Manual Test Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the digital age, the emphasis on manual test engineers has never been greater.

As technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can rigorously examine, validate, and ensure the quality of our digital infrastructure increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a manual test engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager picturing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of manual testing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable manual test engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Manual Test Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Manual Test Engineers are responsible for conducting manual tests to ensure the software created by developers is fit for purpose.

They perform tests to ensure the program functions properly, to identify any errors, and to investigate customer complaints and operational issues.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyze the requirements of the software and understand the client’s needs
• Design and develop manual test plans, test cases, and test scripts
• Execute test cases manually and analyze the results
• Identify, log, and track software defects
• Report bugs to the development team and provide inputs to resolve these issues
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure quality throughout the software development lifecycle
• Participate in software design reviews and provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, and potential problems
• Ensure compliance with the general programming best practices, accepted web standards and those set out by the programmers
• Conduct post-release/post-implementation testing
• Participate in peer reviews of test cases and test scripts
• Perform regression testing after bug fixes to ensure problems have been adequately resolved
• Document test procedures to ensure repeatability and compliance with standards
• Collaborate with the software development team to troubleshoot and resolve defects and issues

 

Manual Test Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous and analytical Manual Test Engineer to join our team.

You will be responsible for meticulously examining our product’s functionality and ensuring it performs all required tasks without errors.

As a Manual Test Engineer, you will be expected to design and conduct tests, analyze the results, and report your findings to the development team.

Our ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has excellent problem-solving skills, and is able to provide valuable insights into product performance and quality.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans and test cases based on product requirements and design documents
• Identify and document detailed, comprehensive and well-structured test scenarios and steps
• Conduct manual tests, analyze the results, and report observations to the development team
• Provide feedback to developers on product quality and performance
• Participate in product design reviews and provide input on functional requirements, product design, schedules, or potential issues
• Liaise with internal teams (e.g. developers and product managers) to identify system requirements
• Monitor debugging process results
• Track quality assurance metrics, like defect densities and open defect counts
• Stay up-to-date with new testing tools and test strategies

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Manual Test Engineer, Software Quality Assurance Engineer or similar role
• Strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools and processes
• Experience in writing clear, concise and comprehensive test plans and test cases
• Hands-on experience with both white box and black box testing
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development process
• Experience with performance and/or security testing is a plus
• BS/MS degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related subject

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Manual Test Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Quality Assurance Manager or Test Lead.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Manual Test Engineer Do?

A Manual Test Engineer is a key player in the software development industry, responsible for ensuring that software applications are defect-free, reliable, and user-friendly.

They typically work in a team, alongside developers, UI/UX designers, and other IT professionals, with a primary focus on validating software functionality against the requirements specified by the client or stakeholder.

A significant part of their job is to design and create test cases and scripts that simulate real-world scenarios to examine the application’s functionality and usability.

They execute these tests manually, checking each feature thoroughly for any possible bugs or issues.

When bugs are found, the Manual Test Engineer documents the issues clearly and communicates the details to the software development team for rectification.

They also re-test the software once the bugs are fixed to ensure that the issues have been properly resolved and the software works as expected.

Moreover, they may also be tasked with reviewing software requirements, providing feedback on software designs, and reporting on the software’s testing status and quality.

Their ultimate aim is to ensure that the final product delivered to the client or end-user is of the highest quality and meets all specified requirements.

 

Manual Test Engineer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Manual Test Engineer should possess the skills and qualifications that meet the specific needs of the role, including:

• Analytical and critical thinking skills to identify, analyze, and document defects and inconsistencies in software programs.
• Technical knowledge and understanding of the software development lifecycle and methodologies, as well as a grasp of various testing tools and software.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively report bugs and other issues to software developers and other team members.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in writing clear, concise, and comprehensive test plans and test cases.
• Detail-oriented approach to ensure the reliability and consistency of the software being tested.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with different teams such as development, business analysis, and customer support.
• Problem-solving skills to identify, investigate, and propose solutions to technical issues.
• Understanding of coding and ability to write SQL queries to test database integrity.

