Quality Assurance Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of technology, the need for quality assurance engineers is ever increasing.

As technology evolves, so does the demand for proficient professionals who can scrutinize, enhance, and secure our digital infrastructure.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a quality assurance engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager attempting to picture the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricate details of quality assurance engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable quality assurance engineer job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Quality Assurance Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Quality Assurance Engineers oversee the manufacturing process to ensure that products meet required safety and quality standards.

They use a range of methodologies to test products and identify areas for improvement within the manufacturing process.

The following are their main duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and execute test plans to ensure that all objectives are met
• Implement and monitor test scripts to assess functionality, reliability, performance, and quality of the service or product
• Identify and remedy defects within the production process
• Recommend, implement, and monitor preventative and corrective actions to ensure that quality assurance standards are achieved
• Compile and analyze statistical quality data
• Review supplier purchase orders and establish supplier quality requirements
• Investigate customer complaints and non-conformance issues
• Collect and compile statistical quality data for analysis
• Analyze data to identify areas for improvement in the quality system
• Prepare reports to communicate outcomes of quality activities
• Coordinate and support on-site audits conducted by external providers
• Evaluate audit findings and implement appropriate corrective actions

 

Quality Assurance Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Assurance Engineer to develop and conduct automated, manual, and usability tests for our products.

This role involves analyzing the product features, designing test parameters, creating customized quality checks, troubleshooting and repairing defects, and certifying product quality.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable about the software development life cycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and the principles of software design.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that our products, applications, and systems work correctly.

 

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze system specifications
• Collaborate with software developers to develop effective strategies and test plans
• Execute test cases (manual or automated) and analyze results
• Evaluate product code according to specifications
• Create logs to document testing phases and defects
• Report bugs and errors to development teams
• Help troubleshoot issues
• Conduct post-release/ post-implementation testing
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure quality throughout the software development lifecycle

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Quality Assurance Tester or similar role
• Experience in project management and QA methodology
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks and regression testing is a plus
• Ability to document and troubleshoot errors
• Working knowledge of test management software (e.g. qTest, Zephyr) and SQL
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Analytical mind and problem-solving aptitude
• Strong organizational skills
• BSc/BA in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Quality Assurance 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 Lead Quality Assurance Engineer or Quality Assurance Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $140,000 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 Quality Assurance Engineer Do?

Quality Assurance Engineers, often referred to as QA Engineers, typically work for various types of companies in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, among others.

The primary role of a QA Engineer is to ensure that all products and systems developed or manufactured by the company meet the desired quality standards before they are delivered to the end user.

They develop and implement quality control processes, standards, and procedures to maintain the quality of the products or software applications.

They also design and execute testing plans for products to identify any defects or malfunctions.

QA Engineers work closely with other team members such as developers and product managers to understand the client’s requirements and ensure they are being met.

They are often involved in every phase of the development process, from initial concept to final product release.

In addition to identifying defects, they are also responsible for troubleshooting and recommending necessary changes to improve the overall quality.

They also prepare reports on their findings and work collaboratively with the team to correct any identified issues.

Quality Assurance Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining the brand’s reputation by guaranteeing that the products or services provided by the company are reliable and of high quality.

 

Quality Assurance Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Quality Assurance Engineers use a blend of technical skills, industry knowledge and interpersonal skills to ensure that products and services meet established standards and specifications.

These may include:

• Technical knowledge and understanding of the product or service in order to identify and rectify potential issues.
• Analytical skills to observe and analyze workflows, identify deviations from quality standards, and suggest improvements.
• Detail-oriented approach to meticulously examine and assess the quality of products, systems or processes.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify, diagnose, and efficiently fix product issues or defects.
• Strong communication skills to articulate issues and solutions to the development team and stakeholders, as well as document the testing process and results.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with a team of developers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of quality assurance methodology and regulations to ensure compliance with the industry’s best practices.
• Experience with software testing tools and processes, including automated testing systems, for effective and efficient testing.

