IT Business Analyst – Quality Assurance – Rapid Innovation

Nelnet • Full-time • Hybrid in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States • $53,561 - $136,046 / year • 1w ago

Fast Facts

Nelnet is seeking an IT Business Analyst specializing in Quality Assurance to design and validate solutions within an agile environment, focusing on an AI-powered onboarding platform for State Health and Human Services. The role involves collaborating across teams, defining requirements, and ensuring high-quality deliverables aligned with business needs.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include analyzing business needs, defining user stories, developing test strategies, executing test plans, validating solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Skills: Required skills include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in defining acceptance criteria, effective communication skills, and experience with agile methodologies and testing tools.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, 3 to 5 years in relevant roles, and familiarity with compliance-focused environments like NIST.

Location: This position is located at the Nelnet Center in Lincoln, United States, with no indication of travel requirements.

Compensation: $53561 - $136046 / Annually

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

The IT Business Analyst – Quality Assurance supports Technical Diversification and Rapid Innovation initiatives by combining business analysis, requirements definition, and quality assurance practices within a collaborative, agile delivery environment. This role works closely with delivery leads, engineers, and product partners to ensure solutions are clearly defined, thoroughly validated, and aligned to intended business outcomes.

The initial assignment for this role will support the delivery of an AI-powered workforce onboarding, training, and case support platform for State Health and Human Services agencies, initially focused on Child Support Services, with the goal of improving how new frontline staff learn, gain confidence, and perform complex, high-stakes casework. Built on Google Cloud, the first phase of the project is planned to run through June 2026, with plans to leverage Google services like Gemini 3, Vertex AI and Gemini Live API to deliver support call simulation and coaching feedback features. We are working toward expanding the development effort after June to include future phases focused on full case support, advanced analytics and client-facing functionality.

The Business Analyst / Quality Analyst will play a key role in shaping requirements, validating functionality, and ensuring quality throughout the MVP phase. Following completion of the initial project phase, this role will continue as part of the Rapid Innovation team, supporting subsequent priority initiatives as organizational needs evolve.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborate as a member of a cross-functional scrum team to analyze business needs, define system scope, and translate requirements into clear, actionable user stories and acceptance criteria.

Perform current-state and future-state analysis to support solution design and informed decision-making.

Partner with product owners and stakeholders to evolve and refine the backlog in alignment with product goals and user needs.

Develop and execute test strategies, test plans, and test cases to validate functional, integration, and user acceptance requirements.

Identify test scenarios, define expected results, and support test cycles to ensure changes are implemented accurately and meet quality standards.

Perform post-implementation validation to confirm delivered solutions function as intended and meet defined acceptance criteria.

Support documentation needs, including system documentation, user guides, and process flows, as appropriate.

Communicate clearly and effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, tailoring information to the appropriate level of detail.

Actively collaborate with engineers, delivery leads, and QA partners to identify issues early and support timely resolution.

Adapt to evolving requirements, priorities, and domains typical of innovation-focused work.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree and/or commensurate experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience working in a collaborative, team-based agile delivery environment.

3 to 5 years of experience as a Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Quality Analyst, or in a role combining requirements analysis and testing responsibilities.

Working knowledge of tools and technologies commonly used for analysis, documentation, and testing (e.g., SQL, spreadsheets, documentation tools, test management tools).

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex problems into clear, testable requirements.

Experience defining acceptance criteria and validating solutions through structured testing and review.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical teams and business stakeholders.

Ability to balance attention to detail with a broader understanding of business goals and delivery timelines.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

Self-directed and adaptable, with the ability to quickly learn new domains, technologies, and business processes.

Ability to perform effectively in a team-oriented environment with evolving priorities.

Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Knowledge of compliance-focused or regulated environments (e.g., NIST) is strongly desired.

Salary Range for this IT54 Pay Band: $53,561.00 - 136,046.00

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 orcorporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.