Description

Managers of test engineering are accountable to lead a team of test engineers within their business. They are responsible for managing maintenance and testing procedures and also assisting their employees to meet the goals of the organization quickly. Test engineers are involved in every phase of development and testing. Their primary responsibilities include troubleshooting and implementing enhancements to software and applications. They also collaborate with other teams or businesses and utilize their expertise in engineering to resolve quality and testing problems as they occur, and prepare comprehensive reports on pre-project planning sessions. Test engineering managers are accountable for managing the life-cycle of testing as well as the completion of project status reports and establishing a successful project plan. They establish business relations with vendors outside of the company and assist in the adoption of automated testing tools in order to improve productivity. They usually communicate their progress to the test engineering vice-president or supervisor within their respective area.

The job generally requires a minimum bachelor's degree in engineering or in a related field. In addition, prior experience in a managerial position is necessary for this position. Certifications from the industry may be mandatory or preferential. Managers of test engineering must have excellent technical capabilities and the ability to multitask to resolve business issues when they arise. They must also exhibit leadership abilities and possess excellent communication and analytical abilities to identify problems, escalate them when required, and then find an effective solution.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Test Engineering Manager with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Lead and oversee a team of test engineers, providing guidance and support in their day-to-day tasks and career development.This involves managing the performance of the team, assigning work, and ensuring timely completion of test activities.
  • Develop and implement test strategies, methodologies, and best practices to ensure the quality of software products.This includes defining test plans, test cases, and test scripts, as well as establishing test metrics and monitoring progress.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as development, product management, and operations, to define testing requirements and resolve issues.This involves participating in project meetings, conducting test reviews, and coordinating testing efforts across teams.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and quality assurance practices to continually improve the test engineering process.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Test Engineering Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proven experience in software testing methodologies and techniques, including test planning, test execution, and defect management. This includes expertise in both manual and automated testing processes.
  • Strong leadership and management skills to effectively lead a team of test engineers, set performance goals, provide feedback, and mentor team members. The ability to cultivate a collaborative and high-performing team environment is crucial.
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to identify potential issues, analyze complex technical requirements, and propose effective testing solutions. This includes the ability to prioritize testing efforts and allocate resources accordingly.
  • Solid understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies.

Essential Skills For Test Engineering Manager

1

Testing Automation

2

Programming Languages

3

Quality Management

4

Process Analysis

5

Quality Assurance

Skills That Affect Test Engineering Manager Salaries

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

Test Automation

21%

Career Prospects

The role of Test Engineering Manager in the United States is a critical and demanding position that requires a strong background in testing and quality assurance. If you have 9+ years of experience in this field and are looking for alternative roles, here are following options to consider:

  • Quality Assurance Director: A leadership role that oversees the entire quality assurance process, including strategy, planning, and execution.
  • Software Development Manager: A position that involves managing a team of software developers and overseeing the development process, including testing and quality control.
  • Product Manager: A role focused on defining and driving the strategic direction of a product, including testing and quality management aspects.
  • Program Manager: A position that involves managing multiple projects and ensuring their successful delivery, including coordinating testing efforts across different teams.

How to Learn

The Test Engineering Manager role is expected to experience strong growth in the market, with a positive outlook for the next 10 years. According to recent data from Google, there is a growing demand for professionals in this field due to the increasing complexity of technology and software development. This trend is projected to continue, leading to a significant rise in employment opportunities for Test Engineering Managers in the United States. With continuous technological advancements and the need for robust testing processes, professionals in this role can expect a promising future in the job market.