QA role in software development is immeasurable. Quality Assurance is the procedure of assessing a software system by doing the appropriate testing procedures to attain the proper level of quality. Software Quality Assurance Engineers apply proper rigorous testing and help the software development team recognize the problem to guarantee high-quality products and solutions to the end user. In this article, we answer the question, what is the role of a software quality assurance engineer, software quality engineer skills, and the difference between quality assurance analysts and testers?
Indeed, a software quality assurance engineer tests each phase of the development process, including planning, design, development, debugging, and delivery. They ensure the end product meets the customers’ requirements. QA engineers verify that software has no bugs by analyzing information and providing documentation.
What Is the Role of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer?
In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, the role of Quality Assurance (QA) Software Engineers has become crucial. As software applications are becoming complex across various industries, reliable, secure, and high-quality software is paramount.
The QA Software Engineers play a vital role in ensuring that software meets the desired quality, functionality, and performance standards. Here, we explore the roles and challenges QA Software Engineers face in today’s dynamic software development environment.
1. Create Tests to Identify Software Problems
The QA role in software development is indescribable. It is because before sending it to the marketplace place software testing is a must to identify errors, bugs, and other defects. To create a successful test plan, QA Engineers need a profound understanding of the software’s architecture and intended use. Creating test plans is a critical accountability of a QA engineer. The test plan must be designed to confirm that the software meets two criteria.
- The acceptance standard.
- The client’s requirements.
This includes functional & non-functional testing, such as performance, security, and usability testing. By creating detailed test plans, they can identify potential issues and risks early in development. This allows for faster & more efficient issue resolution. Collaboration with developers & product owners is essential during the creation process to ensure that the test plan aligns with:
- Business objectives
- Software design
- Acceptance criteria
This collaboration can help identify potential issues & risks early in the development process for faster resolution. To create detailed test plans, they use either Azure Test Plan or TestRail, wherever Azure Test Plan is integrated with the Azure DevOps platform, where TestRail provides independent test management functionalities.
2. Documents and Evaluates Test Results
A test automation engineer must first familiarize themselves with the testing procedures and requirements before they can create the automation scripts that rationalize the testing process. They will need to become familiar with the software approval process.
The QA automation engineer should analyze the current testing procedures to see which ones can be automated and which ones must remain manual. They should also know what the requirements for each testing procedure are so that they can adhere to all applicable standards.
3. Executing Tests
QA engineers execute the test cases created during the test design phase under the test execution schedule. Their activities include:
- Recording the IDs and versions of test items, objects, tools, and test ware.
- Analyzing actual results compared to expectations.
- Establishing the probable causes of anomalies.
- Performing repeated test activities, etc.
- Performing tests manually or using test execution tools.
- Reporting defects based on the failures.
QA engineers use the above procedures to validate software functionality and identify anomalies before they become problems to address them immediately.
4. Automatic Testing
Along with manual testing, a Quality assurance engineer has a critical role in creating & managing automated tests. Automated tests have several benefits, such as:
- Increasing test coverage
- Accelerating the testing process
- Allows QA Engineers to focus on more complex testing
- Minimizing human error
This ultimately reveals more bugs that are challenging to find only with manual testing. To simplify automation testing across several platforms & application types, QA Engineers can rely on the following tools:
Automation helps QA engineers to continuously run tests, confirming the software is always stable and functional while reducing testing time and effort.
5. Industry Knowledge
A quality and control engineer (QC engineer) must have a detailed understanding of how QA functions in the software business. Knowing the latest tools and trends might help them improve the company’s processes. Quality assurance engineers also ensure the software is up to industry standards.
This also includes testing it for business & government standards. These standards could vary based on the project and your place of work. QA engineers play a significant role in assuring the product’s financial success. A good quality product will succeed in the market.
6. Identifies Bugs
A quality assurance engineer aims to ensure the final product works efficiently. Therefore, he/she needs to identify bugs and errors in the software. They should test the program throughout the development process &inform the team of any issues.
