What does a Software Test Engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted Expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a Software Test Engineer do

Software engineers are responsible for coordinating the process of analyzing computer software programs. This process requires creating and implementing testing methods, documenting the test results, and providing recommendations for software improvements. They are also responsible for other tasks, including writing software testing procedures and creating testing scripts using different programming languages. A software engineer also collaborates with software developers and other staff members from the start and completion of a particular project. Having a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or information technology is needed to become a software engineer.

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Software test engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real software test engineer resumes:

  • Balance risk, regulatory impact and business needs to achieve efficient and effective solutions for QC process improvement.
  • Manage entire Linux virtual machine farm utilizing KVM and Virt-Manager
  • Manage test case defect management reporting utilizing JIRA and Bugzilla
  • Develop UI automation test infrastructure using python and selenium.
  • Design test scripts using Java and participate in automation code-reviews.
  • Involve in integrating the test suites to Jenkins to execute them automatically after every successful deployment.
  • Develop and maintain automated test scripts to support regression testing and participate actively in system testing and regression testing.
  • Develop fully automated/semi-automate regression test suites.
  • Participate in linking documentation efforts through QC ALM.
  • Develop GUI and functionality test cases for the GMS testing.
  • Perform product testing for Crossfax, a windows base fax program.
  • Design, develop, document and maintain detailed test cases using ALM.
  • Design and write new feature test plans for a variety android features base on customer requirement documents.
  • Perform root cause analysis on customer defects to identify areas of improvement for the project & SQA team.
  • Provide timely SQA status information to government customers (DCMA) on their programs, conduct cmmi-base process evaluations.

Software test engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Software Test Engineers are proficient in Python, Java, and Test Automation.

We break down the percentage of Software Test Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 9%

    Developed Test Automation Script in Python for Multimedia and Camera.

  • Java, 7%

    Designed, developed and implemented MVC Pattern based Keyword Driven automation testing framework utilizing Java, TestNG and Selenium WebDriver.

  • Test Automation, 6%

    Developed test automation with Mercury and Rational tools on multiple Visual Basic and Visual C++ applications that controlled custom hardware configurations.

  • C++, 6%

    Tested the anti-spam software and created two programs to send and classify the emails in the database using C++, MFC.

  • C #, 6%

    Designed/maintained automation using in-house C # automation library.

  • Regression, 4%

    Developed fully automated/semi-automated regression test suites.

Common skills that a software test engineer uses to do their job include "python," "java," and "test automation." You can find details on the most important software test engineer responsibilities below.

See the full list of software test engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most software test engineers are:

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Compare different software test engineers

Software test engineer vs. Software analyst

A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.

If we compare the average software test engineer annual salary with that of a software analyst, we find that software analysts typically earn a $6,938 lower salary than software test engineers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both software test engineer and software analyst positions are skilled in java, c++, and test results.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, software test engineer responsibilities require skills like "python," "test automation," "c #," and "regression." Meanwhile a typical software analyst has skills in areas such as "software development," "troubleshoot," "test cases," and "business process." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Software analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $86,986. On the other hand, software test engineers are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $98,837.The education levels that software analysts earn slightly differ from software test engineers. In particular, software analysts are 4.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a software test engineer. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Software test engineer vs. Senior systems software engineer

A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.

Senior systems software engineer positions earn higher pay than software test engineer roles. They earn a $36,937 higher salary than software test engineers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both software test engineers and senior systems software engineers have skills such as "python," "java," and "c++. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, software test engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "test automation," "c #," "test results," and "javascript." Meanwhile, a senior systems software engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "software development," "architecture," "c," and "code reviews." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Senior systems software engineers may earn a higher salary than software test engineers, but senior systems software engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $125,048. On the other hand, software test engineers receive higher pay in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $98,837.senior systems software engineers earn similar levels of education than software test engineers in general. They're 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Software Test Engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Software test engineer vs. Software engineer-consultant

A software engineer consultant develops and recommends strategies to optimize a company's software engineering operations. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting extensive research and analysis to find new opportunities, performing software evaluations and risk assessments, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes, and developing solutions against problem areas. Through the findings of their research, a software engineer consultant draws conclusions and recommendations that will help the company to reach their short and long-term goals and resolve issues or concerns.

An average software engineer-consultant eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of software test engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to software engineers-consultant earning a $28,649 higher average salary than software test engineers.software test engineers and software engineers-consultant both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "python," "java," and "c++," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, software test engineers are more likely to have skills like "test automation," "c #," "test results," and "javascript." But a software engineer-consultant is more likely to have skills like "architecture," "software development," "database," and "spring boot."

Software engineers-consultant earn the highest salary when working in the insurance industry, where they receive an average salary of $118,185. Comparatively, software test engineers have the highest earning potential in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $98,837.Most software engineers-consultant achieve a similar degree level compared to software test engineers. For example, they're 2.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Software test engineer vs. Senior software development engineer

A senior software development engineer specializes in leading the efforts in designing and developing software and information systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing existing computer systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, testing new designs, and performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of operations, improving them to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, as a senior software development engineer, it is essential to monitor and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Senior software development engineers average a higher salary than the annual salary of software test engineers. The difference is about $31,588 per year.While both software test engineers and senior software development engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like python, java, and test automation, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A software test engineer uses "c #," "test results," "javascript," and "manual test cases." Senior software development engineers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "software development," "web services," "git," and "database. "In general, senior software development engineers earn the most working in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $134,736. The highest-paying industry for a software test engineer is the telecommunication industry.In general, senior software development engineers hold higher degree levels compared to software test engineers. Senior software development engineers are 5.4% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of software test engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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