What is QA? - Position Explained

Are you considering a career as a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer? Maybe you're already working in the Quality Assurance field and want to expand your knowledge?

Look no further – this article will cover everything you need to know about QA Engineering, from the role's definition to the skills required for success and the potential career paths available.

I'll also answer some frequently asked questions and provide valuable resources to help you in your journey.

At Wahl+Case, we've helped numerous people land jobs at some of the biggest names in Tech. If you're ready to learn all about being a QA Engineer, keep reading!

What is a QA Engineer?

As a QA Engineer, your primary responsibility is to ensure that software products meet the highest quality standards. By finding and addressing issues in the software, you help companies provide their users with a smooth and seamless experience.

Your day-to-day tasks will involve:

Reviewing software requirements and specifications
Developing test plans and test cases
Executing manual and automated tests
Identifying, documenting, and tracking software defects
Collaborating with developers to resolve issues
Ensuring the final product meets all quality standards before release

What Opportunities does a QA Engineer have?

The demand for skilled QA Engineers is continuously growing as more and more organizations recognize the importance of delivering high-quality software products.

Let’s explore some of the opportunities in various industries, as well as the potential for remote work and freelancing.

INDUSTRIES WITH HIGH DEMAND FOR QA ENGINEERS

Tech and Software: Tech companies rely on QA Engineers to ensure the quality of their software products, whether mobile apps, web applications, or desktop software.
Gaming: The gaming industry needs QA Engineers to test video games and ensure bug-free gaming for players.
Healthcare: QA Engineers in the healthcare sector play a crucial role in testing medical software applications and systems, ensuring their reliability and compliance with industry regulations.
E-commerce: E-commerce platforms rely on QA Engineers to ensure a seamless user experience, from browsing products to making secure online transactions.
Finance: Financial institutions, such as banks and investment firms, require QA Engineers to ensure the reliability and security of their software applications.

REMOTE WORK AND FREELANCING OPPORTUNITIES

As a QA Engineer, you may have the option to work remotely, as many tasks can be performed using a computer and an internet connection. This flexibility allows you to work from home or as a digital nomad, traveling while you work.

Freelancing is another viable option for QA Engineers, offering the opportunity to work with multiple clients across different industries. Platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Freelancer can help you find freelance QA projects, enabling you to build a diverse portfolio of work and experience.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING

There are many ways in which you can stay abreast of industry trends.

Here are a few to check out:

The QA Lead Podcast - Podcast for people who want to lead QA teams
QA Events and Webinars - from QA.com
QA Courses - Udemy

This will not only help you stay competitive in the job market but also provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

Online communities and forums, such as those on r/QualityAssurance or LinkedIn, can also be great resources for learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with other QA Engineers.

What are the Requirements to be a QA?

To excel as a QA Engineer, you need a mix of technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills

Programming languages and tools: You should be comfortable working with various programming languages and tools, such as Java, Python, or JavaScript, to write and execute test scripts. Familiarity with testing tools like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG is also essential.
Understanding of software development methodologies: As a QA Engineer, you should have a solid understanding of various software development methodologies, such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall. This knowledge will help you adapt your testing strategies to different project environments and workflows.
Knowledge of software testing techniques: You should be familiar with different software testing techniques, such as functional testing, performance testing, and security testing. This knowledge will enable you to select the most appropriate testing approach for a specific project.
Experience with test automation: Familiarity with test automation tools and frameworks, such as Selenium, is essential for creating and maintaining automated test suites. This will help you streamline the testing process and ensure comprehensive test coverage.

Soft Skills

Communication: As a QA Engineer, you'll often collaborate with different teams, such as developers, product managers, and other stakeholders. Therefore, strong communication skills are necessary for effectively conveying your findings and concerns in a clear and concise manner.
Problem-solving: Being able to approach complex problems and find the most efficient solution is an essential skill. You should be able to identify the root cause of issues and work closely with developers to resolve them.
Critical thinking: You must critically assess the software, question assumptions, and draw valid conclusions based on the available information. This will help you identify potential issues and ensure the highest level of software quality.
Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in your testing and reporting is vital, so having an eye for detail is necessary.

For a more comprehensive list of the skills needed for a QA Engineer, check out this Simplilearn article.

