QA Analyst

This position supports two programs with mission applications focused on software modernization, containerization, hardening, and verification and validation of physics-based modeling and simulation software. You will work with a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of software engineers, physics engineers, and security specialists to test secure modeling & simulation software capabilities. You will be part of our employee-owned international research and engineering company. ARA is recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences, and you will be on this team.

As a valued team contributor your tasks will include analyzing software requirements and generating test procedures that validate the software is performing as expected, with a mix of manual discovery-type testing as well as developing automated tests to exercise software REST APIs and verify outputs match expected results. Successful QA Specialists in this role are familiar with Java and C++ to be able to read and review existing code enough to develop automated tests. This is a hybrid position with expectation of 3 days in-office based in Raleigh, NC.

Due to the work you’ll perform and interactions with intelligence community and DoD programs you must be a US citizen and need an active US Security Clearance at the Secret level or higher.

QA Analyst Required Experience & Skills :

• 2-4 years QA experience with Bachelor’s Degree (or 0-2 years with Master’s Degree).
• U.S. Citizen with an active US Security Clearance.
• Experience testing in agile lifecycles (scrum and / or Kanban).
• Experience with CI / CD platforms (e.g. GitLab).
• Experience with writing detailed steps for manual tests to support regression testing.
• Experience with developing automated REST API tests (e.g. Postman).
• Familiarity with Java and C++ code (ability to read and comprehend existing code).
• Configuration management with Git.
• Linux and command-line experience.
• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or Humanities.

Preferred Experience & Skills as a QA Analyst :

Above all, we value passion, a desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set that you could succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

About Us : Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has more than 2,345 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. We believe in the importance of open and honest communication as well as work / life balance. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at :

ARA is an EOE M / F / Disability / Veteran employer

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.