Testing plays a significant role in the development of new software and systems. Testing Engineers work closely with software developers and program managers to iron out any bugs in the product and improve the quality of the finished product. There’s a common saying in the IT industry that behind every successful software is a careful Testing Engineer. Thus having the right candidate as a Testing Engineer is vital to the success of the product.
The Job Role and Responsibilities
A Testing Engineer is required to fully test the product or system to ensure it functions properly and meets the business needs. The job responsibilities include:
- Testing all aspects of the product/system like function/component, system, performance, regression and service.
- Work with the development team to identify and capture test cases, ensure version management.
- Setting up test environments, designing test plans, developing test cases/scenarios/usage cases, and executing these cases.
- Providing feedback on usability and serviceability, trace the result to the quality risk and report it to concerned people.
Competencies and Skills Required
Technical knowledge and experience is a basic requirement for this kind of role. The Testing Engineer also needs to be tactful and diplomatic to maintain a good working relationship with the software developers. Other skills and competencies that employers look for are:
- An understanding of the software development life cycle as well as the business approach for the product
- Analytical skills
- Decision-making ability
- Attention to details
- Ability to work in a team as well as an individual
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain deadlines
Assessment for the ‘Right’ Testing Engineer
The following table illustrates how various skills and personality traits map to assessments required for the Testing Engineer role:
| Testing Engineer Profile Skills | AMCAT Mapping |
| Ability to identify and capture test cases, trace test results to quality risk | Attention to Detail: High Logical Ability: Mid to High Conscientiousness: Mid to High |
| Analytical Skills | Logical Ability: High Quantitative Ability: Mid to High |
| Basic understanding of programming concepts | Computer Programming: Mid to High |
| Ability to stick to deadlines | Conscientiousness: High Emotional Stability: Mid |
Helpful Trivia
Aspiring Minds (now SHL) Research Cell has shown that both cognitive skills and certain personality traits are important for being a successful Testing Engineer. Multiple studies were conducted and the following trends emerged: All successful Testing Engineers scored high on Attention to Detail and Conscientiousness followed by a moderate score on Computer Programming knowledge and Quantitative Skills. Cognitive skills and personality skill tests when used for hiring selection improved the efficiency of Testing Engineers between 21% and 38% for various companies.
