Consultant /Contract - QA - Database & Manual Testing

Job Title: Consultant/Contract Role - QA - Database & Manual Testing

Contract Type: Direct Contract with Rakuten (Initial 6 months, with potential for extension based on performance and business needs)

About Rakuten India & AdTech Team:

Rakuten is a global leader in internet services, empowering individuals and businesses worldwide through innovation and technology. Rakuten India is a key technology hub, contributing significantly to Rakuten's global products and platforms. Our AdTech team is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge advertising technologies that drive engagement and value for millions of users and businesses. We are a dynamic, fast-paced team that thrives on delivering high-quality, scalable, and performant solutions.

Job Overview:

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated QA Engineer with a strong focus on Database Testing, MySQL expertise, and robust Manual Testing capabilities to join our AdTech team on a direct contract basis. In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of our advertising platforms and data-driven solutions. You will work closely with developers, product managers, and other QA engineers to deliver exceptional user experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Database Testing:

• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive test cases for database integrity, data validation, and data consistency across various systems.

• Perform extensive SQL querying to validate data, identify discrepancies, and ensure data accuracy in complex advertising data pipelines and reporting systems.
• Verify ETL processes, data transformations, and data loading mechanisms.
• Test stored procedures, triggers, functions, and views for correctness and performance.
• Collaborate with developers to understand data models and schema changes.

• Identify and report data-related defects with clear, concise, and reproducible steps.

• MySQL Testing:

• Deep dive into MySQL database testing, including performance testing (query optimization, index usage), scalability testing, and replication testing.

• Validate data migration, backup, and recovery processes within MySQL environments.
• Monitor MySQL logs and performance metrics to identify potential issues.

• Experience with testing database sharding and partitioning strategies is a plus.

• Manual Testing:

• Develop, execute, and maintain detailed test plans, test cases, and test scripts based on product requirements and design specifications.

• Perform various types of manual testing, including functional, regression, integration, system, usability, and user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Identify, document, and track defects thoroughly using a bug tracking system (e.g., Jira), ensuring clear steps to reproduce, expected results, and actual results.
• Collaborate with product and development teams to understand requirements and provide timely feedback on design and functionality.
• Participate in requirement reviews, design discussions, and sprint planning meetings.

• Ensure cross-browser and cross-device compatibility where applicable.

• General QA:

• Contribute to the improvement of QA processes, methodologies, and best practices.

• Provide accurate and timely status updates on testing progress and defect resolution.
• Proactively identify risks and communicate them to relevant stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and share knowledge within the team.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 4-6 years of proven experience in Quality Assurance, with a strong emphasis on database and manual testing.
• Expert-level proficiency in SQL for querying complex datasets, data validation, and data manipulation.
• Extensive experience with MySQL database testing, including understanding of database architecture, performance tuning, and data integrity.
• Solid understanding of database concepts (normalization, ACID properties, indexing, transactions).
• Strong experience in designing and executing comprehensive test cases for web-based applications, APIs, and data-driven systems.
• Familiarity with various testing methodologies (Agile/Scrum).
• Experience with bug tracking tools (e.g., Jira) and test management tools (e.g., TestRail, Zephyr).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.