What Does a QA Engineer Do? Role, Skills & Career Path
By
Liz Fujiwara
•
Sep 3, 2025
A QA (Quality Assurance) engineer plays a vital role in the software development lifecycle by ensuring that products meet the highest standards of functionality, performance, and user experience. Their primary responsibility is to identify and resolve bugs before the product is released, but their contributions extend far beyond testing. QA engineers collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and designers to build reliable software that aligns with user needs and business goals. From designing test plans and automating processes to ensuring compliance with industry standards, they safeguard the overall quality of the product. In this article, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their core responsibilities, the essential skills required for success, and the diverse career paths available in this evolving field.
Key Takeaways
QA engineers ensure software quality by overseeing the entire development process, with a focus on bug prevention and adherence to quality standards.
Their key responsibilities include establishing quality benchmarks, executing both manual and automated tests, and collaborating with stakeholders to track and maintain quality metrics.
Career growth opportunities for QA engineers range from entry-level positions to advanced roles, often supported by certifications and hands-on experience in the field.
What Is a QA Engineer?
A Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, often referred to as a software QA engineer or QA specialist, is a cornerstone of the software development lifecycle. They are responsible for ensuring that software meets the required quality standards before it reaches end users. This involves both primary (functional) and secondary (analytical) aspects of software quality assurance. The primary goal is to prevent mistakes and flaws in the software, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.
The role of a QA engineer extends beyond simply identifying bugs. They oversee the entire software development process, ensuring that every phase, from design to deployment, adheres to established project management and quality assurance practices.
QA engineers act as third-party evaluators, thoroughly testing software to meet high client standards. With the growing demand for multi-functional software and advancing technology, the role of QA engineers, alongside QA specialists and software development teams, has become more crucial than ever. They work collaboratively to ensure both quality and performance.
Key Responsibilities of a QA Engineer
The responsibilities of a quality assurance (QA) engineer are diverse and critical to the success of any software development project. These include:
Creating standards and procedures that developers must follow, ensuring a consistent approach to quality across the development team.
Executing both manual and automated tests.
Planning and performing testing at different stages of development to identify bugs or glitches.
QA engineers analyze test results to predict user interactions and spot potential issues. They collaborate closely with product managers, software developers, and other stakeholders to ensure quality is maintained throughout the development lifecycle. A quality assurance analyst also plays an important role in this process.
By tracking quality metrics and addressing software bugs before moving to the next phase, QA engineers help ensure the delivery of high-quality software products.
Essential Skills for QA Engineers
Excelling as a quality assurance engineer requires a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills are essential for understanding and executing testing processes, while soft skills are vital for effective communication and problem-solving within the development team. These can be categorized into technical and soft skills, each playing a crucial role in a QA engineer’s success.
Technical Skills
Technical skills are the backbone of a successful QA engineer. Familiarity with various testing and automation tools is essential to ensure comprehensive software testing. Proficiency in programming languages enables QA engineers to perform their tasks effectively, including:
Java
C#
Python
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
In addition, scripting and test automation skills are critical for improving efficiency and ensuring thorough test coverage. QA engineers must also understand the software development lifecycle and various testing methods, including manual testing, automated testing, and the use of tools to manage and analyze results. A strong technical foundation allows QA engineers to collaborate effectively with developers, contributing to the overall success of the software development process.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are just as important as technical abilities for a quality assurance engineer. Effective communication is necessary to collaborate with the development team and explain complex issues to non-experts. This includes both verbal and written communication, as clear documentation and reporting are vital to keeping all stakeholders aligned.
Problem-solving is another key aspect of a QA engineer’s role. Strong analytical skills, risk assessment, and issue identification are essential for troubleshooting and resolving software problems. Personal qualities such as patience, perseverance, and critical thinking also contribute to effective collaboration and successful quality assurance.
Career Path and Growth Opportunities for QA Engineers
A career as a quality assurance engineer offers numerous growth opportunities. QA engineers are integral to maintaining software quality and play a crucial role throughout all phases of the software development lifecycle.
Starting from entry-level positions, QA engineers can advance to more specialized and higher-paying roles as they gain experience and expertise.
Entry-Level Positions
Entry-level QA engineer positions are accessible to a wide range of candidates, often without requiring prior coding experience. Aspiring QA engineers can benefit from training programs that provide the necessary skills through a structured learning format. Internships and contractual positions are effective ways to gain real-world experience, practice skills, and build a professional network.
Certifications can further enhance a candidate’s qualifications by validating expertise and demonstrating commitment to the field.
Advanced Roles
As QA engineers gain experience, they can advance to more specialized roles such as QA Lead, QA Manager, or even start a freelancing business. Advanced roles often involve overseeing testing teams, ensuring quality standards, and recommending enhancements to product features.
QA engineers also play a vital role in maintenance by testing fixes for bugs that may have slipped through previous testing and performing smoke testing after deployments. Continuous improvement through certifications and staying updated with the latest industry trends can further enhance career prospects.
