What Do SQA Engineers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

SQA Engineers develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes. They also design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.

Other tasks include:

• 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.
• Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
• Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
• Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
• Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.

We asked SQA Engineers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, SQA Engineers provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality. They develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.

A typical day for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer and Tester will also include:

• Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
• Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
• Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
• Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
• Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.

We asked some SQA Engineers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	70% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	61% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	91% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	4% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	9% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, SQA Engineers also plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates. They may also participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.

On a weekly to monthly basis, SQA Engineers Conduct historical analyses of test results. They might also Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.

In addition, they Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.

To some SQA Engineers, it is also their responsibility to Design or develop automated testing tools.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer and Tester, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm

http://www.acm.org/

http://www.computer.org/

http://www.ncwit.org/