Senior Software Engineer, QA & Automation

New Meridian Corporation, located in Austin, TX seeks outstanding candidates for the Senior Software Engineer, QA & Automation role. This position, reporting to the Director of Assessment Data Quality, is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting complex software validation solutions that ensure the quality, accuracy, and reliability of K-12 assessment data and client deliverables.

WHO WE ARE:

New Meridian is a non-profit, assessment design and development organization. We believe assessments should focus on skills that matter: critical thinking, deep understanding, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively, helping prepare students to adapt and thrive in a complex world. At New Meridian, we create high-quality assessments that measure these skills to ensure all students have access to valuable educational experiences. Our mission is to advance the quality of public education for all students by designing assessments that focus on the skills that matter. Our team is defined by a strong commitment to improving student learning, empowering teachers, and advancing the role of high-quality assessment in expanding opportunity for all students. We are recognized leaders in assessment innovation, driven by our willingness to tackle complex challenges and our dedication to delivering exceptional support to our partners.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

SUMMARY:

The Senior Software Engineer, QA & Automation role combines strong technical expertise with a commitment to quality and data integrity. This role independently leads and collaboratively contributes to complex software engineering, quality assurance, and automation initiatives that support reliable, scalable, and accurate solutions. The successful candidate leverages automation frameworks, AI-enabled technologies, and modern engineering practices to improve processes, reduce manual effort, accelerate delivery, and enhance the accuracy and quality of products and deliverables. They demonstrate sound judgment, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and risk mitigation.

Our ideal candidate has the following traits:

• An ability to get things done: You are results-driven, action oriented, and persistent. You are a master organizer and project planner who consistently looks ahead and anticipates needs before they arise. You take initiative and are action oriented.
• Analytical: You have strong analytical skills and are comfortable reviewing quantitative data to inform your understanding of the market and customer needs and issues.
• Creative mindset: You have the ability to quickly adapt and develop creative solutions to communication and logistics challenges. You are not easily discouraged.
• Emotional intelligence: You are highly self-aware and perceptive to the dynamics of key relationships. You are positive, empathetic, flexible, and curious. You naturally gain the respect of your colleagues through your authenticity, warmth, and competence.
• Trustworthy: You are highly ethical, principled, and mission driven, garnering the trust of colleagues and vendors. You exercise discretion and confidentiality.

EXPECTED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain validation solutions that support K-12 assessment operations, reporting, and data quality initiatives.
• Develop and implement automated validation frameworks and quality assurance processes to ensure client deliverables meet established standards.
• Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of data across multiple systems, applications, and reporting environments.
• Use SAS as a primary programming language to address advanced data manipulation, sophisticated business logic, and large-scale data processing requirements.
• Utilize SAS/BASE, SAS/SQL, SAS/MACROS, SAS/GRAPH, SAS/STAT, and SAS Enterprise Guide to develop and maintain technical solutions.
• Identify opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence and intelligent automation solutions to streamline operational processes and improve quality outcomes.
• Effectively query, analyze, interpret, and validate large and complex datasets.
• Troubleshoot data discrepancies, defects, and process issues.
• Review existing processes and recommend improvements related to automation, quality, and data accuracy.
• Report project status, risks, and resolution progress to management and team members.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, software engineering trends, automation tools, and AI capabilities that can enhance organizational effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to demonstrate a solid understanding of, and practical experience applying, the development of concepts, frameworks, languages and tools noted in Education and Experience in consumer industry. Strong programming experience in Python, Java, and SAS, with the ability to design and implement automated solutions that improve efficiency, data accuracy, and software quality.

REQUIREMENT AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS or equivalent technology discipline and 5+ years of experience in assessment industry. 5-8 years demonstrating expertise in the following: Core Java and J2EE principles, syntax, and best practices, Core Spring, Web Services API development (SOAP and/or REST), SQL, RDBMS, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES5+), and using code versioning tools such as Git. 4-6 years demonstrated expertise with the following: JPA/Hibernate, Angular, AngularJS, Design patterns, Automation tools (jUnit, jMock, Selenium, Jasmine/Karma, Protractor), Build tools (gradle, ant, npm, Bower, or similar), Non-functional requirements such as Responsive Web Design, Accessibility, Security, I18N, Performance and/or Scalability, AWS or Azure. 5+ years of experience in software development, software engineering, software quality engineering, or a related technical role. Strong experience developing automated solutions for data validation, testing, quality assurance, or operational processes. Experience working with AI-enabled tools, intelligent automation solutions, machine learning concepts, or generative AI technologies. Advanced experience with SAS including SAS/BASE, SAS/SQL, SAS/MACROS, SAS/GRAPH, SAS/STAT, and SAS Enterprise Guide. Experience working with relational databases and SQL-based data analysis. Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC), testing methodologies, and quality management principles.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

We offer a competitive annual salary. Our benefits package includes: Medical, prescription, and behavioral health coverages. Dental coverage. Vision coverage. Life and AD&D coverage. Short-and long-term disability. Employee assistance program. 401(k) with company match. Up to 20 days of PTO per year. 17 paid holidays. Accrued Sick Leave Paid parental leave. Remote work and flexible schedules.

New Meridian Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. We are excited to receive applications from people in occupations or positions where they are under-represented, particularly from individuals connected to underserved communities. We feel we are strengthened by diverse perspectives.