Salary Expectations for QA Engineers
The salary expectations for quality assurance engineers can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, and industry. As of May 2023, the mean annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers is $108,460. The average salary for QA engineers in the U.S. is approximately $104,789, with significant variations depending on the state and city.
For instance, California offers the highest annual mean wage for QA engineers at approximately $120,750, while New York offers around $111,890. High-paying metropolitan areas like San Jose, CA, can see annual mean salaries as high as $150,474.
The top 10% of QA Engineers in the U.S. typically earn more than $147,000–$150,000 annually in base salary, with total compensation potentially exceeding that in high-cost regions or advanced roles.
Education and Certifications for QA Engineers
A strong educational background is typically required for a career in quality assurance. Most QA engineer positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Specialized degrees in information systems, technology, or software engineering are highly recommended to provide a solid foundation in the necessary technical skills.
Certifications can further validate a QA engineer’s expertise and enhance career prospects. The Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE) credential focuses on quality assurance practices within the software lifecycle. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) offers globally recognized certifications for software testers.
Other certifications, such as the Certified Software Tester (CSTE) and Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) from QAI, as well as the Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP), can supplement a QA engineer’s resume and demonstrate a strong commitment to the field.
Tools and Technologies Used by QA Engineers
Effective tools and technologies are essential for QA engineers to efficiently conduct testing, manage tests, and maintain code quality. One widely used tool is Selenium, an open-source platform for automating web application testing that is compatible with multiple programming languages. Another popular tool is Functionize, an AI-driven test automation tool that enhances efficiency with self-healing tests and supports cloud-based testing.
Tricentis Tosca is known for its model-based test automation capabilities, improving testing efficiency and streamlining processes. For comprehensive test management, ALM/Quality Center supports automation and execution across various development environments.
Other commonly used tools include:
TestLink for managing test cases
JIRA for bug tracking
Postman and Apiary for API testing
SonarQube for continuous code inspection
Cucumber for behavior-driven development
These tools help QA engineers maintain high-quality software and optimize the testing workflow across computer programs.
Interview Preparation for QA Engineers
Preparing for an interview as a quality assurance engineer involves more than just technical knowledge. Candidates should:
Reflect on past experiences.
Practice situational questions to demonstrate how they have handled challenges.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess collaboration with developers and conflict resolution.
Develop effective communication skills, as they are essential for the role.
Technical interviews may include end-to-end testing scenarios, debugging assignments, and coding tasks. It is important to ask clarifying questions during the interview to show critical thinking and engagement. Clear documentation and comments that explain the thought process during technical tasks are highly valued by interviewers.
Demonstrating the ability to handle negative testing scenarios correctly can also make a strong impression.
The Role of AI in QA Engineering
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing QA engineering by significantly accelerating test case generation and reducing overall testing time. AI-driven tools can decrease defect density, allowing for earlier identification of issues during development and providing quicker feedback for developers. This integration of AI into QA processes has been shown to improve efficiency and effectiveness in identifying software issues.
However, the use of AI in QA also presents new challenges, such as generating false positives and requiring manual review of AI findings. Despite these challenges, the benefits of AI in enhancing QA processes and predicting user behavior are undeniable.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in QA engineering will likely become even more significant, helping QA engineers maintain the highest quality standards in software development within the tech industry.
How Fonzi Supports QA Engineers in Job Search
Fonzi, a curated talent marketplace, leverages AI to streamline the job search process for QA engineers. By using AI-enhanced job matching, Fonzi reduces bias, protects the candidate experience, and speeds up the hiring timeline. This approach ensures that QA engineers are connected with job opportunities that align with their skills and career goals.
Fonzi’s Match Day is an innovative feature that allows job-seeking QA engineers to efficiently get in front of top-tier companies. The platform’s human-centered approach emphasizes that AI supports recruiters in focusing on people rather than replacing them. Career coaches are available to guide candidates through the process.
This responsible use of AI in hiring benefits both candidates and employers, making Fonzi an ideal platform for aspiring QA professionals.
Summary
The role of a quality assurance engineer is multifaceted, encompassing responsibilities that ensure software quality and reliability. QA engineers are critical to the software development lifecycle, collaborating closely with developers and other stakeholders to identify and resolve issues. Essential skills for QA engineers include both technical abilities, such as proficiency with testing tools and programming languages, and soft skills like communication and problem-solving.
The career path for QA engineers offers numerous opportunities for growth, from entry-level positions to advanced roles such as QA Lead or QA Manager. Education and certifications play a significant role in career advancement, while tools and technologies like Selenium and JIRA are indispensable in daily QA activities. Aspiring QA engineers can benefit from practical guidance on gaining experience and preparing for interviews, while the integration of AI in QA processes continues to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Platforms like Fonzi provide valuable support in the recruitment and hiring process, leveraging AI to match candidates with suitable opportunities.