 

Manual Test Engineer Experience Requirements

Manual Test Engineers should ideally have a few years of experience in the field of software testing.

For entry-level roles, candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually obtained through internships, part-time roles, or even educational projects.

They may have served in roles such as QA intern, Junior QA Analyst, or Software Developer.

Candidates seeking roles with more responsibility or complexity should ideally have 3 to 5 years of manual testing experience.

They should have a proven track record in roles such as QA Analyst, Senior QA Analyst, or Junior Test Engineer.

These professionals would have gained a deeper understanding and proficiency in developing test cases, executing and documenting manual tests, and detecting software bugs.

For higher-level roles, candidates are expected to have more than 5 years of experience and may have served in leadership capacities in their previous roles.

They should possess comprehensive understanding of the software development life cycle, experience in devising complex test strategies, and have the ability to guide junior team members.

Prior experience in roles such as Test Engineer, Senior Test Engineer, or QA Lead would be beneficial.

In all roles, ongoing learning and upskilling is crucial due to the dynamic nature of the software testing field.

Thus, experience with continuous learning, including certification courses, can be advantageous.

 

Manual Test Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Manual Test Engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or a related field.

Understanding of software development life cycles and methodologies is essential to this role.

Hence, they need a strong foundation in software testing principles and practices.

Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, or C# is beneficial for writing and executing test cases.

Experience with database management systems like SQL is also advantageous.

Some companies may prefer candidates with a master’s degree, especially those focusing on quality assurance or software development.

This advanced degree signifies a deeper understanding of the subject, which can be crucial in complex or specialized testing environments.

Certifications such as Certified Software Tester (CST), Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA), or ISTQB Certified Tester can enhance a candidate’s profile.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and adherence to industry-standard testing methodologies.

Hands-on experience, through internships or entry-level positions, is often highly valued as it equips individuals with practical knowledge of software testing tools and processes.

Continual learning is a critical aspect of a Manual Test Engineer’s career due to the rapidly evolving nature of software development and testing tools.

Therefore, a willingness to learn and adapt is a necessary trait for success in this role.

 

Manual Test Engineer Salary Expectations

A Manual Test Engineer earns an average salary of $59,613 (USD) per year.

The actual income can differ based on factors such as years of experience in the field, specific skills, the geographical location, and the hiring company.

 

Manual Test Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Manual Test Engineer need?

Manual Test Engineers should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess and debug software programs.

They should possess excellent attention to detail to spot issues and inconsistencies.

Communication skills are also crucial as they often need to collaborate with software developers and other team members.

They should also have a strong understanding of software testing methodologies and processes.

 

Do Manual Test Engineers need a degree?

Typically, Manual Test Engineers require a degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field.

However, relevant experience or certifications in software testing can also be valuable.

 

What should you look for in a Manual Test Engineer’s resume?

A Manual Test Engineer’s resume should highlight their experience in manual testing, understanding of testing methodologies, and proficiency in different testing tools.

Look for examples of where they identified, documented, and reported bugs or issues.

Certifications in software testing such as ISTQB can also add value to their profile.

 

What qualities make a good Manual Test Engineer?

A good Manual Test Engineer should have a keen eye for detail, patience, and a methodical approach to their work.

They should have the ability to think critically and analytically to identify potential issues and solve problems.

Excellent communication skills are also necessary to effectively share their findings with the development team and other stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire Manual Test Engineers?

The difficulty in hiring a Manual Test Engineer can vary depending on the specific needs of your business and the current market conditions.

As the role requires a specific set of skills, finding the right fit may be challenging.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment can attract top talents.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the intricacies of what it truly means to be a Manual Test Engineer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about identifying software bugs.

It’s about ensuring high-quality software, one test case at a time.

With our detailed Manual Test Engineer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But don’t put on the brakes just yet.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for creating well-structured job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every test case is a piece of the bigger quality assurance puzzle.

Let’s assure that quality. Together.

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