QA engineers also create software test plans & sometimes conduct automated tests. The tests are conducted from the viewpoint of the business & the future user. They will use data management systems to document test results. In that case, we can call them data quality assurance engineers.
7. Identifying and Reporting Issues
Identify, document, and prioritize software defects and issues. Collaborate with development teams to communicate bug reports, providing detailed info on the circumstances of defect occurrences and potential solutions.
8. Management of the QA Team
A QA Engineer Works with developers, testers, and other stakeholders to troubleshoot testing failures and bugs. They communicate with project managers and stakeholders about QA systems, activities, and progress. The presence of QA engineers in a project helps divide the right jobs to the right people. In theory, anybody can click through the software applications and test the provided functionalities.
9. Research and Compare Similar Competitor Products
Study on competitors’ products and solutions is significant for success in any business. The software system is no different. QA engineers must have good knowledge of competitor’s products. It will help them to troubleshoot the software system and provide a better output.
10. Reviewing Test Documentation
There are many tests involved in the QA procedure. QA engineers must review all the documents provided by software developers. After each review, he can find errors and bugs and solve the issue. Reviewing and rereading the test documentation is a vital need for QA engineers.
11. Training and Mentoring
QA Engineers should manage training and continuous learning of QA staff using short courses, conferences, meetups, certifications, etc. He will be a mentor to other staff of the QA team. He also arranges training for the software developers team for the betterment of the following product.
12. Performance Testing
Software performance is an important part. QA Engineers conduct system performance testing to ensure system reliability, capacity, and scalability. It is noted that a certified software quality analyst (CSQA) can perfectly do that. Because CSQA indicates the professional SQA engineer.
13. Collaboration
Collaborate with field staff or clients to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend solutions. Quality assurance engineers must prevent defects before they happen, which involves teamwork. They should coordinate with the rest of the team to set goals & ensure the development process runs smoothly.
Team coordination includes meeting deadlines, doing extensive tests, monitoring progress, & writing reports. The development process should be documented so the team knows what’s happening.
14. Continuous Improvement
QA Engineers continuously improve testing procedures and methodologies to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality. He always Identifies areas of improvement, proposes process enhancements, and implements industry best practices.
Why Is QA Important in Software Development?
As an entrepreneur, you want to create software with real value for your clients. But you cannot create a perfect solution if your software is full of bugs leading to errors & system breakdown. Therefore, QA is a compulsory part of your development procedure. However, you must consider its importance. Here are some reasons to consider the importance of QA engineers in software development.
1. Improves Software Security
Quality Assurance Engineers always test software security. Testing for common vulnerabilities and attaching vectors can prevent significant security issues. The software development team has prepared to remove threats and data breaches.
2. Reduce Cost & Time
With QA procedures, you can find and fix bugs before it is too late. So, after execution, errors are minimal & comparatively minor. Fixing these errors needs less time & money.
3. Maintain Product Quality
When your product goes through strict quality assurance, you get a sense of security & peace of mind. Software is never perfect, & bugs will always pop up, but great QA Engineers can save you from substantial headaches.
Why should a software QA engineer know code?
If a QA Engineer does not know ceding, his/her career might be limited to manual testing & using codeless tools for test automation. Knowledge of programming languages allows engineers to take on SDET (software developer engineer in test) or similar test automation development roles.
Advantages of coding knowledge as a software QA engineer include:
1. Better Teamwork with Developers
Coding knowledge will help QA Engineers recognize when developers are not being honest with them, & help them cut over technical jargon. Without coding knowledge, QA Testers will not be able to understand the software; they will need to depend on manual testing.
2. Ability to Contribute to Code Building & Reviews
These situations may be a great place to showcase coding skills & contribute to the team. Software developer builds the software. For reviewing his/her work, coding knowledge is mandatory for assessing the total system.
3. Troubleshooting The Cause of Defects
Code knowledge helps create valuable details. The more information a QA Engineer can give developers, the easier it is to fix defects. QA engineers should have coding knowledge to find out the defects more precisely.
