Test Automation Engineer
First seen by Alion on Sep 1, 2026.
Summary
IT Specialist (APPSW) Test Automation Engineer position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.
Duties
- This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
- Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
- Positions filled with applications from this pool will be placed into positions where artificial intelligence duties occupy the majority of the work performed.
Requirements
Conditions of employment- U.S. Citizenship required
- Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
- Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required
- Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results
- Selectees may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period
- Relocation expenses will not be paid
- All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement
- Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information.
Duties
- Design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts using cutting-edge tools like Selenium, Cucumber, and more.
- Implement Behavior Driven Development (BDD) practices, crafting clear and effective test scenarios in Gherkin syntax.
- Develop and execute API tests with Parasoft and Ready API to ensure seamless integration and performance.
- Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using Git and leading automation platforms.
- Collaborate with developers, business analysts, and QA team members to ensure comprehensive test coverage and alignment with requirements.
- Analyze test results, identify defects, and work closely with development teams to resolve issues quickly.
- Document test plans, test cases, and test results to maintain transparency and quality standards.
- Continuously improve test automation frameworks, processes, and best practices to stay ahead of industry trends.
- Participate in code reviews, providing feedback on testability and overall quality.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in test automation and quality assurance.
- Identify and implement AI-driven enhancements in test automation, such as intelligent test case prioritization, automated defect classification, and adaptive test maintenance.
- Assess existing testing processes and propose AI-powered solutions to increase automation, reduce manual effort, and improve overall system performance.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to pilot and adopt AI-based tools for test automation and quality assurance.
READ ALL SECTIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL TO SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION.
Applicants must qualify for the series and grade of the posted position. Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. Your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and proficiency of any required competencies to perform the specific position for which you are applying.
To qualify for the 2210 IT Specialist series, the applicant must demonstrate the following competencies:
- Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
- Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; know about available products and services; and is committed to providing quality products and services.
- Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
- Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Minimum Qualifications: Grade 15 To qualify at the GS-15 level, you must have specialized experience at the GS-14 level, or equivalent, leading the design, development, and maintenance of automated test scripts using advanced tools such as Selenium, Cucumber, and other industry-leading platforms; implementing and overseeing Behavior Driven Development (BDD) practices, including crafting and reviewing test scenarios in Gherkin syntax; directing the development and execution of API tests with Parasoft and Ready API to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance; integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines using Git and leading automation platforms, and providing strategic direction for automation initiatives; collaborating with developers, business analysts, and QA teams to ensure comprehensive test coverage and alignment with business and technical requirements; analyzing test results, identifying defects, and leading efforts to resolve issues in coordination with development teams; documenting and reviewing test plans, test cases, and test results to maintain transparency and uphold quality standards; continuously improving test automation frameworks, processes, and best practices to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies; leading code reviews and providing expert feedback on testability and overall software quality; staying current with emerging technologies and trends in test automation and quality assurance, and guiding the organization in adopting new tools and methodologies; demonstrating hands-on experience in automated software testing, with a focus on BDD and proficiency in Selenium, Gherkin, and Cucumber; managing API testing using Parasoft and Ready API, and integrating with CI/CD tools and processes (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, AWS DevOps); applying expert knowledge of the software development life cycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud); leading performance and load testing initiatives using tools such as JMeter and LoadRunner; providing advanced analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, and demonstrating strong written and verbal communication abilities.
PLEASE NOTE: This specialized experience is REQUIRED and must be explicitly documented/described in your resume, or you will be disqualified from further consideration.
You may be asked to take a Code Signal online assessment.
Qualification standards and additional information for this position can be found here: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2200/information-technology-it-management-series-2210-alternative-a/ Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional informationSee announcement cutoff dates below under How to Apply.
Are you ready to help deliver reliable, high-quality digital services to over 330 million Americans? The Social Security Administration is seeking passionate Test Automation Engineer to join our innovative technology team. Whether you're a seasoned expert in test automation or an early-career developer eager to learn from the best, this is your chance to play a pivotal role in ensuring our applications are robust, secure, and ready for the future. We are especially interested in engineers who understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to revamp and optimize test automation processes, making our systems more efficient and effective for both users and employees.
As part of our team, you'll work with the latest tools and methodologies-including Selenium, Cucumber, Gherkin, Parasoft, Ready API, and Git-on mission-critical projects that impact millions of lives. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive quality through automation, and help shape the standards for digital government services.
You will also have the opportunity to explore and implement AI-driven testing solutions, such as intelligent test case generation, self-healing tests, and predictive analytics for defect detection and prevention.
If you're passionate about quality, automation, and making a difference, apply today and help us build the future of digital government services!
Recruitment incentive may be authorized.
Outstationing may be available at the GS15 level.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. This Direct Hire announcement may be used to fill the same or similar position in another office.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the online assessment questions completed during the application process.
Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
- Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
- Other documents supporting qualifications and/or preference, if applicable.
Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered. To be considered, your resume must:
- Clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the position
- Include your contact information
We recommend using a clear, easy-to-read format and focusing on information most relevant to the job announcement
You must also submit ALL supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference.INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified. Well-qualified is defined as having knowledge, skills, and abilities that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. Candidates must also provide:
- proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and
- proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent.
Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority for these positions.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the cutoff date on the announcement or closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the cutoff date or announcement closing date.
Announcement cutoff dates:
2/12/26
2/19/26
2/26/26
3/05/26
3/12/26
3/19/26
3/26/26
4/02/26
4/09/26
4/16/26
4/23/26
4/30/26
5/07/26
5/14/26
5/21/26
5/28/26
6/04/26
6/11/26
6/18/26
6/25/26
7/02/26
7/09/26
7/16/26
7/23/26
8/06/26
8/13/26
8/20/26
8/27/26
9/03/26
9/10/26
9/17/26
9/24/26
10/01/26
10/08/26
10/15/26
10/22/26
10/29/26
10/31/26
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Careers at SSA at [email protected].
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US Next steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive an email notification acknowledging receipt of your application.
The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews, if desired. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.