Product Test Specialist (Remote)

The Product Test Specialist will lead hands-on testing of small business tools, including payroll, HR, and CRM platforms. This role is central to evaluating real-world usability and performance of products, providing structured, data-driven outcomes that support Forbes Advisor’s rankings and content. The focus is on task-based testing, documenting user experience, and collaborating with methodology and editorial teams to ensure results are accurate, repeatable, and defensible.

Responsibilities:

Hands-On Testing

• Conduct structured tests of small business platforms (payroll, HR, CRM, related tools, and other products as needed).
• Evaluate products based on task completion, ease of use, responsiveness, and support.
• Identify bugs, inefficiencies, or UX barriers encountered during testing.
   

Documentation & Metrics

• Record detailed performance metrics and structured outcomes using standardized templates.
• Translate observations into clear data points that can be integrated into scoring models.
• Contribute to calculator inputs, testing rubrics, and related frameworks.
   

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the Methodology Team to refine testing criteria and scoring logic.
• Partner with Editorial and Video teams to produce visuals, demonstrations, and product walk-throughs.
• Share insights with SEO, Data, and Edit stakeholders to strengthen product rankings and user-facing content.
   

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend refinements to testing protocols based on findings.
• Stay up-to-date on emerging SMB tools and trends to ensure coverage remains comprehensive and relevant.
• Support development of new test frameworks as product categories expand.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in software testing, QA, or product evaluation preferred.
• Familiarity with SMB platforms such as payroll, HR, or CRM tools.
• Prior experience producing structured test documentation preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to clearly document findings.
• Experience collaborating across teams (editorial, data, video, or product).
• Detail-oriented mindset with focus on accuracy, reproducibility, and user perspective.

Technical Skills

• Comfort using SMB platforms and web-based tools.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets) for logging, analyzing, and reporting test outcomes.
• Basic understanding of usability testing principles and metrics.

Benefits: 

• Competitive compensation package
• Ability to work remotely
• Unlimited PTO
• Every third Friday of the month off
• Winter break closure; the week between Christmas and New Years
• Home office setup
• Wellness reimbursement