**Role & seniority: ** GIS Test Lead (8–12+ years; 3–5+ years GIS; lead QA/testing team/function)

**Location & work type: ** San Francisco, CA — Hybrid/onsite; Contract

**Stack/tools: **

GIS: Esri ArcGIS (ArcGIS Online/Enterprise), QGIS
Other GIS/infra: PostGIS, GeoServer (or similar)
QA/testing: Agile/Scrum test management, functional/integration/system/regression/UAT
Defect/ALM: JIRA, Azure DevOps, HP ALM
Automation (preferred): Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, API automation frameworks
API/web/db testing: API testing, database testing, web app testing
Top 3 responsibilities:
- Define and implement GIS testing strategy and execute test plans (incl. UAT/regression/integration)
- Validate spatial data accuracy (layers, geodatabases, projections/coordinate systems, spatial analysis outputs)
- Lead/mentor QA team; manage defect lifecycle and reporting/quality metrics (KPIs)
Must-have skills:
- Strong software QA/testing experience and test management in Agile/Scrum
- Core GIS/spatial concepts (projections/coordinate systems, geoprocessing, spatial data handling)
- Hands-on validation of GIS applications (ArcGIS/QGIS) plus API/web/database testing
Nice-to-haves:
- GIS certifications (e.g., Esri/ArcGIS)
- Experience in utilities, telecom, government mapping, transportation, or environmental domains
- Exper

Full Description

Job Title: GIS Test Lead

Location: San Francisco, CA / Hybrid / onsite Contract

Role Summary Lead the testing and quality assurance activities for GIS applications, spatial data platforms, mapping solutions, and geospatial integrations. Ensure high-quality delivery of GIS products by managing test teams, defining test strategies, and validating spatial data accuracy and functionality. Key Responsibilities

Define and implement the overall GIS testing strategy.
Lead functional, integration, system, regression, and UAT testing activities.
Validate GIS applications built on platforms such as Esri ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise, QGIS, or similar tools.
Verify spatial data accuracy, map layers, geodatabases, coordinate systems, and spatial analysis outputs.
Create test plans, test cases, test scenarios, and test reports.
Manage defect lifecycle using tools such as JIRA, Azure DevOps, HP ALM, etc.
Coordinate with business analysts, GIS developers, product owners, and stakeholders.
Review test automation opportunities and oversee automation frameworks.
Track testing metrics, risks, and quality KPIs.
Mentor and manage QA/test engineers.
Required Skills
Strong experience in Software Testing/QA.
Knowledge of GIS concepts: spatial data, geodatabases, map services, projections, coordinate systems, and geoprocessing.
Experience with ArcGIS Suite, QGIS, PostGIS, GeoServer, or similar GIS technologies.
Expertise in API testing, database testing, and web application testing.
Test management experience using Agile/Scrum methodologies.
Familiarity with automation tools such as Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, or API automation frameworks.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Engineering, or related field.
GIS certifications (Esri, ArcGIS) are an advantage.
Experience in utilities, telecom, government mapping, transportation, or environmental projects.
Typical Experience
8-12+ years in software testing.
3-5+ years working with GIS applications.
Prior experience leading a testing team or QA function.
Key Deliverables
Test Strategy & Test Plan
Test Cases & Traceability Matrix
Defect Reports
Automation Scripts
Test Summary Reports
Quality Metrics Dashboard