Senior Test Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

OCC's Enterprise Quality Engineering organization seeks a Senior Associate in Performance Testing to execute performance and failover testing for mission-critical clearing, risk, and settlement systems. This hands‑on role focuses on designing test scenarios, executing performance tests, analyzing results, and validating system behavior during failover and disaster‑recovery scenarios. The ideal candidate combines strong performance testing execution skills with the ability to work across multi‑region cloud and hybrid architectures, ensuring systems meet strict RTO/RPO regulatory requirements.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

• Design and execute performance tests using LoadRunner, JMeter, and Gatling across AWS and on‑premise environments per established test plans and load profiles
• Create, maintain, and enhance LoadRunner scripts, test scenarios, and script repositories
• Analyze performance test results to identify bottlenecks, anomalies, and optimization opportunities; generate findings reports
• Develop and maintain performance test automation scripts (Python, Java) and integrate regression testing into CI/CD pipelines
• Create parameterized test data and document test procedures, expected results, and baselines
• Work with DevOps to set up and validate multi-region test environments
• Correlate performance results with APM/monitoring platforms (Splunk, Dynatrace, AppDynamics) and generate dashboards and trend analysis
• Collaborate with development, DevOps, and infrastructure teams on performance requirements and testing plans
• Execute failover and disaster recovery testing across primary, secondary, and tertiary regions, including applications, databases, Kafka, and middleware
• Validate RTO/RPO metrics and post‑failover performance against SLAs, including compliance with regulatory requirements
• Test multi‑region deployments for replication lag, data consistency, Kafka topic replication, and failover behavior during region switches
• Document and present test results, trends, and findings to QE leadership

None

• 3+ years hands‑on experience in performance testing, including executing performance tests with LoadRunner, JMeter, or similar tools
• 2+ years designing and executing failover/disaster recovery testing in cloud or hybrid environments
• Proficiency in LoadRunner scripting and test scenario creation, OR strong hands‑on experience with JMeter/Gatling
• Scripting experience in Python or Java for test automation and data generation
• Experience with AWS cloud environments and understanding of performance implications in cloud‑native applications
• Working knowledge of Kafka and event‑driven systems, including producer/consumer testing
• Hands‑on experience with relational databases (SQL Server, Oracle, DB2) and ability to write queries for test data and validation
• Experience with test automation tools and frameworks for performance regression testing
• Familiarity with APM/observability platforms (Splunk, Dynatrace, AppDynamics, or similar)
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub, GitLab) and integration of performance tests
• Proficiency with Linux command‑line tools and basic understanding of Linux operating systems
• Experience with test management and issue tracking tools (Jira, Zephyr, SpiraTest)
• Experience testing multi‑region architectures or distributed systems with performance validation
• Experience or familiarity with financial systems, clearing, settlement, or highly regulated, low‑latency environments

• Performance testing certification (ISTQB Performance Tester, LoadRunner certification, or equivalent)
• Experience with Kubernetes and containerized application performance testing
• UC4 (Automic) job scheduling experience
• API testing experience (Postman, RestAssured)
• Experience with data pipeline testing (ETL tools, Tableau)
• AWS certification or cloud architecture knowledge
• Experience in Options/Futures industry
• Hands‑on experience with Kafka cluster setup, monitoring, and performance tuning

• B.S. Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; attention to detail in test execution and result documentation
• Experience in Agile methodology.
• Experience in integration of Jira and Test management tool.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral, analytical abilities, problem solving skills, sound judgment and time management skills.
• Experience in creating automation scripts.
• Experience in developing automation frameworks.
• Experience in developing Jenkins pipelines.
• Experience in the Options and Futures industry is preferred.

• AWS certification or performance engineering certification preferred

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is the world’s largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Founded in 1973, OCC is dedicated to promoting stability and market integrity by delivering clearing and settlement services for options, futures and securities lending transactions. As a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (SIFMU), OCC operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. OCC has more than 100 clearing members and provides central counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement services to 19 exchanges and trading platforms. More information about OCC is available at www.theocc.com.

A highly collaborative and supportive environment developed to encourage work‑life balance and employee wellness.

Some of these components include: A hybrid work environment, up to 2 days per week of remote work Tuition Reimbursement to support your continued education Student Loan Repayment Assistance Technology Stipend allowing you to use the device of your choice to connect to our network while working remotely Generous PTO and Parental leave 401k Employer Match Competitive health benefits including medical, dental and vision Visit https://www.theocc.com/careers/thriving-together for more information.

The salary range listed for any given position is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. If hired at OCC, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, experience and/or education. In addition, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer. We typically do not hire at the maximum of the range in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a substantial benefits package as noted on www.theocc.com/careers All employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus. Discretionary bonuses are based on various factors, including without limitation, both individual and company performance.

Salary Range $86,500.00 - $148,700.00

Incentive Range 6% to 10% This position is eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award, for which the target range is listed above (see Incentive Range). The amount of such award, if any, will be based on various factors, including without limitation, both individual and company performance.

OCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. OCC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. OCC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, marital status, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Numerous studies have shown that people from certain groups are less likely than others to apply to jobs if they believe they do not meet 100% of the requirements. We encourage everyone to review our open positions and apply if you think your experience may be a match, even if you do not meet all of the qualifications. Your perspective may be an element we need to continue building innovative solutions to support the markets and market participants we serve.

Interviews OCC does not utilize video chat rooms (that is, Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. OCC will only use our approved Zoom video interview platform.

If you need a disability related accommodation for any part of the application process, please email talentacquisition@theocc.com.