Job description
Are you looking for your next challenge? Are you ready to work with a performance-based small company? At Zantech, we are a dynamic Woman Owned Small Business focused on providing complex, mission-focused solutions with a proven track record of outstanding customer performance and high employee satisfaction. We would love to talk with you regarding the next step in your career. Come join our team!
Zantech is looking for a talented Section 508 Subject Matter Expert to contribute to the success of our upcoming Applied and Emerging Technology Support project for a Hybrid role based out of Camp Springs, MD.
The Section 508 Subject Matter Expert serves as the technical authority for accessibility compliance across all USCIS Office of Information Technology systems and applications. This role requires a DHS-certified Trusted Tester who will conduct hands-on accessibility testing, provide expert consultation to development teams, and ensure USCIS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) meets federal Section 508 standards. The 508 SME works in direct support of the USCIS Section 508 Coordinator, conducting audits, providing remediation guidance, and driving continuous improvement in USCIS accessibility posture.
Responsibilities include, but will not be limited to:
Section 508 Testing & Compliance Assessment
- Conduct comprehensive Section 508 accessibility testing of USCIS systems and applications
- Review, assess, and document accessibility compliance/noncompliance across USCIS ICT
- Perform hands-on testing according to DHS Accessibility and Language Services (A&LS) Division protocols
- Test operating systems for PCs and Macbooks for accessibility compliance
- Evaluate web applications, mobile applications, documents, and multimedia content
- Conduct testing at all phases of the Software Engineering Lifecycle (SELC)
- Provide independent review and sample testing for Section 508 audits and consultations
Accessibility Audit & Reporting
- Lead formal Section 508 audits for USCIS applications and systems
- Document findings with detailed descriptions, screenshots, and code examples
- Classify defects by severity and impact on users with disabilities
- Generate comprehensive accessibility compliance reports for USCIS stakeholders
- Track remediation progress and re-test after fixes are implemented
- Report noncompliance results with structured timelines for corrective action
- Maintain audit documentation and compliance records per DHS requirements
Technical Consultation & Remediation Guidance
- Provide expert consultation to USCIS development and design teams
- Recommend specific remediation approaches for accessibility defects
- Review design mockups and wireframes for accessibility considerations
- Conduct code reviews to identify accessibility barriers during development
- Provide guidance on ARIA implementation, semantic HTML, and keyboard navigation
- Advise on accessible PDF creation, document remediation, and multimedia captioning
- Support continuous improvement of USCIS Section 508 compliance
Automated Accessibility Testing
- Implement and maintain automated functional accessibility testing tools
- Integrate accessibility scanning into CI/CD pipelines
- Configure and optimize DHS-approved 508 automation tools
- Establish automated accessibility testing as part of continuous quality assurance
- Analyze automated scan results and identify false positives
- Supplement automated testing with manual validation where required
Education & Knowledge Transfer
- Educate development teams and testers on Section 508 standards and best practices
- Conduct training sessions on DHS A&LS Division protocols and procedures
- Provide guidance on WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria
- Demonstrate use of assistive technologies (JAWS, NVDA, screen readers, magnifiers)
- Share knowledge on accessible design patterns and ARIA best practices
- Develop training materials, quick reference guides, and accessibility checklists
- Mentor other testers in accessibility testing techniques
Assistive Technology Testing
Conduct testing with industry-standard assistive technologies:
- Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
- Screen magnification software (ZoomText, Windows Magnifier)
- Speech recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
- Alternative input devices
Validate keyboard-only navigation and interaction patterns
Test color contrast, focus indicators, and visual accessibility
Ensure compatibility across different browsers and assistive technology combinations
Standards & Policy Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (36 CFR 1194)
- Apply WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria in testing and remediation
- Follow DHS Section 508 policies, standards, and procedures
- Stay current with updates to federal accessibility requirements
- Track DHS A&LS Division guidance and incorporate into testing practices
- Contribute to USCIS accessibility standards and governance documentation
Program Support & Metrics
- Support USCIS Section 508 Coordinator in program monitoring and metrics
- Utilize and improve existing Section 508 audit reporting tools
- Track accessibility compliance status across USCIS portfolio
- Generate metrics on audit coverage, defect trends, and remediation velocity
- Present accessibility status and recommendations to USCIS leadership
- Coordinate with other Section 508 testers and projects as designated
Required Experience or Knowledge of the following technologies/functions:
Minimum 5 years of accessibility testing experience
Minimum 3 years using DHS Trusted Tester methodology
Minimum 2 years of federal government experience, preferably DHS agencies
Demonstrated experience conducting Section 508 audits for complex web applications
Experience testing applications with diverse assistive technologies
Track record of working with development teams to remediate accessibility issues
Technical Skills (Required):
- Expert knowledge of Section 508 standards and WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements
- Advanced proficiency with assistive technology testing tools:
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech) - current version
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
- VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)
- Other screen readers and magnification tools
Proficiency with DHS-approved accessibility testing tools:
ANDI (Accessible Name & Description Inspector)
Colour Contrast Analyser
Browser developer tools and accessibility inspectors
Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ARIA
Experience with automated scanning tools (axe, WAVE, Pa11y)
Knowledge of PDF accessibility and remediation techniques
Understanding of accessible mobile application testing (iOS, Android)
Technical Skills (Highly Desired):
- Experience with accessibility test automation frameworks (axe-core, Pa11y-CI)
- Knowledge of accessible design systems and component libraries
- Familiarity with content management systems and accessibility plugins
- Experience testing Single Page Applications (SPAs) and modern JavaScript frameworks
- Understanding of accessible video player requirements and captioning standards
- Knowledge of accessible data visualization techniques
Federal & DHS-Specific Knowledge (Required):
- Deep familiarity with DHS A&LS Division protocols and procedures
- Understanding of federal accessibility compliance and enforcement
- Knowledge of DHS Section 508 program requirements
- Familiarity with Agency Section 508 Assessment reporting
- Understanding of accessibility considerations for PII/sensitive data interfaces
Preferred Experience or Knowledge of the following technologies/functions:
- USCIS-Specific Experience (Highly Desired):
- Experience testing USCIS public-facing and internal applications
- Knowledge of USCIS form-based workflows and immigration benefit processes
- Understanding of multilingual accessibility considerations (USCIS supports 15+ languages)
- Familiarity with USCIS design standards and component libraries
- Experience with USCIS Section 508 program procedures
Required Education/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field
- Relevant work experience may be substituted for education
- DHS Trusted Tester Certification (TTv4 or TTv5+) - REQUIRED
- Must maintain active certification through recertification as required
- Must stay current with latest DHS Trusted Tester training and standards
- Certifications (Highly Desired):
- Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)
- Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS)
- IAAP Accessibility certifications
- Additional assistive technology certifications
Required Security Clearance:
- US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain an active Public Trust or higher clearance, per contract requirements.
“ Outstanding Performance…Always!”
Our corporate motto represents our commitment to build long-term relationships with both our clients and our employees by providing the highest quality service in everything we do. We strive for excellence for our clients and for each other. We embrace the opportunity to hire individuals with new talents and fresh perspectives. Zantech offers competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a vacation package, as well as a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Come join our team!
