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 an Sr. Test/Quality Assurance QA Engineer with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies and plans to ensure the quality of computer software products.
  • Perform functional, usability, performance, and regression testing to identify and resolve software defects.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and document test cases, test data, and test automation scripts.
  • Analyze test results, provide detailed reports, and make recommendations for improvements to the development team.

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

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 Automation

3%

Selenium

11%

Career Prospects

The role of a Senior Test/Quality Assurance QA Engineer in computer software is crucial for ensuring high-quality products and efficient development processes. For professionals with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options worth exploring:

  • Test Automation Engineer: A role focused on developing and implementing automated testing frameworks to streamline and enhance the testing process.
  • Release Manager: A position responsible for coordinating and managing the release of software products, ensuring timely and smooth deployment.
  • Quality Assurance Manager: A role that involves overseeing the entire QA process, managing teams, and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
  • Performance Test Engineer: A position focused on testing and optimizing the performance of software applications, identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks.

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.