what is a test engineer?

Test engineers design tests for products, materials, mechanical and electrical systems, procedures, and software applications. These tests are a central part of a company’s rigorous quality assurance program. Test engineers design tests for all types of products to identify trouble spots and fix them. As a test engineer, you design tests for different issues, such as checking quality and safety, increasing speed and durability, and reducing manufacturing costs.

Test engineers develop a process to test a product to meet and exceed customer expectations. As a test engineer, you work with different product types and prioritize customer needs.

Test engineers also work in specialized areas, such as testing printed circuit boards (PCBs) with automated X-ray inspection systems (AXIs) and accelerated product life tests.

Would working as a test engineer suit your interest? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a test engineer role.

what does a test engineer do?

A test engineer designs and runs tests on products and equipment to ensure quality, functionality, and efficiency. As a test engineer, you check mechanical and electrical systems and run tests on components to solve technical issues. A test engineer collaborates with production and testing teams, reports to a manager, and contributes to the development and execution of comprehensive test plans and strategies.

A test engineer designs and implements a testing process that includes:

-understanding product requirements

-outlining test plans that include scope, objectives, and resources

-writing test cases and reports

-analyzing and fixing malfunctions and technical issues

Test engineers often perform software testing and may be involved in testing hardware components, devices, or integrated systems to ensure their reliability and performance. You will conduct various types of tests, analyze test results, identify defects or malfunctions, and provide insights for improvements. Test engineers plan, design, and evaluate products while collaborating with management.

If you possess a passion for testing and enjoy the challenge of ensuring the quality and functionality of diverse products and systems, a career as a test engineer offers a fulfilling opportunity.

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average test engineer salary

The salary of a test engineer usually ranges from about $65,000 to $80,000 per year. Entry-level positions pay between $63,000 and $68,000 annually. The average salary is about $75,000 per year. Test engineers in states like California earn over $90,000 annually.

Test engineers' salaries depend on several factors, such as education, industry, and work experience. Professional certification and specialization also factor into salaries. If you advance to a senior test engineer position, you can earn an income above $100,000.

Geographical location plays a major role in test engineer salaries. For example, test engineers who work at technology and software companies in Silicon Valley, California earn higher salaries. Washington is also a state that pays higher salaries for test engineers.

Wondering what you can earn as a test engineer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a test engineer is.

Womale wearing a red overall writing on a paper in a production site/factory.
Womale wearing a red overall writing on a paper in a production site/factory.
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types of test engineers

Testing engineers work in many industries and perform various functions, such as quality assurance. These test engineers work on the production end by testing the quality of manufactured goods and software products. Test engineers look for ways to improve a product by designing tests of speed, durability, flexibility, ease of use, and other criteria.

Some of the types of test engineers include:

  • quality analyst
  • automation engineer
  • testing analyst
  • test automation developer
  • test architect
  • test manager
  • senior test engineer
  • director of tests
  • quality assurance specialist
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working as a test engineer

Test engineers design and implement tests that reveal a product’s limits, including mechanical products, electrical devices, and software applications. Working as a test engineer varies, but you can expect the role to include checking procedures and materials and running various kinds of tests to ensure customer satisfaction.

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test engineer skills and education

Test engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field of study. Typical fields of study include electrical and mechanical engineering, computer engineering and systems, and information technology. Some test engineers acquire advanced degrees in these fields.

Test engineers who earn certifications tend to land higher-paying jobs. A common certification program is the Engineer in Training Certification (EIT), which will help reflect your knowledge of and expertise in this field.

Gaining some experience with evaluating product performances and implementing automated and manual testing processes will provide foundational skills for this position. The testing engineer role usually requires knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and testing procedures.

Having experience with testing tools like Apache and TestStand are helpful skills for a test engineer. Acquiring knowledge of such software programs as Microsoft Viso and AutoCAD will also help with your job search.

skills and competencies

The skills and competencies you need for a successful career as a test engineer include a working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and technological systems, assembly methods, and quality assurance processes. Previous experience working in quality control or quality assurance provides a major advantage in this field.

Test engineers rely on their education and curiosity to find out how products and equipment work so they can determine the best ways to test them. As a test engineer, you should possess a constructive attitude and a desire to improve products and meet customer demands. Successful test engineers also have the following qualities:

  • the ability to interact with team members
  • solid communication and analytical skills
  • problem-solving abilities
  • creative thinking
  • flexibility and adaptability
  • time management skills
male worker in front of operating machine
male worker in front of operating machine
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FAQs about working as a test engineer

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about test engineers.

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