Software QA Engineer / Tester | Career Navigator

Quick Facts

Median Salary$108,836

Most Common EducationBachelor's degree

Projected 10-Year Growth-13.12%

What They Do

A Software QA Engineer or Tester designs and runs in-depth diagnostic tests to evaluate software and check for problems before new products are marketed. Pilots software and applies tests to check for errors and glitches.

Core Tasks:

Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
Design or develop automated testing tools.
Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
Coordinate user or third-party testing.
Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
Conduct historical analyses of test results.
Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.

What to expect as a Software QA Engineer / Tester

1Earn a Bachelor's degree

58% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Software QA Engineer / Tester related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

4198 openings for Software QA Engineers / Testers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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