The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a flexible hybrid schedule.

Relocation assistance is available.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Manager, applies test engineering and product knowledge in the design of tests and testing strategies for the validation and quality assessment of CAISO production software products. Applies technical and process oriented expertise in the interpretation and application of testing processes aligned to the CAISO quality practices as relates to security, performance, integration testing.  Responsible for establishing and maintaining the Software Test Automation and Performance Test Engineering code base, integration and security testing posture, assessment of the appropriate level and depth of testing to be applied for the ISO’s software releases. Leads technical improvements for CAISO Enterprise Test Methodology, procedures, guidelines, and tools to ensure continued operational excellence. Provides technical training and expertise to department staff and others as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for technical quality assurance of all testing for ISO’s software applications or Infrastructure changes.
• Implements robust QA testing practices with a focus on early issue detection; including establishing testing methodologies, standards, tools and techniques for Security, Integration and Load/Performance Test Engineering
• Leads technical aspects of test planning, quantity and quality of tests, ensures requirements are testable and software meets ISO’s requirements
• Responsible for estimation of all technical aspects of testing including Integration, Security, Performance tests and Test Automation efforts. Optimizes sequencing and scope of technical testing aspect to drive lower Total Cost of Quality for ISO solutions
• Leads testing teams, related to the quality of tests and test records to ensure all ISO software meets or exceeds the established quality standards and drives sustained reduction in defect escape rates to higher environments.
• Provide enterprise level guidance on test framework architecture, integration, and security principles related to software testing. Identifies and drives focus on high-value optimal scope for test automation
• Leads test automation and performance test engineering across all ISO applications including tool utilization, resourcing, architecture, and priorities. Oversee the technical aspects of tests executed by testers or contractors.
• Responsible for the planning and execution of the optimum level of Security, Integration and Performance Tests, assessing test results and making recommendations for areas and prioritization to address variances and performance tuning as needed, including recommendations to the QRB.
• Establishes and maintains ISO’s product baseline tests and incremental test labs/cases and evidence for software security, performance and integration.
• Establishes and maintains ISO’s Performance and Test Automation framework, perform code-reviews and maintenance of related scripts
• As an expert, provides technical training to the testing staff on test techniques, processes and tools to enhance technical testing capabilities of the team.
• Participate in department hiring activities and provide assessment of candidates' technical qualifications.
• Attends business meetings, and collaborates with ISO colleagues to develop "best practices" policies and procedures, and to identify and resolve issues to help create a flexible and efficient organization.
• May perform related duties and activities as assigned.
• Adheres to and supports the Core Values of the ISO.
• Adheres to and supports the safety policies and programs of the ISO. Accountable for implementing the policies and procedures of the ISO Safety Program.
   

Level of Education and Discipline

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Information Technology, Management of Information Systems, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
 

Amount of Experience

Equivalent years of education and training, plus six (6) or more years related experience.

Desired Certifications

Testing certifications from reputable organizations such as ISTQB desirable.
 

Desired Experience

• Experience in software quality assurance in one or more areas of software performance testing, UI test automation tools, or webservice testing.
• Strong background within an IT software development and maintenance environment with an emphasis in test automation, tool selections, and software quality assurance is required.
• Familiarity with IT best practices. IT Service Management (Change, Configuration, Problem Management), or Process management concepts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in test automation tools and VBS for UFT; Python, SQL Python for Selenium or equivalent.
• Proficiency in performance testing tools, and webservice testing. Expertise in Security Testing, performance testing and transaction analysis, integrating automated tests within HP ALM.
• Experience with tools such as ALM, Jira and Confluence. UFT, Selenium or equivalent. LoadRunner Professional, Parasoft SOA Test, SOAP-UI, HP Quality Center (ALM), Linux, Windows, Oracle, SQL, XML, VB Script, Python, Perl, Java Script, SPLUNK SPL.

Additional Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates fundamental management and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a leader, facilitator and team member. 
• Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required.
• Excellent analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts in a non-technical manner. 
• Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite. Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.
• Ability to develop and present training to staff on emerging technologies.
• In addition to providing leadership in the testing disciplines, individuals in this role are also expected to perform hands-on testing as needed.

The pay range for this position is $116,175 - $193,625 / year.

**We will also consider applicants for a Sr Software Test Engineer position. This position requires a Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Information Technology, Management of Information Systems, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field, and five (5) years of experience. Master’s degree preferred.**