Before being made available to the general public, it is the job of a quality assurance engineer to verify that all newly developed software applications perform as expected. They ensure that all of the software is up to company requirements by running tests on the application and aggressively looking for any faults they may find. As a quality assurance engineer, your success will likely be determined by how well you like working in technology and solving problems. In this article, we will discuss the job description of a quality assurance engineer, their salary, the software, and how to become one.
What is Quality Assurance Engineer?
A quality assurance engineer is in charge of checking and managing the quality of software before the product or app is released. At different steps of the development process, they plan and run tests to find bugs and other possible problems in new software. They work closely with the software development team to test and record the app to make sure it works well before it is released to the public. In addition, the quality assurance engineer must also make sure that both company and government standards are met or exceeded by the software.
What Does a Quality Assurance Engineer Do?
In practice, the work of a quality assurance engineer is identical to that of software QA engineers and QA specialists. The quality assurance engineer is responsible for directing the full software production cycle. They create test cases based on expected user actions and verify that the program complies with established criteria. Additionally, they act as the go-between for the software development team’s management and the application’s end users.
On a weekly or even daily basis, a quality assurance engineer is responsible for a wide range of responsibilities. The following are some typical responsibilities of a quality assurance engineer:
- Develop developer guidelines that outline the company’s expectations for product quality.
- Make sure your goods are up to snuff
- Combine manual testing with automated scripts.
- Find the cause of software issues and brainstorm potential fixes.
- Keep tabs on problems and make sure the software development team fixes them before releasing the product to the client.
- Document and track all test cases thoroughly.
- Make sure the whole development team sticks to the schedule.
- To ensure the safety of your software and hardware, you should run extensive security tests.
- Make sure the final items are compliant with all laws and industry standards.
- Oversee the launch of the program, and keep tabs on any updates or fixes that need to be made.
The majority of QA engineers work in the IT and finance sectors, namely in sectors like software publishing, computer design, and electronics production.
Job Description Quality Assurance Engineer
A Quality Assurance Engineer’s responsibilities should include the creation and execution of a strategy for quality coordination and testing, as well as the identification of problems with existing quality and the proposal of potential remedies to such problems. Within individual projects, quality assurance specialists need to be involved in a wide variety of activities. The following is a list of the five primary responsibilities of a quality assurance engineer:
- The Test Analyst assures the completeness and accuracy of the products through static testing of the requirements.
- A project’s testing requirements are compiled by the Test Designer, who also sets up the necessary testing environments.
- Test Executor performs planned tests, records and describes issues found and how they might be reproduced (or fixed), and reports results to the team.
- The Test Manager is responsible for coordinating and supervising all aspects of the testing process, from setting and maintaining deadlines and schedules to managing test requirements, delegating tasks, and communicating with project stakeholders.
- In order to ensure that the final product meets quality standards, the QA Engineer will need to keep an eye on the development process at every step.
Skills Required for a Quality Assurance Engineer
The role of a quality assurance engineer calls for a wide range of skills. An excellent quality assurance engineer would have strong people management skills in addition to a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance procedures and technologies. The following are examples of expected skills and knowledge in this group:
#1. Technical Skills
A QA engineer’s ability to spot problems, make useful suggestions, and fix them depends on their breadth of technical knowledge. They also keep abreast of developments in QA practices and government mandates. Tools that QA engineers learn to use include:
- Learn about the various types of testing, including as functional, smoke, performance, load, security, API, and end-to-end testing.
- Gain practical knowledge of programming languages, web technologies, and software testing
- Competence in using a range of testing instruments for quality control
- Write scripts for test automation using specialized software.
- Leverage software for project management and adopt agile processes
- Acquire knowledge of quality management and assurance tools
#2. Communication Skills
A QA engineer’s role is to communicate between developers, clients, and upper management. Managers and clients are kept apprised of progress and their needs are understood through regular communication. Before moving on to the design and development phase, they have a firm grasp of the software’s intended function. Therefore, it is crucial for a QA engineer to have excellent listening skills and a high rate of comprehension.