4. Digging Deep
QA Engineers can find defects more profound in the software with a solid understanding of code logic. With coding knowledge, QA testers can move deeper into the system. Coding knowledge is a must for QA engineers to maintain quality.
Software testing over several years might become boring to some people. Learning how to code delivers an added career path.
Software Quality Assurance Engineer Skills
QA engineers need many additional skills to carry out their roles successfully, provide exceptional software applications, & facilitate the roles of the developers within their organization. Here are some essential hard and soft skills you must look for in a QA engineer.
1. Hard Skills for QA Engineers
Some of the essential hard skills a Quality Assurance engineer needs to execute well include understanding the systems, maintaining the bug database, being familiar with tools for test management & tracking bugs, and understanding specific programming languages.
2. Understanding The Systems’ Specifications
QA engineers should understand the system specification because specifications represent several systems involved in the application. QA tester should consider the reality of each case very clearly.
3. Maintaining The Bug Database
QA engineers must be able to maintain a bug database as it represents the state of the application system. They must also know that the product has bugs and how it will impact customers. Making sure bugs are manageable these are the quality assurance engineer’s responsibility.
4. Proficient in Test Automation
With increasing complexities in software and integrations in the software application, manual testing alone cannot take you to the right path. QA engineers should learn automation skills since automation conveys higher accuracy because of the business logic & technicalities it can serve. Several test automation tools support the testing type and have the features to complete the tasks rapidly and efficiently.
5. Testing Tools & Techniques
Every tester should know the latest testing techniques and the usage of tools. The other kinds of testing, like black-box testing, security testing, penetration testing, system testing, unit testing, etc., help testers work on any project irrespective of the domain & application type. The other testing tools available in the market, like management tools, bug tracking tools, automation tools, GUI testing tools, etc., will help QA Engineers to serve different requirements and complexities of the project.
6. Understanding Certain Programming Languages
QA Engineers should understand programming languages based on the project requirement. For Front-end Development, QA Engineers should understand the basics of CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and Node JS.
Learning about Python, C, C++, Java, and others will also help for back-end development purposes. However, there are two causes why QA Engineers should know numerous Programming languages.
- They will check programs manually or with the help of Automation Testing. Knowing programming languages will be an essential help here.
- QA Engineers deal with Developers and Software Development Engineers in every feature of Software Quality Assurance Testing.
7. Acquainted with Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Models
The SDLC models are frameworks that guide how a software product should be developed over its entire lifecycle. There are several SDLC models, such as Agile, Waterfall, DevOps, etc., and each model has its distinct advantages & disadvantages and fits into diverse projects & requirements.
Thus, a quality assurance engineer should be familiar with multiple models to work with any of them. They blend into the development process more efficiently, adapt, and contribute accordingly. QA engineers always focus on quality assurance in the software development life cycle by identifying software bugs, coding errors, functional errors, etc.
8. Emerging Technologies and System Specifications
When QA engineers try to detect errors in a program through Automation Testing, they use the company’s hardware and computers. They know Software Quality Assurance Testing, but if they are unaware of the working and changes in the system, they cannot help much.
Moreover, if QA Engineers have no idea about Emerging Technologies, they will go back to traditional methods that take longer. Also, understanding what is happening in the computer world, even if not related to Quality Assurance Testers, is significant.
9. Soft skills for QA engineers
Skill is an essential thing for all the professions. If you want to go high, you must require skill and there is no comparison with that. Several essential soft skills required for a QA engineer to succeed include empathy, good communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
10. Idea of Empathy
A wide range of sectors needs the idea of empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand others & put oneself in their place. Empathy in Quality Assurance and software testing is the desire to understand clients’ goals and share their beliefs. Once you can determine a client’s top priority, you can ask the right questions & present your opinions in a way that can benefit an end product.
