Median Annual Wage: $83,410
Education: Bachelor's degree (64%); Associate's degree (14%); Master's degree (9%)
Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)
Related Job Titles: Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst); Quality Assurance Director (QA Director); Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer); Software Quality Engineer; Product Assurance Engineer; Software Test Engineer
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers.
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- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
- Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
- Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
- Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
- Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
- Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
- Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
- 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.
- Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
- Design or develop automated testing tools.
- Coordinate user or third party testing.
- Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
- Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
- Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
- Conduct historical analyses of test results.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers.