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What is a senior test systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Laura A. Meyer M. Ed.,
Christian Hansen Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a senior test systems engineer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $52.0 an hour? That's $108,165 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a senior test systems engineer?

Laura A. Meyer M. Ed.Laura A. Meyer M. Ed. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Northeastern University

I tell my students often do not give up! Resilience is so important right now and with that comes being mindful about how they are applying to positions and to what positions they are applying. Really crafting their resumes and cover letters for each position they are applying is very important. Also, stay sharp - keep honing your skills and be consistent about doing so.
ScoreSenior Test Systems EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.8

Avg. Salary $108,165

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.1

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 21.70%

male 78.30%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior test systems engineer career paths

Key steps to become a senior test systems engineer

  1. Explore senior test systems engineer education requirements

    Most common senior test systems engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.1 %

    Master's

    20.4 %

    Associate

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior test systems engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Python10.78%
    Test Procedures5.78%
    Java5.67%
    Test Equipment4.75%
    RF4.38%
  3. Complete relevant senior test systems engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior test systems engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior test systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior test systems engineer resumes.
  4. Research senior test systems engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Construct and manage a complete VMware environment for testing multiple Openstack instances of different configurations.
    • Set up MySQL server and write Java code to enter test results and to access results for creating reports.
    • Test mesh network RF devices for embed Linux smart power meter devices and enter results into SQL test plan.
    • Develop the HMI object in Java.
  5. Get senior test systems engineer experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a senior test systems engineer. The most common roles before becoming a senior test systems engineer include test engineer, senior test engineer team lead and system test engineer.
  6. Prepare your senior test systems engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior test systems engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior test systems engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior test systems engineer resume templates

    Build a professional senior test systems engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior test systems engineer resume.
    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
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    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
    Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
  7. Apply for senior test systems engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior test systems engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior test systems engineer job

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Average senior test systems engineer salary

The average senior test systems engineer salary in the United States is $108,165 per year or $52 per hour. Senior test systems engineer salaries range between $85,000 and $136,000 per year.

Average senior test systems engineer salary
$108,165 Yearly
$52.00 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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