Hands-on experience developing and utilizing automated testing frameworks, preferably using Ruby/JRuby or similar scripting languages. • Proven ability to execute formal testing of complex software systems (functional, regression, and integration). • Experience supporting CI/CD automation pipelines (e.g.,Jenkins) and proficiency with Git/GitHub source control workflows. • Experience supporting testing efforts within Appian or other low-code platforms. • Working knowledge of Docker-based environments or other containerized testing approaches. • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and fix failing automation suites. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills / Experience • 4+ years of professional experience in software quality assurance, automated testing, or test engineering activities. • Experience with FitNesse for Appian or similar test automation tools • Strong working knowledge of RubyMine or comparable IDEs for automation development • Experience integrating automated testing with Jira/Xray or similar test management tools • Familiarity with Ruby on Rails for application testing or automation support • Experience supporting AWS-hosted test infrastructure or cloud-based testing environments • Exposure to Appian plugin testing or custom component validation • Experience stabilizing or refactoring legacy automation frameworks Additional Information Successful candidates are subject to a background investigation by the government and must be able to meet the requirements to hold a position of public trust.