In addition, a quality assurance engineer collaborates closely with developers and testers to map out the development process, keep tabs on testing, make suggestions for improvements, fix errors, and make sure the team stays on schedule. They also do analysis and provide management with a report. Therefore, it is crucial for QA engineers to be able to effectively express themselves in writing and verbally.
#3. Collaboration Skills
Typically, a quality assurance engineer will act as a manager over a group of programmers and testers. They collaborate with superiors and customers to define the scope of the project. A QA engineer is responsible for managing deadlines and ensuring that the team meets them. Also, they work with a team, so they need to be able to keep everyone on the same page and push the project forward as a whole.
#4. Time Management
A quality assurance engineer has to meet deadlines. They plan meetings and create policies for the group. These must be in place if the team is to meet its deadlines while still delivering high-quality software updates. In addition to overseeing the development and testing processes, they may also be responsible for other responsibilities, such as writing automated test scripts or creating reports. A QA engineer can succeed in spite of their heavy workload if they are efficient at managing their time.
#5. Competence in Analysis and Addressing Problems
A software quality assurance (QA) engineer finds problems and defects that could impair performance throughout development. After that, they provide feedback and keep an eye on the debugging stage. In order to test the product and find bugs before they become major, a QA engineer creates various use cases. The quality assurance process responds to concerns raised by stakeholders during the development and testing phases. As a result, problem-solving skills are crucial for a quality assurance engineer.
#6. Care and Attention to Every Aspect
The quality assurance engineer ensures that a high-quality product is produced by establishing several use cases during the software development process, coding test scripts, and locating flaws at an early stage. Because of this, it is necessary for them to have the necessary technical expertise as well as the ability to recognize minute elements that may have an impact on the software. They need to keep meticulous records of the procedure and the outcomes of the tests, which forces them to pay attention to detail.
Who Hires QA Engineer?
In recent years, quality assurance has emerged as one of the most important and indispensable parts of the information technology sector. The primary reason for this is that customers from all over the world demand applications or software that have been thoroughly tested and must be perfect. Before products are submitted, all of the industry leaders want to ensure that they have thoroughly tested and activated the product.
As a consequence of this, it is now the primary concern of the developer to finish all sorts of quality assurance work, such as tests and assurance checking, removing any flaws and errors from the particular programming code before it is finally submitted. QA, like any other prospective career opportunity, has a lot of development potential in terms of the job opportunities that are available and the expectations that are placed on the industry. Among the most active employers in the market for QA Engineers are:
- Amazon
- SAP
- Cisco systems
- Apple
- IBM
- Cognizant Technology Solutions
- Oracle Corp
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Fidelity Investments.
What Are the Requirements to Become a QA Engineer?
Here are some common requirements for QA engineers, though organizations will have their own requirements depending on the type of product being developed:
- Ability to learn and implement quality assurance techniques
- Experience with test automation, test scripting, and test planning
- The aptitude to design and run tests on developing software in order to detect and fix defects.
- Having the foresight to spot and record testing issues
- There could be a need for familiarity with and experience using Agile processes.
Software development languages are the domain of a quality assurance engineer, thus fluency in these is a prerequisite. The following are some of the most popular languages used by quality assurance engineers:
- Python
- Ruby
- C#
- PHP
- JavaScript
- Unix scripting
- Java
- C
Salary Quality Assurance Engineer
The typical salary for a Quality Assurance Engineer in the United States is $96,099 per year as of the 21st of July, 2023.
For the sake of convenience, that comes out to about $46.20 per hour using a basic wage calculator. The weekly rate is $1,848 and the monthly rate is $8,008.
Across the United States, ZipRecruiter reports annual salaries for Qa Engineers ranging from $46,500 to $143,000, with the middle 50% of workers making $74,000 to $113,000 and the top 10% earning $131,000. There may be various prospects for progression and increased compensation dependent on skill level, region, and years of experience, as the average salary range for a Qa Engineer ranges substantially (by as much as $39,000).