 

Quality Assurance Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Quality Assurance Engineers are generally expected to have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained from an internship, co-op, or part-time role in quality assurance or a related field, such as software development or software testing.

These professionals may also gain valuable experience and knowledge in entry-level roles such as Quality Control Technician, Test Engineer, or Junior QA Engineer, where they learn to maintain quality standards and identify defects or issues.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are usually expected to have developed their technical skills and knowledge in quality assurance roles.

They should have a deep understanding of quality assurance methodologies and tools, as well as the ability to design and execute test plans and test cases.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are generally considered to be senior QA Engineers.

They may have leadership experience in their background and could be ready for a managerial or team lead role.

They would be expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire software development process and a deep knowledge of quality assurance protocols.

They may also be required to have experience with automated testing tools and the ability to guide and mentor junior team members.

 

Quality Assurance Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Quality Assurance Engineers generally have a bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, engineering or a related field.

They require a thorough understanding of quality assurance testing tools and best practices, which could be acquired through coursework or practical experience during internships or entry-level positions.

In addition to a solid academic background, they should have a strong understanding of various programming languages, depending upon the industry they are in.

Familiarity with languages such as Java, Python, C++, and SQL is often beneficial.

Some positions, particularly those in specialized or advanced fields, may require Quality Assurance Engineers to have a master’s degree in a specific engineering or IT discipline.

Certifications are not usually mandatory, but they can be beneficial.

Certifications like Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA), Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST), or ISTQB Certified Tester can increase job prospects and showcase a commitment to the field.

Continuing education is also essential in this role, given the ever-evolving nature of technology and software development methodologies.

Therefore, a successful Quality Assurance Engineer should have a dedication to learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends and advancements.

 

Quality Assurance Engineer Salary Expectations

A Quality Assurance Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $76,526 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, specific industry, level of education, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Quality Assurance Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Quality Assurance Engineer need?

Quality Assurance Engineers should have strong analytical skills to identify and thoroughly investigate product issues.

They should be detail-oriented, ensuring every aspect of a product is tested for quality.

They need excellent problem-solving skills to determine the root cause of a problem and devise efficient solutions.

Good communication skills are also essential for coordinating with development teams and effectively reporting identified issues.

 

Do Quality Assurance Engineers need a degree?

While it’s not always required, most Quality Assurance Engineers have a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering or a related field.

Practical experience in quality assurance, testing methodologies, and programming languages may also be required.

 

What should you look for in a Quality Assurance Engineer resume?

A Quality Assurance Engineer’s resume should showcase their experience in quality assurance and testing.

It should highlight their expertise in programming languages relevant to your company’s products.

Look for certification in quality assurance, experience with automation tools, and familiarity with various testing methodologies.

Good problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented mindset should also be evident from their past roles.

 

What qualities make a good Quality Assurance Engineer?

A good Quality Assurance Engineer is consistently thorough, ensuring that every product is fully tested before it goes to market.

They are excellent problem solvers, able to identify the root cause of an issue and develop an effective solution.

They have strong communication skills, allowing them to liaise effectively with the development team and relay any issues found in a clear and concise manner.

 

What are the daily duties of a Quality Assurance Engineer?

A typical day for a Quality Assurance Engineer involves creating detailed, comprehensive, and well-structured test plans and test cases.

They also perform thorough quality assurance checks to identify any potential issues with a product.

They liaise with internal teams such as developers and product managers to identify system requirements, and they track quality assurance metrics such as defect densities and open defect counts.

They also stay up-to-date with new testing tools and test strategies.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the real essence of being a quality assurance engineer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about finding bugs.

It’s about ensuring the highest standard of quality, one test at a time.

With our ready-to-use quality assurance engineer job description template and practical examples, you’re equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise, top-notch listings or refining your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every test conducted contributes to the larger goal of quality.

Let’s ensure that quality. Together.

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