Mainframe Testing Lead

Lead end-to-end mainframe testing initiatives across multiple projects, including test planning, design, execution, and closure for applications built on COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and DB2. • Define and implement comprehensive test strategies for functional, regression, integration, and system testing in mainframe environments, ensuring coverage of business-critical scenarios. • Analyze and validate complex data structures in VSAM files and DB2 databases, designing test data and queries to ensure data integrity and accurate processing. • Review and optimize JCL used in test environments, coordinating with development and operations teams to schedule, execute, and troubleshoot batch jobs. • Drive CI/CD-based quality practices by integrating test suites into pipelines, enabling early defect detection and continuous feedback to development teams. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (developers, business analysts, product owners) to understand requirements, clarify test scenarios, and align on acceptance criteria. • Lead defect management activities, including triage, root cause analysis, prioritization, and coordination of fixes with development teams. • Mentor and guide junior testers on mainframe testing techniques, standards, and tools, fostering a culture of quality and knowledge sharing. • Prepare and present test reports and metrics to stakeholders, highlighting test coverage, defect trends, risks, and recommendations for improvement. • Ensure adherence to quality standards and compliance with organizational processes, documentation norms, and audit requirements for mainframe systems.