Quality Assurance Lead resources

QA Lead (Hybrid – St. Paul, MN)

The Metropolitan Council is seeking up to two full-time Quality Assurance Lead resources to support the Cubic Program, a large‑scale transformation initiative focused on modernizing fare collection and payment systems across the region’s transit network. The selected candidates will provide strategic QA leadership and hands‑on testing execution across multiple enterprise initiatives involving cloud‑based SaaS platforms and multi‑system integrations. This role combines team leadership, vendor oversight, test strategy development, and direct testing activities in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.

It is a hybrid position requiring onsite presence at least one day per week at the Metropolitan Council offices in St. Paul, Minnesota.

QA Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the Program QA Lead for multiple enterprise‑wide initiatives within the BPSI/Cubic Program.
• Develop and implement QA strategies, standards, and testing frameworks across projects.
• Provide QA governance and oversight throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Define and monitor quality metrics such as defect density, test coverage, and release readiness.

Test Management & Execution

• Lead testing efforts including:
  • Test strategy development
  • Test plan creation
  • Test case design
  • Defect management
• Execute manual testing scenarios, including:
  • Functional testing
  • Integration testing
  • Regression testing
• Manage test schedules, dependencies, and risk mitigation plans across concurrent projects.

Team Leadership

• Direct and mentor multiple QA Analysts while managing individual testing work streams.
• Promote QA best practices across the program by mentoring Business Analysts and project teams.
• Foster collaboration and accountability within cross‑functional teams.

Vendor Coordination

• Oversee and validate vendor‑led testing activities.
• Ensure vendor deliverables align with program standards, integration requirements, and quality expectations.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Program Management, Business Analysts, Development teams, Vendors, and external partners to prioritize defect resolution and maintain testing scope.

Configuration & Release Support

• Support configuration management and release control processes.
• Maintain testing documentation, traceability, and audit readiness across the QA lifecycle.

• 10+ years of experience in software quality assurance or software testing
• 5+ years of experience leading QA initiatives or managing QA teams
• 1+ year of experience with cloud‑based SaaS implementations
• 2+ years leading QA in multi‑vendor or multi‑system integration environments
• 2+ years of experience performing manual and automation testing
• 2+ years developing:
• QA strategies
• Test plans
• Test cases
• Quality metrics
• 1+ year of experience using test management tools such as:
• Azure Dev Ops
• JIRA
• HP ALM
• 2+ years applying QA processes in Agile, Iterative, and Waterfall methodologies
• Ability to work onsite at least one day per week

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• Experience delivering solutions in government or regulated industries
• Prior experience with public sector, utilities, or transportation systems
• Exposure to mass transit technologies, including:
• Fare collection systems
• Asset management platforms
• Operational analytics solutions
• Familiarity with:
• Test data management
• Performance testing
• Vendor validation processes
• Working knowledge of test automation frameworks
• Professional certifications such as:
• PMP
• Agile certifications (CSM, SAFe)
• QA certifications

• Strong leadership of cross‑functional QA teams
• Ability to communicate technical QA concepts to business and executive stakeholders
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Effective stakeholder management and conflict resolution
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on testing responsibilities

• Hybrid work model
• Combination of independent work and collaborative team environment
• Onsite presence required at least one day per week

Work Location:

390 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55101