QA engineer job description.

What does a QA engineer do?

 

A QA engineer focuses on both manual and automated testing to ensure software behaves as intended. They build test plans, automate repetitive test cases, identify bugs, and help streamline the release process.

 

Their responsibilities include writing scripts using tools like Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright, setting up test environments, running load or performance tests, and working closely with DevOps and developers.

 

In startups, QA engineers are often responsible for testing across all platforms. In larger organisations, they specialise in test automation and work within dedicated engineering teams focused on quality.

 

Key responsibilities of a QA engineer.

 

QA engineers are responsible for both manual and automated testing to ensure software quality. Their typical responsibilities include:

• Writing and maintaining automated test scripts using Selenium, Cypress, or similar

• Developing test plans for new features and application flows

• Executing manual and regression testing as needed

• Collaborating with developers and product managers on acceptance criteria

• Creating and managing test environments and datasets

• Integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines and reporting on coverage

• Identifying performance, security, or usability issues

• Logging, prioritising, and tracking bugs in test management tools

• Supporting end-to-end and cross-browser testing strategies

• Contributing to testing frameworks and QA best practices

This role blends hands-on testing with automation and continuous improvement.

 

Skills and requirements for a QA engineer.

 

QA engineers combine manual and automated testing to ensure release stability. Employers typically look for:

• 2–5 years of experience in software testing or engineering

• Experience creating and maintaining automated test scripts

• Familiarity with Selenium, Cypress, or similar tools

• Understanding of software development life cycles

• Skilled in writing test plans, regression tests, and performance checks

• Confidence working in CI/CD environments

• Strong communication skills for collaboration with developers

• Ability to triage issues and test across devices and browsers

• Knowledge of API testing, security testing, or load testing

Most QA engineers are essential for catching bugs and verifying fixes in cross-functional teams.

 

Average salary for a QA engineer.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a QA engineer typically ranges from £35,000 to £50,000, influenced by test automation, CI/CD processes, and scripting knowledge.

• Mid-level QA engineers tend to earn between £35,000 and £42,000

• Senior engineers with performance or security testing expertise can earn between £43,000 and £50,000

• DevOps or infrastructure integration skills further enhance salary potential

Top-paying employers are in SaaS, fintech, and cloud engineering teams.

 

Career progression for a QA engineer.

 

A QA engineer uses automation tools and frameworks to improve software testing efficiency and reliability. It’s a technical role with clear progression into architecture or leadership. A common path includes:

 

QA analyst / tester

 

Runs manual test cycles, writes documentation, and supports development teams.

 

QA engineer

 

Designs and implements automated test scripts. Works with development and DevOps teams to improve release quality.

 

Senior QA engineer

 

Manages automation frameworks, mentors QA staff, and leads test infrastructure planning.

 

QA lead / engineering manager

 

Oversees teams, aligns testing with engineering processes, and drives release readiness.

 

Director of QA / head of quality

 

Defines QA strategy and governance across product lines. Ensures performance, usability, and security benchmarks.