Testing Services & Quality Assurance.

Test Analysts design and execute manual test processes for software products, applications and systems. Working as part of a wider software development team, responsibilities include developing test cases & test plans, running manual tests to detect issues, documenting all bugs and defects that are discovered and sharing reports with developers. Variations include system, integration, user acceptance, performance and unit testing. Typically Test Analysts are ISTQB certified.

Automated Test Analysts are technical testers that build complex and robust automated test programmes to test new or existing software products, using a variety of tools including Selenium, Cucumber, SoapUI and more. They use automation frameworks to build relevant test programs and write scripts that execute the testing. Other responsibilities include investigating identified issues or defects and working with product development teams to find solutions.

A Test Lead drives a test programme of work and manages the execution of testing across a team of testers who are assigned to them for the programme of work. This includes day -to-day line management of testing resources and managing test data and test environments. They provide input into test strategies and methodologies, configure test tools to be utilised, assist with planning & prioritisation of test scenarios, define success criteria and manage execution including handover to BAU.

Cloud Testing refers to the testing of applications and resources that are available on demand in different cloud environments including public, private and hybrid. Cloud Test Engineers deliver both functional testing (system verification, acceptance and interoperability) and non-functional testing (availability, performance, security, scalability). Tools include SOASTA, Loadstorm, Jmeter, CloudTestGo and more.

Test Managers play a central role in the software development life cycle, leading all testing teams and having overall responsibility for the testing function. They hold accountability for the success of testing programmes including recruiting, deploying and managing testing resources. They act as the link between testing teams and senior management, set overarching direction for test strategy, design appropriate success measures and metrics and have responsibility for tooling, coaching and mentoring.

Test Engineers or QA Engineers play a major role in the design and production phase of new products, primarily in electronics companies. Both roles are critical to testing relevant software or firmware so that releases are of a high-quality standard. Test Engineers design tests methods to evaluate product performance during the design or production stage. The QA Analyst is required once the products are in production, ensuring they are being built to required specifications.