11. Communication skills
QA engineers must communicate with clients, other QA engineers, and developers. So, effective communication is vital. Expressing ideas and concepts is significant in this sense. Communicating well also involves active listening, so make sure that QA testers or engineers can be active listeners when communicating with team members & clients.
12. Attention to detail
QA engineers must be able to spot minor details and imperfections in the code and the systems and the details that contribute to a top application. The QA engineer must check and double-check the system’s defect areas and anticipate any errors in the pipeline.
13. Analytical Skills.
In their regular work, QA engineers analyze software products’ features and behaviors to find out systemic errors. The foundation of such actions is the capacity to collect & process information. Critical reasoning, Logical thinking, investigation, creativity, data analysis, & problem-solving are all elements of an analytical skill set.
14. Problem-solving skills
A Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA engineer) should have analytical skills & think out of the box regarding problem-solving. The ability to deliver original & innovative solutions is always a valued asset for any tester, as this will help them immensely in software QA engineer jobs. With critical thinking & problem-solving skills, they can quickly figure out the root cause of any issue, evaluate all available options, and recommend the best possible solution.
15. Strong Time Management Skills
This is another essential skill that every software engineer needs to have as they need to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines. Therefore, they should be able to use their time effectively to complete all assigned tasks within the set timeframe.
16. Interpersonal Skills
QA engineers must have strong interpersonal skills as they must interact with various development team members daily. They can build good working relationships with other team members & maintain a positive attitude under pressure. In addition, working well in a team environment and contributing towards the project’s success should be in their area.
17. Focus on Quality
A QA Engineer may be under pressure to check complex features quickly when the deadlines are short. Even in these situations, a person should know the quality consequences & express their ideas to a client. A software quality engineer’s job is to inspect a product thoroughly. The time required to complete the work must be accurately estimated, & the client must be informed. Remember that quality assurance is the objective of QA engineers and should always take precedence.
18. Better Teamwork
Software testing method is a collaborative effort. Even if a client only needs one specialist to work on a project, they are still expected to collaborate closely with stakeholders & developers. Too much reliance on one’s abilities can impact the outcome. Efficient teamwork is even more crucial when multiple QA specialists work on a project.
Software Quality Assurance Engineer Salary
The software quality assurance jobs are available in number. An entry-level software quality assurance tester salary never be higher. Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer with less than 1 year experience could expect to earn an average compensation of $58,984. An early career software quality assurance salary with 1-4 years of experience earns an average of $70,913.
A mid-career Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total salary of $85,668. An experienced Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total pay of $93,830. In their later career (20 years & higher), employees make an average total compensation of $107,422.
On the other hand, the associate software quality assurance engineer salary depends on the experience. According to the current situation, an associate software quality assurance engineer (experience 0 – 1 year) makes $59K – $91K/year in the United States. But Those are certified software quality engineer they earn more than that. It is noted that a senior software QA engineer makes $148K to $214K/year in the United States
Is QA a Good Career?
Is QA engineer a good career? Yes, there is no doubt about it. Reviews & data show that Quality Assurance (QA) can be a good career path for people who enjoy problem-solving, attention to detail, & a passion for ensuring quality products and services. QA professionals must ensure that software, products, and services meet the required standards and specifications.
The need for QA professionals is also growing with the increasing demand for software & technology products. Additionally, QA professionals can advance their careers by specializing in areas such as automation testing, performance testing, and security testing.
Software Developer Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
In a software organization, the role of a quality analyst is dynamic, from initiation to the completion phase. The quality assurance engineer job description involves completing manual testing and then moving toward the automation part. They need to confirm that all the testing functionalities are working correctly.
A quality analyst supports planning, designing, & executing a project, i.e. it involves simple to complex responsibilities. They work with the development team in the organization and validate the test cases considering system requirements. A quality analyst is accountable for implementing quality assurance principles and practices throughout the SDLC.
In the software development world, the quality of the product is what counts. The design and concept cannot identify errors that could have been easily avoided. Hiring a Quality Analyst is an effective way to ensure that the procedures work as planned.
