Test engineer

Test engineers plan and perform detailed quality tests during various phases of the design process to make sure that the systems are properly installed and function correctly. They analyse the data collected during tests and produce reports. They are also responsible for the safety of the test operations.

The following job titles also refer to test engineer:

agricultural equipment test engineer

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as test engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Test engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to test engineer.

flight test engineer
surface engineer
gas production engineer
production engineer
rolling stock engineer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of test engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of test engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of test engineer.

Production processes: Materials and techniques required in the production and distribution processes.
Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
Manufacturing processes: The steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.
Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
Industrial engineering: The field of engineering concerned with the development, improvement, and implementation of complex processes and systems of knowledge, people, equipment, etc.
Test procedures: The methods for producing results in science or engineering, such as physical tests, chemical tests, or statistical tests.

These skills are necessary for the role of test engineer.

Analyse scientific data: Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.
Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Test hardware: Test computer hardware systems and components using appropriate equipment and testing methods, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT). Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
Analyse test data: Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
Approve engineering design: Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of test engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Instrumentation equipment: The equipment and instruments used for the monitoring and controlling of processes, such as valves, regulators, circuit breakers, and relays.
Electrical engineering: Understand electrical engineering, a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Nuclear energy: The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.
Instrumentation engineering: The science and engineering discipline that attempts to control process variables of production and manufacturing. It also focuses on the design of systems with desired behaviours. These systems use sensors to measure the output performance of the device that is being controlled.
In-circuit test: Test to assess the correct manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCB). The in-circuit test (ICT) tests for shorts, resistance, and capacitance, and can be performed with a “bed of nails” tester or with a fixtureless in-circuit test (FICT).

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of test engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Test materials: Test the composition, characteristics, and use of materials in order to create new products and applications. Test them under normal and extraordinary conditions.
Test microelectromechanical systems: Test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using appropriate equipment and testing techniques, such as thermal shock tests, thermal cycling tests, and burn-in tests. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
Test electrical equipment: Test electrical systems, machines, and components and check electrical properties, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance, using electrical testing and measuring equipment, such as a multimeter. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
Follow nuclear plant safety precautions: Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.
Conduct routine machinery checks: Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.
Develop ict test suite: Create a series of test cases to check software behaviour versus specifications. These test cases are then to be used during subsequent testing.
Test optoelectronics: Test optoelectronic systems, products, and components using electronic, optic, and photonic testing and measuring equipment.
Test performance of power plants: Analyse the performance of power plants by operating the plant at maximum output for a predetermined period of time so guaranteed performance can be established and legal quality requirements can be verified.
Write routine reports: Compose routine reports; identify appropriate forms or documents to record data from manual inspections and/or electronic systems. Write clear observations as required. A written report is usually a summary of readings from the routine performance of the reticulation system.
Monitor nuclear power plant systems: Control nuclear plant systems, such as ventilation and water draining systems, to ensure proper functioning and identify irregularities.
Test instrumentation equipment: Check the instrumentation equipment for accuracy and performance using pneumatic, electronic, and electrical test and measuring equipment and hand tools.
Test electronic units: Test electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.

2149 – Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified

 

 

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References

1. Test engineer – ESCO