Software Quality Analyst II

As a Software Quality Analyst II, you will take ownership of test planning and execution across our client platforms and personal assistant features, working with meaningful independence while partnering closely with engineering to drive issues to resolution.

Location – Cupertino, CA. Candidates must be available to work onsite.

• Perform test planning, test case development, and execution (manual and automated) for assigned features and platforms.
• Test client platforms, end-to-end customer workflows, and integrated user experience across OS operating systems and hardware.
• Test personal assistant features and conversational experience, including natural language interactions, contextual understanding, speech recognition, and real-world usage scenarios.
• Evaluate whether assistant responses sound natural and appropriate to U.S. English‑speaking customers, including regional phrasing and everyday conversational patterns.
• Perform exploratory testing – going beyond documented requirements to surface edge cases, unexpected behaviors, and customer‑impacting issues.
• Analyze test failures, debug and troubleshoot complex scenarios, isolate failures, gather diagnostic information, and file detailed defect reports with clear reproduction steps and supporting evidence.
• Escalate and report key quality issues and drive issues to resolution by working effectively with cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Develop creative testing strategies when requirements are incomplete or ambiguous, proactively flag quality risks that could block release.
• Provide regular updates and submit status reports related to assigned areas of responsibility.

• 3+ years of professional work experience as a Software Quality Analyst, QA Engineer, or in a related role.
• Strong background in test planning, test design, and execution of manual and automated test cases.
• Solid grounding in black‑box tests methodology for both software and hardware.
• Experience testing client platforms – operating systems, applications, hardware, and integrated user experience.
• Proven ability to perform exploratory testing and think beyond scripted test cases to uncover defects.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills, including reproducing complex, intermittent, or customer‑reported issues.
• Self‑driven, with the ability to manage priorities and complete work independently with limited guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong attention to detail and a customer‑first mindset.

• Experience testing personal assistant features, voice interfaces, or conversational AI products.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

We are excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Do not hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

The annual salary for this position is between $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

At Cognizant, beyond a competitive compensation package, we offer excellent benefits such as

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long‑term/Short‑term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer:
The hourly rate, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.