2025-0309 application test engineer (ms windows / web) (ns) netherlands - 14 oct

• The NATO Information and Communication Agency (NCIA) located in The Hague, The Netherlands, is involved in the maintenance and development of command and control capabilities for NATO as well as in the support of these capabilities.
• In the light of these activities, the C2 Business Area is looking for an Application Test Engineer with experience in MS Windows and web applications testing.

Objectives:

• The main objective of this statement of work is to provide application-testing expertise and ensure the quality of the various applications within the domains of Force Management and Operations Planning, CBRN and Land C2 application services.
• Delivery of the services under this statement of work requires skills and experience as application test engineer for MS Windows and web applications

Scope of Work: The contractor will be work under the direction and guidance of a NCIA technical lead and product manager, and will provide the service using an agile and iterative approach using multiple sprints. Each sprint is planned for an approximate duration of 2 weeks. The work shall be executed mainly on-site at the NCIA The Hague. In exceptional cases, sprints might require the visit to other NATO sites and for such visits, the travel cost will be reimbursed separately. The work will be carried out accessing the Azure DevOps NATO Software Factory development environment as well as other Agency testbeds. The key responsibilities of an Application Test Engineer to be performed are:

• Test Planning and Design: Creating detailed test plans, test cases, and test scripts to cover various aspects of the application, including functionality, performance, security, and usability.
• Test Execution: Running tests, both manually and through automation, to identify bugs and ensure the application meets requirements.
• Defect Management: Logging and tracking defects using bug-tracking tools, and working with developers to resolve them.
• Test Automation: Developing and implementing automated test scripts to improve testing efficiency and coverage.
• Collaboration: Working closely with developers, business analysts, and project managers to ensure a smooth and efficient testing process.
• Test Environment Management: Setting up and maintaining test environments to ensure accurate and reliable testing.
• Reporting: Generating reports on test results, defect status, and overall application quality.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifying areas for improvement in the testing process and implementing solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

The scope of the assignment will be covering the following deliverables:

• Test Plan (to be delivered periodically as required to support the activity under test;
• Test Case / Procedure (to be delivered as required to support the specific activity under test for the period needed;
• Test Run / Logs (Test logs generated are archived and provided to support the event/activity; defects are recorded);
• Test Report (to be delivered for each event supported);
• Issue/Observation Reports (these reports will be manually entered and their specific counts will be further reflected in the test reporting);
• Test scripts (test scripts developed and maintained in a master repository to support the various test setups and executions, including automated testing);
• Technical reports (generated as required and directed).

The services underpinning the deliverables are required to be delivered within NCIA business hours as per paragraph 9 of this statement of work and their related acceptance criteria. The content and scope of each sprint will be agreed with the technical lead and product manager during the sprint-planning meeting in writing. The contractor shall participate in workshops, events and conferences related to the supported services, as requested by the NCIA project team.

Security:

• Performance of the services described in this statement of work requires a valid NATO SECRET security clearance prior to the start of the engagement.
• The contractor shall be aware of all security rules pertaining to the handling of NATO classified information.
• Personnel Security Clearance (PSC). Individuals who require access or may have access to information classified NATO Confidential or above during the course of their duties shall have a PSC at the appropriate level, which is valid for the duration of the authorized access. In addition, such individuals are required to: Have a need-to-know; Have been briefed on their security obligations in respect to the protection of NATO classified information; And have acknowledged their responsibilities either in writing or an equivalent method which ensures non-repudiation.

Practical Arrangements:

• This is a deliverables-based contract.
• The contractor will be required to work 60% (3 days/week) on site, NCI Agency The Hague, and up to 40% (2 days/week) off-site, working from home either from duty-location or from their NATO home country.
• NCIA core business hours: Monday to Thursday 0830 - 1700, and Friday 0830 - 1500 (CET)
• Contractor Furnished Services: Contractor shall furnish everything required to perform the contract.
• Access to relevant environments and licenses to commercial third-party libraries required to perform the contract will be provided by NCI Agency.
• The work depicted in this statement of work is expected to be carried by a SINGLE RESOURCE.

• Performance of the services described in this statement of work requires a valid NATO SECRET security clearance prior to the start of the engagement., * Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering or related field;
• 3-5 years of extensive and progressive expertise as application test engineer of MS Windows and web applications;
• Proven knowledge of, and practical experience in, modern test engineering and test management methods and paradigms;
• Experience Microsoft Azure DevOps and Test Manager;
• Proficiency in scripting like Java, Python, C# and Typescript, or programming experience.

Preferable qualifications are:

• Master's degree in computer science/engineering or related field;
• Knowledge of .Net Web API or similar;
• Knowledge of MS SQL Server;
• Experience with Git source control;
• Recent experience in planning and execution of validation activities within large-scale C2 exercises;
• Certifications, like ISTQB or CSTE.

Relevant soft skills are:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Good communication skills, both spoken and written, in English;
• Good presentation skills, taking in consideration the target audience;
• Team player, friendly and always willing to help others and to share knowledge;
• Good collaboration skills, with the ability to work in a multinational and diverse team;
• Growth mind set, always wanting to improve and to learn;
• Proactivity and taking ownership.