In addition, the salary for a Quality Assurance Engineer in your region averages $95,513, which is 0% below the median annual compensation of Quality Assurance Engineers across the country.
ZipRecruiter regularly checks our database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout the United States to estimate the most accurate annual salary range for quality assurance engineer positions.
Quality Assurance Engineer Software
A software quality assurance (SQA) engineer’s job is to guarantee the best quality of software at every stage of the process, from design through release. Furthermore, a software quality assurance (SQA) engineer is often involved in every stage of the SDLC, from requirements analysis and design to testing and deployment. They make sure that quality is maintained throughout the process by collaborating closely with developers and other interested parties.
Also, a software quality assurance engineer is in charge of establishing and executing test plans and test cases, in addition to developing and implementing software testing techniques and methodologies. In order to find and document software flaws, they employ a wide range of testing methods, both human and automated. They also do their best to guarantee that every software is up to par with regulatory and industry standards. To guarantee that software products are up to par in terms of quality and usability, a software quality assurance engineer may also participate in code reviews, performance testing, and documentation review.
However, a software quality assurance engineer plays a crucial role in the software development process by checking that the final product is up to par in terms of quality, reliability, and usefulness. In order to find bugs and guarantee that software works as intended and satisfies customer needs, they engage in a number of testing processes.
There would be serious consequences for customers, the company’s reputation, and the bottom line if software products were published with serious flaws or usability concerns if there weren’t software quality assurance engineers involved. In addition, software quality assurance engineer makes ensuring their products have low defect rates, high reliability, and great user experiences. Also, read WHAT IS QUALITY ASSURANCE SOFTWARE: Definition, Benefits, and Guide.
Types of Software Quality Assurance Engineers
Various software quality assurance engineers exist, each with its own unique set of expertise and responsibilities. SQA engineers typically fall into one of several categories.
- Security Analysts. These SQA experts are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all software. Also, they find security flaws, disclose them, and then help developers patch those flaws.
- Manual Testers. These SQA engineers do in-depth, manual testing of software before submitting bug reports. They develop test cases, run the tests, and record the outcomes.
- Quality Assurance Managers. Software quality assurance engineers manage the complete testing cycle. Also, they devise testing plans, oversee testing personnel, and guarantee that quality benchmarks are adhered to.
- Performance Testers. Performance and scalability testing are two areas of expertise for these SQA engineers. However, they employ specific tools to model heavy traffic and examine key performance indicators.
- Mobile Testers. This soft quality assurance QA engineer is dedicated to mobile app testing. To guarantee that mobile apps perform as expected across a variety of platforms, they put them through rigorous testing.
- Robotic Testers. These SQA experts write and run test scripts with the use of automated testing software. Additionally, they might create and manage test automation frameworks.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer
Depending on the company and the nature of the software development project at hand, a software quality assurance engineer’s day-to-day responsibilities could look very different from one instance to the next. Nonetheless, a number of recurring tasks typically fall under these categories:
- Conduct testing. The SQA engineer’s job is to make sure the company’s software is free of bugs and up to par with industry standards.
- Create test scenarios and test plans. To verify software quality and that all criteria have been satisfied, it is the job of the software quality assurance engineer to create test strategies and test cases.
- Automate testing processes. To improve testing efficiency and precision, the software quality assurance engineer may resort to automated testing methodologies.
- Join forces with the creation crew. The software quality assurance engineer works with the dev team to make sure the product is built in a way that is testable and that any problems are resolved as soon as possible.
- Identify problems and file a complaint. The SQA engineer keeps detailed records of testing failures and communicates them to the development staff for correction.
- Review the Code. To make sure that high-quality software is being produced in accordance with conventional methods, the SQA engineer may perform code reviews.
- Put the product through its paces. To guarantee that software works well under a variety of loads, the SQA engineer may do performance tests.
- Take part in the process of releasing products. To ensure the best quality software is delivered to production, the SQA engineer may take part in release management.
- Maintain a level of expertise consistent with current requirements. The SQA engineer monitors market trends and new developments to guarantee that the company’s software is up to par.
