Executes testing procedures to ensure that software meets established quality standards.
Prepares data sets to test logic, error handling and system workflows. Isolates, reproduces, and tracks defects. Verifies fixes. Documents testing according to required procedures. Familiar with software development cycle and quality assurance methodologies. May assist with the creation of new testing scripts and plans.
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Software Quality Assurance Engineer I skill and competencie below to view definitions.
Skill definition-Applying computer science and engineering principles, methods, and practices to design, develop, deploy, and maintain reliable software systems.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of testing techniques used to ensure the efficiency and reliability of software products.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in performing software testing to identify code errors, bugs, and inconsistencies.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Implements new and updated software engineering processes that adhere to regulatory standards.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Develops software verification plans to ensure intuitive and robust product features.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Conceptualizes new software testing methods to deliver high-quality products that meet organizational objectives.
Skill definition-Creating and deploying application software and providing necessary maintenance and upgrades to ensure competitiveness.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites the differences between commonly used application development methodologies.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in the troubleshooting of basic application software issues.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Administers validation and verification testing to inspect new applications' functionality before deployment.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Decides which application development methodology best suits the project's goals.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Advocates the adoption of the latest tools, programming techniques, and equipment to improve application development.
Skill definition-Using various testing tools and techniques to automate the process of validating the software functionality before releasing it to production.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites different automated tests, such as unit, functional, and integration tests.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in implementing and monitoring continuous automated testing integration.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Conducts automated accessibility testing using a combination of tools and methods.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates applied approaches and strategies for automated testing to identify areas for improvement.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the adoption of advanced tools to validate the software functionality automatically.
Skill definition-Designing and developing tests to determine if a part of a software system functions according to its pre-determined requirements or specifications.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of the advantages and disadvantages of functional testing.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in the planning and execution of all functional testing activities.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Executes functional test cases for systems and applications to meet software requirements.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Delivers training sessions on functional and integration testing to ensure appropriate test coverage.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the planning and execution of test scripts in implementing seamless functional testing.
Skill definition-Gathering, organizing, and analyzing information to identify the root cause of organizational problems and develop alternative solutions accordingly.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Clarifies the differences between analytical thinking and critical thinking.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Analyzes the importance of the problem and determines the key points to solve it.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Applies various theories, concepts, or analytical tools to analyze complex problems.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Anticipates and develops comprehensive solutions to reduce potential obstacles, challenges, and risks.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions advanced methodologies and approaches, such as design thinking, for creative problem-solving.
Skill definition-The ability and process of implementing new ideas and initiatives to improve organizational performance.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes the market conditions that impact the business.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Collects and compiles competitor information for competitive analysis.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates financial insights that positively influence the business plan development process.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates and explains the financial aspects of a business initiative to different teams.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions organizational change and digital transformation to drive higher business performance.
There are 8 hard skills for Software Quality Assurance Engineer I, Software Engineering, Application Development, Software Quality Assurance, etc.
7 general skills for Software Quality Assurance Engineer I, Automated Testing, Functional Testing, Software Development Life Cycle, etc.
8 soft skills for Software Quality Assurance Engineer I, Analytical Thinking, Innovation, Attention to Detail, etc.
While the list totals 23 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer I, he or she needs to be proficient in Analytical Thinking, be proficient in Innovation, and be proficient in Attention to Detail.
