Have you ever walked through the wall or a tree in the Fornite game to see if it lets you do that?

A video game character walking through the wall

Did you know you can get paid to test games like these as a software quality engineer?

But what does a software quality engineer do? How do you know if you'd like to be one?

What Does a Software Quality Engineer Do?

A software quality engineer ensures that the software or games work correctly before releasing them to the user. A quality engineer:

  • Designs test plans and scenarios for testing software.

Patrick from Spongebob rubbing his hands together while planning

  • Identifies and reports software defects using a bug-tracking system.

  • Performs various software tests like regression, stress, and smoke testing.

Robots working concurrently at the automotive factory doing multiple tasks.

  • Designs and automates software testing.

  • Provides input on software recommendations.

What Experience Do I Need To Become a Software Quality Engineer?

Flaticon Icon

You could take this career path:

  • Choose a software programming language (C#, Java, Python, HTML, CSS, JS) to specialize in.

  • Learn to code through college or Bootcamp.

Cat typing on laptop. Text says, Thank goodness I took that coding course.

A ninja cartoon character happy being certified

  • After you develop a strong portfolio, you can apply for senior roles or transition into a software developer role.

Where Can You Get Work As Software Quality Engineer?

Any place that builds software and releases for people or businesses needs a quality controller.

Person saying

  • Software companies

  • Banks

  • Automotive and manufacturing industries

  • NASA! Yes, they need to make sure the space controls work well before landing on the moon.

You''ll Love It If...

  • You're curious and like breaking things apart.

  • You love procedural and step-by-step work.

  • You love to adhere to deadlines and work under pressure.

A cute cartoon character drinking coffee and working late at night

Quiz

Which of these places probably hire software quality engineers? Select all that apply.

What Skills Does a Software Quality Engineer Need?

Guy flipping knives on his hand to show off some skills

  • Critical thinking

  • Research

  • Attention to detail

  • Problem solving

  • Programming

  • Communication

With critical thinking skills, you can analyze problems and find solutions.

As a quality controller, you will document the issues using your findings and research skills.

Programming skills help you to run automated testing when checking for problems in the software.

Having better communication keeps the team informed and plans out for significant bugs.

But Will It Pay My Bills?

Map of USA with flag of USA in it

In the U.S., the average salary for junior quality engineers starts at around 63,260 USD.

Map of Canada with flag of Canada in it

In Canada, the average salary for junior quality engineers is C$ 63,371.

Quiz

What skills makes you a good candidate for quality assurance role? Select all that apply.

Take Action

Image showing Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Start your career path!

License:

Your feedback matters to us.

This Byte helped me better understand the topic.

Get support to take action on this Byte