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 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting functional and regression testing to ensure software meets specified requirements and quality standards. Perform thorough testing of software functionalities and ensure it meets the predetermined requirements and quality benchmarks.
  • Identifying and documenting software defects and inconsistencies, and collaborating with developers to resolve issues. Identify and document any defects or inconsistencies in the software, and work closely with developers to address and resolve these issues.
  • Developing and executing test cases, test scripts, and test plans to validate software functionality. Create and implement test cases, scripts, and plans to validate the functionality of the software and ensure its overall quality.
  • Participating in code and design reviews to provide feedback and ensure adherence to quality standards.

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

Selenium

3

Auditing

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

4%

Auditing

1%

Career Prospects

The role of a Quality Assurance QA Engineer is crucial in ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction. For individuals with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Test Analyst: A position that involves designing and executing test cases, identifying defects, and collaborating with development teams to improve software quality.
  • Automation Engineer: A role focused on developing automated test scripts and frameworks to streamline testing processes and enhance efficiency.
  • Software Support Engineer: An opportunity to provide technical support to end-users, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth software functionality.
  • Quality Control Inspector: A position that involves inspecting and testing products and materials to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications.

How to Learn

According to recent data, the role of Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer in Australia is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in employment opportunities for QA engineers, driven by the rapid expansion of technology and software industries. With the increasing emphasis on product quality and customer satisfaction, the demand for skilled QA engineers is projected to further rise in the future. Google's latest data points suggest that this job role will continue to offer numerous employment opportunities in Australia, making it a promising field with strong growth prospects.