Quality assurance analysts are typically tasked with testing products to ensure that they meet the standards that a company is looking for. This means that the product is reliable, functional, and user-friendly. Quality assurance analysts can work at software companies, manufacturing plants, and any other service facilities or corporations where checking the quality of a product is important. Many quality assurance analysts work at software companies, checking the software to make sure that it is of the highest quality.
The path to becoming a quality assurance analyst can vary based on the type of work one will be doing. For someone going into software development, a degree in computer science, programming or another related field may be required. In big corporations, some hiring managers prefer to see a background in business administration or other experience in quality control jobs. On the job training is an important part to beginning this career, as it is important to learn the ins and outs of the business and products that one is dealing with.
Quality assurance analysts in software development are tasked with reviewing thousands of lines of programming code to spot any errors. Quality assurance analysts are usually trained to fix these errors or report them to someone who can. They also ensure that user interfaces are user-friendly and informative, and that programs run efficiently.
In other areas, quality assurance analysts work with engineers to make sure that product designs are good. They can spot areas to improve upon and ways to make the product more efficient. Quality assurance analysts also consult in production, ensuring that the product is built to standard and high quality. Quality assurance analysts can work in all phases of product development, from research to design to production. They are expected to have great attention to detail, problem solving skills, creativity and communication.
Quality Assurance Analyst Tasks
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate qualitative and quantitative findings from tests.
- Monitor bug resolution efforts and track results and known defects.
- Design, prioritize, and implement test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Participate in process reviews to inform development of products and resolution of defects.