Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers

• Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
• Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
• Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
• Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
• Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
• Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
• Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
• Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
• Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
• Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
• Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
• Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
• Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
• Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
• Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
• Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
• Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
• Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
• Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
• Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
• Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
• Coordinate user or third party testing.
• Design or develop automated testing tools.
• Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
• Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
• Conduct historical analyses of test results.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers.