Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers

Develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes.

Median Annual Wage: $83,410

Education: Bachelor's degree (64%); Associate's degree (14%); Master's degree (9%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst); Quality Assurance Director (QA Director); Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer); Software Quality Engineer; Product Assurance Engineer; Software Test Engineer

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

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

  • 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.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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