Description

An engineer in quality assurance creates tests to identify issues with software prior to when the product goes live. They review any bugs discovered and record them. They also train their team members on how to manage the testing tools, reporting on results and brainstorming improvements to the process. A typical day for an engineer in quality assurance includes creating new tests, conducting the tests, and logging the results. If there are any issues then the quality assurance experts have to work with software developers to come up with an answer and patch the software. After the flaw has been patched then they conduct the test again to ensure there aren't any new bugs or that the issue is fixed. This type of job involves an enormous amount of mental effort which is most likely to be done in the indoor environment; they typically perform a typical eight to 10 hours per day, during normal business hours.

Quality assurance professionals must be proficient with Microsoft Windows and Linux. They should also have at minimum an undergraduate education in computing as well as previous experience in computer programming languages like Java, C++, Python, SQL, and XML. Most employers require anywhere between five and 10 years of experience in the development of software or testing.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Senior Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer with 6-9 years of experience in India, here are some main responsibilities:

  • Managing and coordinating the testing activities, including test planning, test case development, and execution, to ensure the software meets high-quality standards.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define the test strategy based on project requirements, risks, and resource availability, ensuring efficient test coverage.
  • Conducting root cause analysis of defects, identifying trends, and implementing corrective actions to improve overall software quality.
  • Designing and implementing automated test scripts using testing tools, frameworks, and methodologies, aiming to optimize testing processes and improve efficiency.

Qualifications & Work Experience

Major educational qualifications required for Sr. Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, (Computer Software) are:

  • An associate or bachelor's level degree is necessary.
  • A working knowledge of software methods, tools and procedures.
  • Skills in scripting and SQL are essential.
  • Experience in the development of applications and quality assurance is highly recommended.

Essential Skills For Sr. Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, (Computer Software)

1

Test Planning

2

Test Automation

3

Selenium

4

Java

5

Automation

6

UNIX

Skills That Affect Sr. Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, (Computer Software) Salaries

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

Test Planning

1%

Test Automation

20%

Selenium

17%

Java

24%

Automation

16%

UNIX

8%

Quality Assurance

21%

Career Prospects

Some Alternative job roles available for Sr. Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, (Computer Software) are:

  • Frontend Developer: Designs and develops user interfaces for websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Game Developer: Creates interactive and entertaining video games using programming languages and game development tools.
  • Software Developer: Designs and develops software applications, utilizing programming languages and software development frameworks.
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer: Ensures the quality and functionality of software products through comprehensive testing and debugging.
  • Project Manager: Oversees and manages projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and effective team collaboration.

How to Learn

The role of Sr. Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer in the computer software industry in India is projected to experience significant growth in the future. According to a 10-year analysis of the job role, there is an increasing demand for professionals in this field. With the rapid growth of the software industry and the constant need for high-quality products, the employment opportunities for Sr. Test / QA Engineers are expected to increase substantially. Although specific numbers are not available, Google's latest data points indicate a positive trend in job availability and a promising future for individuals pursuing this career path.