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What does a senior test systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
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Senior test systems engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior test systems engineer resumes:

  • 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.
  • Used VxWorks (Linux base) as operating system and Level7 software.7.
  • Adapt compiler make files for test solution migration from obsolete HPUX controllers to Linux.
  • End to end debugging and problems analysis as going along during the life of deployment.
  • Perform QA testing on firmware, power electronics, efficiency, ZigBee communication and PLC (power line communication).
  • Perform debugging and troubleshooting of cell phone power management devices verifying current sourcing, sinking, and alarms trip points.
  • Work as a system test engineer intern at Samsung on LTE capable CDMA android mobile devices on Verizon wireless network.
  • Enforce establish processes for QA such as test case documentation, test case execution and organization, QA status, etc.
  • Generate semi-automated tests using LabView.
  • Improve RF sensitivity and data integrity.
  • Run regression on previously develop test procedure and modify them if necessary.
  • Document and track associated bug fixes performing subsequent regression tests and ensure bug resolutions.

Senior test systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Senior Test Systems Engineers are proficient in Python, Test Procedures, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Senior Test Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 11%

    Trained our staff on programming in Python and how to write efficient scripts using the libraries that I developed.

  • Test Procedures, 6%

    Perform analysis of test procedures and validation of system performance in lab assuring performance is consistent with actual aircraft operation.

  • Java, 6%

    Set up MySQL server and wrote Java code to enter test results and to access results for creating reports.

  • Test Equipment, 5%

    Designed and implemented automated test equipment to meet acceptance requirements for missile subsystems.

  • RF, 4%

    Design, develop and test electronic configurations based on Military standards for Computer RF network development.

  • DOD, 4%

    Developed repeatable processes and support documentation for integration of Ground System Enterprise resources into a new DOD facility.

Most senior test systems engineers use their skills in "python," "test procedures," and "java" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior test systems engineer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior test systems engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Senior test systems engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "pioneered system design verification testing strategy and executed design verification tests for high bandwidth wireless data transport systems. "

Communication skills. Many senior test systems engineer duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a senior test systems engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior test systems engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "performed qa testing on firmware, power electronics, efficiency, zigbee communication and plc (power line communication). "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior test systems engineers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior test systems engineer duties, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "coordinated with developers and record defects in jira to track until they are resolved. "

Most common senior test systems engineer skills

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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
Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
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Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume
Senior Test Systems Engineer Resume

Compare different senior test systems engineers

Senior test systems engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

The annual salary of engineers is $16,088 lower than the average salary of senior test systems engineers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both senior test systems engineer and engineer positions are skilled in python, test procedures, and java.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior test systems engineer are more likely to require skills like "dod," "test data," "test scripts," and "system integration." On the other hand, a job as an engineer requires skills like "cloud," "c #," "aws," and "troubleshoot." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $97,672. On the other hand, senior test systems engineers are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $109,575.The education levels that engineers earn slightly differ from senior test systems engineers. In particular, engineers are 7.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior test systems engineer. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior test systems engineer vs. Lead engineer

A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.

On average, lead engineers earn a $23,238 lower salary than senior test systems engineers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both senior test systems engineers and lead engineers have skills such as "python," "test procedures," and "java. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, senior test systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "test equipment," "test data," "test scripts," and "system integration." Meanwhile, a lead engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "architecture," "c #," "javascript," and "git." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, lead engineers earn a lower salary than senior test systems engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, lead engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $110,872. Whereas senior test systems engineers have higher pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $109,575.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Lead engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than senior test systems engineers. In fact, they're 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior test systems engineer vs. Systems tester

A systems tester is an information technology expert who specializes in developing test structures to identify the strengths and weaknesses of systems and software. They primarily work to identify and eliminate bugs to ensure quality and client satisfaction. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing reports and findings. Furthermore, as a systems tester, it is essential to recommend solutions against problem areas, all while adhering to the project's budgets and the company's policies and regulations.

On average scale, systems testers bring in lower salaries than senior test systems engineers. In fact, they earn a $12,331 lower salary per year.By looking over several senior test systems engineers and systems testers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "python," "test procedures," and "java." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior test systems engineer resumes include skills like "test equipment," "rf," "dod," and "test cases," whereas a systems tester is more likely to list skills in "c #," "test automation," "selenium," and "scrum. "

Systems testers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $104,166. Comparatively, senior test systems engineers have the highest earning potential in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $109,575.Most systems testers achieve a lower degree level compared to senior test systems engineers. For example, they're 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior test systems engineer vs. Principal software engineer

A Principal Software Engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of an organization's projects. They diagnose, document, and troubleshoot systems to resolve problems identified through testing, as well as implement strategies to improve integration and efficiency.

Principal software engineers tend to earn a higher pay than senior test systems engineers by an average of $26,065 per year.While their salaries may vary, senior test systems engineers and principal software engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "python," "java," and "c++. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between senior test systems engineers and principal software engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a senior test systems engineer might have more use for skills like "test procedures," "test equipment," "rf," and "dod." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of principal software engineers require skills like "software development," "object oriented programming," "aws," and "git. "

In general, principal software engineers earn the most working in the retail industry, with an average salary of $154,293. The highest-paying industry for a senior test systems engineer is the telecommunication industry.principal software engineers reach similar levels of education compared to senior test systems engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 4.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior test systems engineer

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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