testing engineer.

As a test engineer, you are responsible for designing and using tests that challenge products in extreme situations in order to try to measure how the product can handle such situations and what the limitations are. This requires that, as a test engineer, you have determination and use all your different skills and experiences to test mechanical products, electronic devices, and software programs. Unlike many other professions, as a test engineer you work in a range of different conditions and environments, which requires great versatility in terms of knowledge. This in itself also means that a test engineer needs strong adaptability to be able to carry out their work as efficiently as possible. 

Together with Randstad, you can find your dream career as a test engineer. One of the major advantages of working as a test engineer is that it is a job that provides great satisfaction and immediate feedback, when you test different products to their breaking point and in that way find new ways to develop the products. It is a satisfying feeling that cannot be found in many other professions. To become a successful test engineer, it is therefore good if you have a great curiosity and enjoy pushing boundaries. Whether it is a job as a test engineer in the IT industry or if you are testing larger mechanical or electronic systems, as a test engineer you can advance upwards in the hierarchy of a company as you gain more experience. For example, it is possible to take on roles such as test manager or quality assurance manager, or even more advanced roles and areas of responsibility. 

The responsibility of a test engineer is about using creativity and the ability to think outside the box to find new ways to test products. The job of a test engineer requires strong determination and dedication to the testing process based on a range of different parameters, in order to practice problem-solving and troubleshoot specific issues, as well as constantly note every detail during the testing process to be able to make necessary changes once it is completed. The areas of responsibility and tasks you have in the role of test engineer can consist of: 

• study the available documentation and gather research about the consumers to understand what needs to be tested in the specific product 
• decide how different products should be tested 
• carry out tests based on strict criteria and control factors, while documenting the results of the tests 
• design protocols, test plans, various scenarios and tests for quality assurance of different products 
• carry out final tests to identify products' weaknesses, strengths, and opportunities for improvement or development 
• troubleshoot all errors and streamline the entire testing process for increased efficiency 
• record all details about the testing process in order to be able to train and supervise quality assurance technicians, who will carry out many tests independently 

As a test engineer, you often work in an environment similar to that of many others who work indoors. You usually sit in an office, which is typically modern and where the employer has placed great emphasis on comfort. It has become increasingly common for employers to understand the importance of ergonomic working positions, with good desks, office chairs, and other necessities required to do efficient work. Depending on where you test products, as a test engineer you may need to visit different test centers or test labs, depending a bit on your employer and your areas of responsibility. It may happen that these facilities are not located in the same city as the office, which means that those working as test engineers often have to get used to some travel time on the job and also need to be able to adapt to new environments. 

Remote work or telecommuting is common for the role of test engineer. This means that as a test engineer, you may be allowed to work from home, for example, if you have the equipment you need at home. Of course, this requires that the employer allows it and that it does not negatively affect work performance. Depending on the type of project, different types of equipment may be required. Those who have a remote job as a test engineer often have part of their workweek spent visiting test sites or attending in-person meetings.

Theoretically, a test engineer can work normal office hours, between 8 am and 5 pm every day from Monday to Friday. But it is not uncommon for the work as a test engineer to often involve quite a bit of overtime, since it can be an inspiring job that makes you stay at work longer when you are focused on a specific test process. Your employer often sets deadlines and the important thing is to meet them. Furthermore, the work as a test engineer consists of much more than just designing and conducting tests. A large part of the working time is spent handling urgent matters, trying to meet tight deadlines on more or less urgent problems, and socializing with your colleagues and customers to get their input on various things. 

Even though you usually work on a fixed and recurring schedule as a test engineer, you shouldn't be surprised if the schedule changes, sometimes at very short notice. You may need to work on weekends or late on a Friday evening in order to meet a deadline or solve more or less urgent problems that have arisen during an ongoing testing process. Having great flexibility and responsiveness are therefore two qualities that will make it much easier to handle the work as a test engineer. It can even mean a holiday being postponed because an urgent situation arises at work.

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Anyone with experience in the same or related industries will also have a stronger chance of getting a job as a test engineer. For example, someone who has worked or studied in programming is more suited to become a test engineer, since there is a basic understanding of how software is built and works. The better your coding skills and the more experience you have in programming, the stronger your qualifications are when applying for a job as a test engineer, even if it is a career path that takes a new turn. 

The knowledge and skills required for a successful career as a test engineer include having a strong understanding of various tools, assembly methods, and quality assurance processes. Anyone with previous experience working in quality control or quality assurance will also have a significant advantage in this career path. 

There are soft skills that are an absolute requirement to have in order to be successful as a test engineer. Your attitude is an important part of succeeding as a test engineer. You need an unwavering curiosity about how things work and which parts do what, so that you can design the most effective test to test the different parts and see what happens. The mental strength of a test engineer should include the following qualities: 

• goal-oriented attitude to break things down in a constructive way 

• a deeply rooted interest in high product quality 

• great empathy for customers and a desire to see things from their perspective to find effective solutions 

• strong diplomatic skills to be able to handle customers, colleagues, and product developers who may want to go in different directions 

• outstanding communication and analytical skills 

• a strong ability to listen actively and focus fully in order to quickly understand what is required of you 

• a strong self-confidence that allows you to try unconventional solutions and ideas without coming across as cocky 

• an ability to solve common problems in a creative way 

• an ability to conceptualise new tests and think outside the box 

• flexibility and adaptability that allow you to learn from mistakes, move forward, and grow in adversity to handle future challenges more effectively 

Technical skills can be acquired over time if you are open to learning new things. Such technical skills can include: 

• knowledge of standards 

• the ability to intuitively understand mechanical, electronic and technological systems 

• knowledge of data collection 

• know which questions to ask at each given point in a project 

• the ability to translate technical terms into everyday language for other involved people who lack the same technical background, while also having the ability to speak with technical terminology with other engineers 

• the ability to be a team player in interactions with customers, other key people connected to the project, other engineers and managers 

• the ability to assess and manage time, planning, and time pressure 

• knowledge of the protocols regarding bug control, case management and testing

As a test engineer, you have an important role in the workplace and are part of the department that handles quality assurance and quality control. A test engineer designs tests to test and thereby develop products. 

The working hours for a test engineer vary depending on the employer and the specific tasks involved. It is not uncommon for a test engineer to have to work at inconvenient hours when urgent problems arise. On the other hand, it is also common for the job as a test engineer to be flexible, allowing you to work part of your hours from home.

A test engineer is an important job that is needed in many workplaces and in many different productions. An effective test engineer finds flaws in products that lead to a significantly better end result. Is this a job that might suit you? Create a profile at Randstad and browse available jobs in your area to find an employer who needs a test engineer. Then submit your CV and your personal letter. You can also get help from Randstad with your job application. For example, you can read all our job tips here!