Card & Payments QA Lead - Certification Testing, Data Validation & Schema Compliance

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Job Summary Synechron is seeking a highly experienced Cards QA Tester with comprehensive expertise in card processing systems, data migration, and quality assurance methodologies. This role involves leading testing activities across large-scale debit and credit card migration projects, ensuring data accuracy, functional integrity, and compliance with industry standards such as PCI DSS and scheme rules (Visa, Mastercard). The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage defect and risk mitigation, and drive automation initiatives to support seamless transition and operational stability. Software Requirements Required Software Proficiency: Test management tools: JIRA, ALM, or similar - to manage test cases, defect tracking, and reporting API testing tools: Postman, SOAPUI, Specmatic - for validating messaging protocols and system interfaces Test automation frameworks: Selenium, UFT, or similar - for scripting regression and functional tests Card processing systems: Familiarity with switches, scheme simulators (e.g., FIS, PowerCARD, TSYS, ACI, VisionPLUS) - support testing and certification activities Database tools: SQL for data validation, reconciliation, and querying Debugging and profiling tools: gdb, Valgrind, or similar - for troubleshooting complex issues in test environments Preferred Software Skills: Performance testing tools: LoadRunner, JMeter for volume and stress testing of card transaction systems Automated deployment and CI/CD tools supporting fast, repeatable test executions Overall Responsibilities Lead end-to-end QA activities for large debit and credit card migration projects, including functional, integration, and certification testing Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, protocols, and validation scripts to ensure data integrity and system compliance Test key transaction flows like issuance, activation, authorization, clearing, and settlement, including scheme rule validation (Visa, Mastercard) Conduct root-cause analysis of defects, support incident management, and implement risk mitigation strategies Collaborate with business analysts, data teams, and technical stakeholders to ensure scope coverage and test coverage alignment Support system upgrades, schema changes, and migration phases to minimize operational risk Drive automation initiatives for regression, reconciliation, and validation testing to improve efficiency Maintain thorough documentation of test cases, results, defect logs, and certification reports Regularly review certification standards, scheme requirements, and industry best practices to ensure compliance Support go-live testing, hypercare, and post-migration performance evaluation Technical Skills (By Category) Languages & Test Tools (Essential): SQL for data validation and reconciliation tasks Automated testing tools: Selenium, UFT, or similar - for functional and regression test automation API testing tools: Postman, SOAPUI, Specmatic - for integration validation Transaction & Messaging Protocols: Deep familiarity with ISO 8583, ISO 20022, AS2805 message standards Experience testing interactions between terminals, switches, and scheme systems Card Processing & Switches: Knowledge of card issuance, authorization, and settlement workflows (Visa, Mastercard rules) Exposure to switches (Base24, FINSIM, EFTSIM, or similar) supporting transaction flows Performance & Security: Basic understanding of performance load testing (LoadRunner, JMeter) Data security practices in card environments, PCI DSS standards for secure testing Tools & Platforms: Certification tools: scheme simulators such as VTS, UL Brand Test, MDFS support certification testing Test management and defect tracking tools supporting large-scale projects Experience Requirements Experinece of 7 to 12 years of professional QA experience supporting card issuance, transaction processing, and migration projects Proven ability to lead certification testing efforts, ensure data accuracy, and validate scheme rule compliance Demonstrated experience with large, high-volume card portfolios in regulated environments (financial, banking, or fintech) Hands-on experience with API validation and automation in a card or payments environment Familiarity with card switches, messaging protocols, and certification methods (Visa, Mastercard) is essential Day-to-Day Activities Develop, execute, and automate comprehensive test scripts for card issuance, authorization, and settlement workflows Validate data migration, reconciliation, and compliance with scheme standards (Visa, Mastercard) Lead and coordinate certification testing efforts, including schema validation and scheme approval readiness Troubleshoot technical issues, UI and data discrepancies, and messaging failures Record and track defects, perform root cause analysis, and implement resolution plans Collaborate closely with business, data, and technical teams to ensure testing coverage aligns with opera