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, presenting results and brainstorming improvements to the process. A typical day for an engineer in quality assurance includes creating new tests, conducting tests, and logging the results. If there are any issues then the quality assurance experts have to work with developers of the software 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 ten hour work 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 Engineer Computer Software with 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, test scripts, and test cases to ensure the quality and reliability of software products. Creating detailed testing strategies and executing them to guarantee the software's quality and dependability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and stakeholders, to gather requirements and ensure proper test coverage. Working closely with different teams to gather project requirements and ensure that all aspects are adequately tested.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of software requirements, specifications, and designs to identify defects and potential areas of improvement. Analyzing software requirements, designs, and specifications to identify flaws and suggest enhancements for better quality.
  • Mentor and guide junior QA team members, providing technical expertise and sharing best practices to enhance overall testing efficiency.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Sr. Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer (Computer Software) job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • In-depth knowledge of software testing methodologies, tools, and processes to design and execute comprehensive test plans and test cases.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to identify, document, and track defects, working closely with the development team to ensure timely resolution.
  • Extensive experience with test automation frameworks and tools to develop and maintain automated test scripts, increasing efficiency and reducing manual effort.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, project managers, and product owners, ensuring clear and concise communication of testing activities and results.

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

1

Test Automation

2

System Testing

3

Selenium

4

Python

5

Java

6

Automation

Career Prospects

The role of an Sr. Test / Quality Assurance QA Engineer in Computer Software with 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom is crucial for ensuring software quality. For professionals looking to explore alternative roles, here are following options to consider:

  • Automation Engineer: A position that focuses on developing and implementing automated testing solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness in software testing.
  • Release Manager: A role responsible for coordinating software releases, ensuring smooth deployment, and managing version control processes.
  • Software Development Engineer in Test SDET: An opportunity to combine development and testing skills, contributing to the design and implementation of testable and high-quality software systems.
  • Quality Assurance Manager: A managerial position that involves overseeing the entire quality assurance process, establishing quality standards, and managing a team of QA professionals.

How to Learn

The role of Sr. Test/QA Engineer in the computer software industry is expected to experience significant growth in the United Kingdom and globally. According to recent data, the market demand for QA engineers is projected to increase steadily in the next 10 years. This growth is driven by the rapid development of technology and the rising importance of software quality assurance in various industries. As a result, a substantial number of employment opportunities are anticipated to become available in the future, making it a promising career path in the computer software sector.