Sparks Glencoe, MD, USA
Firaxis Games
MAKE LIFE EPIC
Founded in 1996, Firaxis Games is a world-renowned game development studio with an unwavering mission to “build games that stand the test of time”. The name Firaxis, a fusion of “fiery” and “axis,” communicates the company’s dynamic development process that results in the creation of ground breaking titles with unparalleled gameplay delivered to gamers around the world. Under the creative direction of industry legend Sid Meier, Firaxis has released dozens of hit games on multiple platforms and is recognized as an industry leader in game development.
CORE VALUES:
GAMEPLAY FIRST
Let gameplay drive decision making
BE ACCOUNTABLE
Deliver great work for the studio, the team & yourself
PEOPLE FOCUSED
Maintain an environment where people are happy
EMBRACE ENTHUSIASM
Find opportunities to contribute and collaborate
WORK SMART
Put effort where it pays off the most
What You Will Do:
The QA Supervisor oversees each individual tester’s career progress, skill development, project allocation and specialization in the QA Department. A core role is to identify each person’s strengths and to allocate the right person to the right job. The Supervisor works together with QA Leads and supports projects when needed. Communicates to management if there is need for more Testers or Specialists to be hired. Is part of the hiring process by identifying potential candidates and conducts interviews. The Supervisor evaluates the team members on a regular basis, has 1-on-1s with the employees and collects and conducts annual reviews for all Testers, Senior Testers, and Specialists. Gathers feedback from external teams working with Specialists or Seniors. Motivates the team, evaluates, and suggests team members for promotion. Has in-depth knowledge of the games, sees the tasks coming to a timely completion, and helps in any capacity needed. Identifies the people available for overtime, crunch when requested by production, makes sure bug writing standards are met and kept high. Oversees the bug databases for all projects and has a clear understanding of all projects’ status. The Supervisor assists Leads with staffing plans and test planning, also by working with 2K QA to meet their standards. Communicates the status and challenges of project teams to the QA Manager and assists the Manager with strategic planning for the department.
Responsibilities:
Be available to the team members, communicate with every stakeholder in a respectful way, communicate with management and 2K QA on a regular basis. Proactively seeks feedback from Production regarding testing standards. Alert Management of any issues with any of the parties involved in the process. Be a role model and foster a culture of high standards. Identify skills and further them in their team members. Accept to do tasks when needed and help whenever called upon, be available for overtime and crunch. Be a mentor for all other team members, including interns, and assist with the promotion process. Plan for succession within the team and identify the need to hire people into positions that cannot be filled internally. Work closely with the Learning and Development Manager to identify training opportunities and ensure scheduling time for learning and training. Pre-screen resumes and assist with the interview process. Work closely with the Leads on all projects and support them in any role that helps the teams. Conduct annual reviews and delivers them to the team members. Onboard team members to a project, new hires and people changing projects. Establish and enforce best practices, help creating and communicating test plans, bug writing standards, glossaries for our games. Create and maintain a sustainable and healthy work environment. Oversee and assist managing the bug databases for all projects. Stays in close communication with the Manager and assists the strategic planning efforts for the whole department. Lead the QA Department’s intern program for Highschoolers, evaluating their progress and reporting to their school coordinator.
STUDIO LEGACY:
Named World’s #1 Developer of the Year by Game Informer Magazine in 2012, Firaxis is very proud of its legacy of developing award-winning titles. We have won multiple BAFTAs, D.I.C.E Awards, Game of the Year titles, and category awards (from “Best Strategy Game” to “Best PC Game”) across our products.
Additionally, our company was also featured in SmartCEO’s “Best-Run Book” for company culture and praised for a focus on “family, fun and flexibility.” Firaxis was also named a finalist in SmartCEO’s Healthiest Company Awards for 2016.
Firaxis Games prides itself on maintaining a quality of life inside and outside the studio – when our team members are happy and healthy, creativity can thrive. We offer boot camp fitness and yoga classes at the office, a free gym with shower, regularly catered lunches and breakfasts, biweekly Friday Happy Hours, company events and parties, and a “FunZone” complete with billiards, foosball, video games, and tabletop gaming space. We are also a philanthropic studio and offer employees the chance to volunteer with local charities and nonprofits throughout the year.
Full time employees can also take advantage of Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, 401K retirement savings, a wellbeing initiative with the opportunity to earn cash rewards, an Employee Assistance Program, and paid time off and paid holidays.
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