Description

A quality assurance engineer creates tests to find any problems with software before the product is launched. They identify and analyze any bugs found during testing and document them. They also must to pay very close attention to detail and coach their team on managing testing tools, reporting results, and motivating process improvement. A normal work day for a quality assurance engineer includes developing new tests to run, running the tests, and documenting the results; if any defects are noted the quality assurance engineers will need to collaborate with the software developers to find a fix and patch the program. Once the defect has been patched, they will need to run the test again to make sure there are no new bugs and to make sure the defect found has been corrected.Quality assurance engineers typically work in an office setting during standard business hours. They typically need to have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, as well as experience with computer programming languages such as, Java, C++, Python, SQL, and XML; they must also have experience with Microsoft Windows and Linux. Many employers require five to 10 years' experience with software development or testing.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Quality Assurance QA Engineer with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting thorough functional and regression testing to ensure software products meet quality standards and specifications.
  • Developing and executing test plans, test cases, and test scripts to identify and report software defects.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to analyze and troubleshoot issues, and provide recommendations for process improvements.
  • Participating in the design and implementation of automated testing frameworks to streamline testing procedures and enhance efficiency.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong understanding of software development processes and methodologies to create and execute test plans, ensuring quality deliverables.
  • Proficiency in test automation and experience with testing frameworks to efficiently validate software functionality and identify defects.
  • Knowledge of industry standards and best practices in software testing to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement in quality processes.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills to analyze test results, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve defects in a timely manner.

Essential Skills For Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

1

Test Automation

2

System Testing

3

Selenium

4

Software Testing

5

Microsoft SQL Server

6

Python

Skills That Affect Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Test Automation

1%

Strong Analytical and Problem-solving Skills

2%

Python

2%

Data Analysis

1%

Career Prospects

The role of a Quality Assurance QA Engineer is crucial for ensuring the quality and reliability of products or software. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Test Automation Engineer: A position focused on developing and implementing automated testing frameworks and scripts to enhance testing efficiency and accuracy.
  • Software Development Engineer in Test SDET: A role that combines software development and testing skills, responsible for designing and implementing test frameworks and tools.
  • Quality Assurance Manager: A position with more managerial responsibilities, overseeing the entire QA process, coordinating teams, and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
  • Product Manager: A role that involves defining product requirements, collaborating with development teams, and ensuring that the final product meets customer expectations and quality standards.

How to Learn

The role of a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer is expected to witness significant growth in the Canadian market. According to the latest data from Google, the job role is projected to experience positive growth over the next 10 years. The demand for QA Engineers is likely to increase, opening up numerous employment opportunities in the future. Although the specific number of jobs available in the future is not specified, the overall trend suggests a rising demand for QA Engineers in Canada.