What is a QA Engineer at American Institutes for Research?
At the American Institutes for Research, a QA Engineer (often designated as a Software Test Engineer) plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of software systems that drive social science research, educational assessments, and policy analysis. Unlike traditional commercial tech firms, the applications built here directly impact student outcomes, public health initiatives, and government-sponsored programs. A single defect in an educational testing platform or a data collection portal can have far-reaching consequences for researchers, educators, and policymakers.
In this role, you are responsible for ensuring that complex, data-heavy systems are reliable, secure, accessible, and accurate. The systems you will test are often highly customizable, requiring a deep understanding of database structures, backend APIs, and frontend user interfaces. You will work closely with cross-functional teams of software developers, product managers, and research scientists to design, execute, and automate comprehensive test strategies.
Your work ensures that the American Institutes for Research continues to deliver high-quality, evidence-based tools that the public and private sectors rely on. Candidates who succeed in this position bring a rigorous analytical mindset, strong technical capabilities in both manual and automated testing, and a genuine commitment to the organization's mission of improving lives through research and practice.


