How to Become a Test Engineer
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Test Engineer
What does a Test Engineer do?
A Test Engineer interacts with other engineering groups to define, document, analyze, perform, and interpret tests for products, systems, components, or modifications. Participates in final system integration and validation to identify functional problems. Being a Test Engineer defines internal quality control standards and the maintenance of reliability programs. Creates, documents, and analyzes the most complex test cases and provides feedback and recommendations for product or design changes. Additionally, Test Engineer ensures testing procedures are in compliance with any required industry specific standards. Identifies chronic or systemic problems in testing and develops and implements improvements to process. May coordinate with vendors or suppliers to modify or develop testing for components or other parts. Requires a bachelor's degree of Engineering. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Test Engineer works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in solution or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. To be a Test Engineer typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
The first step for becoming a test engineer is to determine if the work will suit your skills, traits, ambitions, and desired lifestyle (such as work-life balance, schedule, etc.).
To work in this field, you must be comfortable working closely with other professionals, such as design engineers and managers, and sharing your opinions with them.
It's also critical to have the intellectual and emotional capacity needed to complete the rigorous educational requirements of becoming a test engineer.
For example, if you want to become a software testing engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering.
Some employers, depending on factors such as the specific technology field they operate within, may require that you have a master’s degree in your chosen field in order to work as a test engineer.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Test Engineer
Best tips for those who want to become a Test Engineer
Here are some tips to become a Test Engineer.
Always have a good relationship with the engineers.
Don’t just ask for the sake of asking.
Think like an end user, or your grandmother.
Sell your work to the Development team.
Never tell an Engineer (or anyone, for that matter), “your baby is ugly”.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Test Engineer
Best colleges and universities for Test Engineer
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Test Engineer
Is being a Test Engineer Worth it?
The first step for becoming a test engineer is to determine if the work will suit your skills, traits, ambitions, and desired lifestyle (such as work-life balance, schedule, etc.).
To work in this field, you must be comfortable working closely with other professionals, such as design engineers and managers, and sharing your opinions with them.
It's also critical to have the intellectual and emotional capacity needed to complete the rigorous educational requirements of becoming a test engineer.
For example, if you want to become a software testing engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering.
Some employers, depending on factors such as the specific technology field they operate within, may require that you have a master’s degree in your chosen field in order to work as a test engineer.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Test Engineer
What skills do you need to be a Test Engineer?
In order to succeed at this level, when working with both management positions and positions more junior, a variety of skills are required. A strong grasp of the following skills is needed to perform this role: Conformance Testing, Product Testing, Test Engineering, Quality Standard Development, Bug/Defect Identification, Industry Standards, Test Documentation. You would need to be proficient in the following: Bug Tracking Software, Software Testing Tools. Although there may be many skills for success in this role, some companies may be willing to provide on the job training if you excel in other areas.
It is important that a test engineer has domain knowledge of the software they are working on.
Which technical skills are a must for software testers.
Test engineers are analytical thinkers who rigorously examine products, using creativity and technical skill to fix bugs and devise testing systems.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering, test engineers have the following skills.
Engineering knowledge – to determine quality and interpret malfunctions, test engineers must have a working knowledge of the products that they’re examining.
Step 6: View average salary for Test Engineer
How much does a Test Engineer make?
The average salary range for a Test Engineer is from $139,191 to $163,223. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Test Engineer jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Test Engineer jobs, and apply.
Looking for Test Engineer jobs?
Here are some Test Engineer jobs in the United States.