As participants in the software development process, software testing specialists help develop the test plan and evaluate the quality of software components. Their role is to detect major software flaws (e.g. bugs, errors, failures, breakdowns, risks) in order to fix them and ensure the performance of the developed systems. Testing specialists have a big responsibility - they inform the testing manager of all the improvements to be made. The work of an entire team of software designers and developers depends on their analysis.

Tasks:

1. To test new product software applications, determine and remove software defects
2. To help customer service through call escalation and conduct training
3. To oversee customer sites to detect functional software defects
4. To support product documentation through technical support and edit user manuals
5. To review reports for accuracy and determine discrepancies
6. To create test plans and schedules
7. To edit and support product configuration documentation
8. To create and implement test cases on project requirements
9. To report defects and escalate issues
10. To interact team throughout development process
11. To troubleshoot new builds and post production issues
12. To lead projects and mentor junior team members
13. To follow and analyse issues gathered in bug tracking system
14. To lead testing efforts for large and complex applications

Key skills for software testing specialist:

• Critical thinking skills
• Analytical skills and ability to see the big picture
• Organizational skills
• Sense of responsibility
• Independent judgment
• Self-sufficiency, resourcefulness
• Aptitude for teamwork

Average salary (2014):

The United Kingdom: £47,750 per year
The United States of America: $67,147 per year
Australia: AU$64,727 per year

Qualifications and training required:

College diploma in computers, bachelor’s degree in computers, software design or any other computer application development specialty.