Career Progression

As a QA Engineer, you can progress your career in multiple directions. Some potential career paths include:

Senior QA Engineer: With more experience, you can move up to a senior QA engineer role, where you will tackle more complex projects and mentor junior engineers.
QA Manager: If you're more inclined toward leadership, you can move into a QA Manager role, overseeing a team of QA Engineers and driving the overall quality assurance strategy for an organization.
Test Automation Engineer: If you're interested in specializing in test automation, you can pursue a career as a Test Automation Engineer. This role typically requires advanced skills in test automation tools and frameworks, such as Selenium or Appium.
Performance Engineer: As a Performance Engineer, you'll focus on ensuring software products perform optimally and meet performance requirements, such as response time, scalability, and resource usage.

To explore available QA Engineer positions, message us here!

Alternative Titles

QA Engineers can have different titles depending on the company or industry. Some alternative titles include:

Software Test Engineer
Test Engineer
QA Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst

While these titles may vary, the core responsibilities often remain similar across these roles.

Japan Market Specifics for QA Engineers

Are you interested in working in Japan as a QA Engineer?

Japan is a dynamic market, home to a diverse range of companies, both global and local, that offer opportunities for QA Engineers.

Let’s go over some of the market specifics that you should be aware of.

Language Requirements

Many companies in Japan still conduct their business primarily in Japanese, so being able to communicate effectively in the language can be a valuable asset.

Additionally, as a QA Engineer, you'll often need to collaborate with developers and other team members, who might not be fluent in English. Having Japanese language skills can make your work more efficient.

Work Culture

Work culture in Japan can be quite different from other countries. You should be aware of the cultural norms and expectations before starting your job search in Japan. Some aspects of Japanese work culture that you may encounter include:

Overtime work: Japanese companies are often known for their long working hours, although this has been improving in recent years. As a QA Engineer, you may be expected to put in extra hours to ensure the quality of the product, especially during crucial project stages.
Respect and hierarchy: The Japanese work culture places a high value on respecting hierarchy and seniority. Be prepared to adapt your communication style and follow the protocols established in the company.
Teamwork: Japanese companies emphasize group cohesion and collaboration. As a QA Engineer, you will need to work closely with your team members and be willing to support each other to achieve the common goal of delivering a high-quality product.

Job Hunting and Networking

Networking can be a powerful tool when looking for QA Engineer positions in Japan. Consider attending local tech events, meetups, or job fairs to connect with potential employers and fellow professionals. You can also join online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or Reddit forums, to stay up-to-date with job opportunities and expand your network.

Additionally, working with a recruitment agency that specializes in the tech industry (cough Wahl+Case cough) can help you find suitable QA Engineer positions in Japan.

Salary Expectations

Salaries for QA Engineers in Japan can vary depending on factors such as experience, industry, company size, and location.

According to data from Payscale, the average salary for a QA Engineer in Japan is approximately JPY 5,000,000 per year. Keep in mind that this is only an average, and your salary expectations may differ based on your individual qualifications and the specific job opportunity.

Visa and Work Permit

If you are not a Japanese national, you will need to obtain a visa and work permit to work as a QA Engineer in Japan. The most common visa for IT professionals is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa. To obtain this visa, you must have a job offer from a company in Japan and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having a relevant degree or equivalent work experience.

FAQ

What is the difference between a QA Engineer and a Developer?

While both roles work with software, as a QA Engineer, you focus on ensuring software quality by identifying and resolving defects before the product is released.

Developers, on the other hand, focus on designing, coding, and implementing software solutions according to the product requirements.

What industries do QA Engineers work in?

If you are a QA Engineer, you can work in various industries, including tech, gaming, healthcare, e-commerce, and more. Any industry that develops and relies on software products can benefit from the skills of a QA Engineer.

What kind of education is needed to become a QA Engineer?

A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science, software engineering, or information technology, is often required for you to become a QA Engineer.

However, some companies accept candidates with an associate degree or relevant certifications if you possess significant experience in software testing.

To stay competitive in the job market, you should consider pursuing further education or certifications in software testing and quality assurance, such as the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) certification or the Certified Software Tester (CSTE) certification.

Can QA Engineers work remotely?

Yes, as a QA Engineer, you often have the option to work remotely. Additionally, QA Engineers can consider freelancing to work with multiple clients across different industries.

What is the difference between a QA Engineer and a Software Tester?

While both roles are involved in testing and ensuring software quality, as a QA Engineer, you typically have a broader set of responsibilities, including defining testing strategies, creating test plans, and collaborating with other teams to resolve issues.

A Software Tester, on the other hand, may focus more on executing tests and reporting defects.

Does this sound exciting to you?

Message us using this link to learn what QA positions are open right now!

Curious about other roles in the tech industry?

Explore more resources and articles on our blog to find out about various positions and how they contribute to the exciting world of technology.