A quality analyst is accountable from planning to the implementation phase and confirms that the product is delivered adhering to deadlines. An organization must satisfy its customers by providing high-quality products that meet all their requirements.
Quality assurance (QA) testers significantly deliver high-quality, perfectly functioning software and web applications to clients. They test and assess new & existing programs to identify and help remove bugs, glitches, and other user experience issues.
As a QA tester, you will be accountable for reviewing and implementing systematic test plans. You will collaborate with software developers & project supports to determine project scope & requirements. Success in this role will be demonstrated by delivering quality work output, screening for faults, and refining usability through the software development and implementation procedure.
What Is the Quality Assurance Plan Template for Software Development?
Quality Management Plan Template is a well-structured & well-defined set of documents and reports or info to manage the quality of the product. It is to guarantee that the project deliverables are of sufficient quality, and it makes sure to check out each process from the planning phase to the deployment phase.
The purpose of the Quality Management Plan is to define how the quality of the project will be managed throughout the entire lifecycle. Quality management planning determines quality policies and procedures related to the project for both project deliverables & project processes. This helps to describe who is accountable for what type of task and document compliance. The primary purpose is to implement quality improvement to satisfy our clients.
Who Is the Manual Quality Assurance Engineer?
A QA manual Engineer looks for problems & bugs in new software before and after it is released. Their role is to identify issues & help developers find solutions.
The two main sorts of QA manual testing are white box & black box. Typically, they are part of the development team in the white box and know what the code should do. In the black box, they are outside experiencing the software as a new user would.
Either way, they could run many different sorts of test cases as a QA manual tester. Sometimes, they will guarantee the software integrates efficiently with others or is compatible with many devices. Or to determine what kind of experience the user will have with the software. It means they must be detail-oriented, pay attention to minor changes, and report findings.
QA Manual Testing Vs. QA Automated Testing
A human has a responsibility in setting up the testing. But scripting takes over during the automated testing step. The testing tools would perform the test without human help. This can make automated testing more effective. It is also valuable when you have to run several test cases.
QA manual testing is done from start to end by a human QA manual tester. It is a hands-on method, with each test run individually. The QA testing engineer is directly involved in the testing, & you will use this method to catch bugs & address complex feature issues before the software goes live.
Tools That QA Testers Use
QA Engineers use various tools to confirm that software is reliable, fast, and high-quality. These tools are divided into three major groups
- Test management tools offer centralized management of test cases, requirements, and defects, enhancing collaboration among team members. Examples include Testmo, Bugzilla, testrail, Jira, and Redmine.
- Performance testing tools assess a software application’s responsiveness, scalability, and speed. Examples include LoadRunner, JMeter, and Apache Benchmark.
- Functional testing tools check individual functions, features, and components for compliance to ensure a mobile app functions as intended, such as JMeter.
It consists of a wide range of other tools:
- API tools: focus on validating the functionality & performance of application programming interfaces (APIs), such as SoapUI, Postman, and Charles.
- Mobile tools: guarantee reliability, compatibility, & overall quality of a mobile app across different devices & operating systems, such as Xcode and Android Studio.
- Multi-browser tools: BrowserStack and Sauce Labs.
- Multi-device tools: Perfecto and Kobiton.
- Databases tools: MongoDB and SQL server.
- Automated tools: Selenium and JUnit.
The tools help QA engineers significantly improve their ability to ensure software quality, performance, security, etc. Choosing between them depends on many factors, including a project’s requirements, QA team skills, budget constraints, etc.
Final Thought
QA Software Engineers are the gatekeepers of software quality in the modern software development ecosystem. The role of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer involves various responsibilities, from planning & execution to automation and security. Software continues to play an increasingly central role in our lives.
The importance of QA Software Engineers in ensuring software’s reliability, security & performance cannot be overstated. Embracing the ever-evolving challenges & continually enhancing software QA skills. The QA Software Engineers are essential contributors to the success of software development projects in the 21st century.