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Information TechnologyTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

Annual openings

499

BLS median wage

$123,690

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

10-year growth

+10%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Credential requirement

A testing certification is often viewed positively by Employers. However, it is important to understand which certifications are valued by Employers by looking at current job posting information.

Credential detail

Certifications that are valued by some employers include: •Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) •Certified Software Test Engineer (CSTE) •ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL) •Quality Improvement Associate Certification (CQIA) •Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP)

Work experience

One to three years as a Software Quality Assurance Tester or significant Quality Assurance experience while in another IT occupation.

Experience detail

Experience in the appropriate Quality Assurance environment with expertise in the appropriate toolset is preferred.

Training

Training in the appropriate or similar Quality Assurance environment/toolset is often required. For some jobs, a bachelor's degree or graduation from a respected software developer program/bootcamp will be required.

Remote work

Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.

Employer competency information

  • Problem Solving & Decision Making — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the impact of a change within the system, relative to the goals of the system; differentiating between perceived and actual performance value; familiarity with individual components and their connection to overall system. Understanding how to identify and test system boundaries, then conducting tests and inspections to evaluate quality or performance; leveraging basic concepts of coding to find areas of weakness (unintended values, system architecture, process flow); ability to focus on both micro and macro components of a product's success.
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to first identify the requirements and purpose of a program to determine potential weaknesses; capturing and prioritizing the impact of identified bugs; taking on viewpoint of multiple possible users.
  • Communication — Applying reading, writing, and speaking skills to gather detailed system requirements for testing, thoroughly and accurately recording results, and presenting back to appropriate parties.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Technology

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
  2. Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
  3. Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
  4. Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
  5. Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
  6. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.