How to Become Quality Assurance Engineer
The road to become a quality assurance engineer does not require prior experience, contrary to popular belief. Among the many potential approaches, the most crucial is the acquisition of appropriate abilities. So, consider taking the following steps in order to become a quality assurance engineer:
#1. Completing Your Education Is a Priority
The completion of an undergraduate degree in software design, engineering, or computer science is typically required in order to work as a quality assurance engineer. These classes contribute to the development of fundamental skills necessary for a QA engineer. You will gain experience in coding, testing, and a variety of technical tools and software platforms as a result of this.
#2. Acquire More Experience
Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience in a variety of fields, including coding, testing, and even quality assurance. You can build your portfolio by taking advantage of this exposure to the corporate world. You will also gain a better understanding of diverse testing procedures, the most recent technology, and industry standards when you participate in an internship. In addition to this, it facilitates the development of your peer and mentor networks.
#3. Get Yourself Certified
Your reputation might be improved by including certifications on your CV. One option available comes from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), which presents candidates with the opportunity to earn certification at one of three different levels. However, these certificates can be obtained at the beginning of your career or even after you have gained some expertise in the field.
#4. Create a Technical Portfolio in Addition to Your Resume
You are able to exhibit your professional projects by using something called a technical portfolio. Bring attention to the part you played in each of the initiatives as well as the contributions you made to them. Include your previous leadership positions together with your accomplishments to demonstrate that you have the necessary soft skills. In addition to your resume, developing a technical portfolio that showcases your work can provide the potential employer with a more in-depth understanding of your contributions.
#5. Put In Your Application for Jobs
The application process for quality assurance engineer employment can be done in a variety of different ways. Utilizing your existing network is one option. You should let your friends and others who have mentored you know that you are looking for work. They can give you leads or recommend businesses to which you could submit an application. There is also the option of using an online job-search platform such as Indeed. These portals may provide you with access to a wide variety of businesses located all around the world.
#6. Get Yourself Ready for a Technical Meeting or Interview
The work of a quality assurance engineer is somewhat involved. Because of this, potential employers may evaluate your technical abilities throughout the interview process. The potential employer might give you a task or question you in order to evaluate your capabilities. In any scenario, it is essential to conduct a thorough review of the fundamentals, as well as prepare for the interview.
What Makes a Great Assurance Engineer?
Exceptional QA engineers can see the big picture while yet paying attention to the smallest of details. They think like master chess players, taking into account every possible move and how it can affect the product as a whole. With the production of a high-quality product as the ultimate goal, they strike a balance between the demands of stakeholders and those of developers.
A person who constantly finds fault is not liked. The greatest quality assurance engineers don’t just spot problems; they also think of realistic ways to fix them. They are skilled enough programmers to not only identify the flaws but also propose solutions that adhere to industry standards.
Effectiveness is crucial. A top-notch QA engineer develops and deploys reliable, automated methods that prove the quality of a product without requiring ongoing human involvement at every stage. They document best practices and enforce developer adherence to these guidelines to reduce the likelihood of error recurrence. They can implement the proper tests at the right time, determine when quality testing is necessary, and recognize potential problem areas in the development lifecycle.
Bottom Line
In addition, you can begin applying for entry-level positions after gaining experience in basic areas of programming, testing, and quality assurance. Create a compelling resume and research common QA interview questions to get ready.
Self-taught individuals can benefit from gaining even a little contract work experience. Internships and other job development tools are typically made available to students enrolled in degree programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QA engineering a good career?
Yes. Although coding knowledge is not required for the role of QA engineer, it is advantageous during the testing process. In May 2021, software engineers, quality assurance analysts, and testers made a median annual pay of $109,020, reported the BLS.
Who Does a Quality Assurance Engineer Work With?
Additionally, a QA engineer works closely with developers and testers to map out the development process, keep tabs on testing, make suggestions for improvements, fix errors, and make sure the team stays on schedule. They do some analysis and report back to their superiors as well.
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