Lead QA Developer

Do you want to work for one of the most iconic sports franchises? Are you passionate about delivering the highest quality products to stakeholders and customers? Do you enjoy working on a close-knit team of people obsessed with producing amazing stuff? If so, then you should come to NESN and work with one of the country’s most talented broadcasting & digital platforms teams with the mandate to innovate on the next generation of apps that’ll transform the sports digital landscape

NESN is seeking a seasoned Lead QA Engineer who understands the challenges and opportunities associated with delivering video and other media content in the digital age. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of NESN.com and SportsNetPittsburgh.com, the NESN 360 and SNP 360 mobile and connected TV apps, and our broader digital ecosystem. This person needs to be a fierce advocate for the customer and is expected to be a key contributor throughout the SDLC, not just brought in at the final stages.

This person’s primary responsibility is developing and executing comprehensive and scalable test plans for the backend services as well as each client platform and company property. These plans should primarily be a combination of test automations supplemented by manual testing. This person will be designing and executing test cases, testing the website and applications, running scripts to verify data, and interfacing with supplemental 3rd party testing vendors as needed. This is a hands-on position that requires a demonstrated ability to learn quickly and collaborate with cross-functional team members, development partners, and 3rd party vendors to identify, communicate, and resolve defects. As Lead QA Engineer, you will be working independently and efficiently to increase the quality of NESN’s digital products.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the nature of our live game programming, occasional time shifting to nights and weekends may be necessary.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Act as a strong champion of product quality throughout the organization and steadfast advocate for the stakeholders/end users
• Identify, quantify, prioritize, and solve quality issues before our customers face them
• Develop the strategy to automate the testing process, including feature, regression, load, performance, geofencing, integration, security, compliance, user acceptance, and exploratory testing
• Own the testing process by planning, scheduling, organizing, and coordinating cross-functional QA efforts
• Review feature/functionality and user story requirements; document the testing Use Cases before development begins
• Work closely with the development team to make testing an integral part of the development process while increasing the level of test automation and quality practices
• Perform QA testing to ensure that high-quality software is delivered to delight our customers
• Report, track, and manage any discovered defects to resolution
• Participate in product backlog grooming sessions in order to develop and lead testing automation opportunities as appropriate
• Prepare test coverage and defects metrics to substantiate release decisions
• Complete other related projects or tasks as needed

We believe in the potential within every individual. If you’re passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Intense passion for delivering high-quality products to consumers
• 6+ years of experience in a Senior QA role.
• 2+ years of experience with data validation via scripting and automation
• 2+ years of experience with one or more of the following: Javascript, Python, SQL
• 2+ years of experience testing backend, iOS, Android, FireTV, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, and frontend web applications, including testing sideload builds and pre-production environments
• 1+ years of experience with web development (i.e., HTML, CSS, Javascript)
• Excellent knowledge of testing processes and practice with a solid understanding of Agile (Scrum) methodology and practices
• Experience working with Jira, UI test automation tools, and test case management software
• Disciplined in architecting and authoring tests cases, reproduction steps for defects, and adherence to acceptance criteria
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment that includes 3rd party development, technology, and QA partners
• Able to solve problems as an individual and within a team
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in monitoring, testing, and validating data
• Open-minded, always learning, and with a high degree of ownership
• Excellent time-management, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, make decisions, and recommend solutions
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal direction
• Team-focused proactive and reliable self-starter able to work efficiently with geographically distributed teams
• Must embrace the NESN Core Values: People, Customer Focus, Adaptability, Teamwork, Diversity, Integrity, Accountability, Passion, Social Responsibility

Preferred:

• Technical degree and/or certifications
• 10+ years of experience in a Senior or Lead QA role
• 5+ years of experience with data validation via scripting and automation
• 5+ years of experience with one or more of the following: Javascript, python, SQL
• 5+ years of experience testing backend, iOS, Android, FireTV, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, and frontend web applications, including testing sideload builds and pre-production environments
• 2+ years of experience testing media streaming applications
• 2+ years of experience with web application development, including experience with backend REST APIs as well as frontend React and WordPress development
• Ability to actively debug web and mobile applications and provide developers with a detailed technical analysis of issues
• Experience in using Git and log analysis tools
• Experience in testing and tracing payment/subscription flows via multiple paywalls such as Google Play, Apple Store, and Stripe

We believe that when team members feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and innovative. If you're looking for a workplace that celebrates people and their personal and professional growth, you've come to the right place.

Some of the benefits we provide include:

• Medical and Dental plans which are currently funded by NESN at approximately 85%
• Pre-Tax HSA, FSA and Dependent Care Account
• 401(k) plan with employer match of 100% up to the first 6% of compensation, 3% contribution through Safe Harbor and discretionary profit sharing of up to 6%.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability which are currently 100% funded by NESN
• Paid parental leave
• Time Off Benefits - Eligible NESN Employees accrue Paid Time Off equaling 160 hours or 20 days for the full year
• Team Store Discounts - Employees will receive a discount of 50% at the Red Sox Team Store and 25% off at the Bruins Pro Shop with a valid NESN Employee ID
• Paid Volunteerism - NESN provides eligible employees with up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid time to participate in NESN Connects events.
• Tuition Reimbursement - NESN provides a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program to assist employees who aspire to further their education to learn & grow within their careers.
• LinkedIn Learning Courses - Eligible employees receive a free membership to LinkedIn Learning which provides on-demand learning to thousands of courses anytime, anywhere from your computer to your mobile device.
• MBTA Reimbursement - Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $100 per month for the use of Mass Transit if it is their primary mode of transportation to & from work
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Estate Guidance - The Hartford helps employees protect their family’s future by creating a customized and legally binding will online using a simple but comprehensive online questionnaire.
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts - As a NESN employee, you are eligible for other discounts & perks such as pet insurance, tickets, travel, dry cleaning, mobile phones, and much more

Who We Are

NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins among other holdings, and Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins. NESN is delivered throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.

As of Fall 2023, NESN manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a newly branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates games, as well as local college sports, original content and more in PA, WV, and portions of MD, OH and NY.

Our professional environment is passionate, adaptable, creative, and filled with aspiring individuals who are driven to grow with our company. Our core values are at the heart of who we are. We have a spontaneous and vibrant culture, and we truly believe in team spirit and collaboration.

NESN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.