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Software test engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Travis Mandel Ph.D.,

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical software test engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for software test engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.0% of software test engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software test engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software test engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how software test engineers use python:

Developed Test Automation Script in Python for Multimedia and Camera.
Developed UI automation test infrastructure using python and selenium.

2. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how software test engineers use java:

Designed, developed and implemented MVC Pattern based Keyword Driven automation testing framework utilizing Java, TestNG and Selenium WebDriver.
Developed high quality automated testing framework algorithms using PL/SQL databases and Java based in IntelliJ and Selenium.

3. Test Automation

Here's how software test engineers use test automation:

Developed test automation with Mercury and Rational tools on multiple Visual Basic and Visual C++ applications that controlled custom hardware configurations.
Created Test Automation to facilitate high density testing of assigned components across multiple servers configured in various Active Directory topology scenarios.

4. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how software test engineers use c++:

Tested the anti-spam software and created two programs to send and classify the emails in the database using C++, MFC.
Designed and implemented module test procedures in Microsoft Visual C++ to certify code for Boeing 747/767/757 cockpit control and display accessory.

5. C #

Here's how software test engineers use c #:

Designed/maintained automation using in-house C # automation library.
Created unit test in C # VSTS (Visual studio Team System testing) 2008 and was responsible for code coverage.

6. Regression

Here's how software test engineers use regression:

Developed fully automated/semi-automated regression test suites.
Developed testing framework to validate application at transaction level and conducted Functional and Regression Testing using QTP and identified application errors.

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7. Test Results

Here's how software test engineers use test results:

Analyze manufacturing test results for high-capacity/high-throughput/high-reliability digital storage systems.
Coordinated and executed performance test execution using Load Runner, Prepared Performance Test Completion Report and Analysis of performance test results.

8. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how software test engineers use linux:

Performed Linux shell scripting tasks by executing basic commands, analyzing admin console and network configuration.
Developed automation scripts and applications to improve test efficiency across Linux and Windows platforms.

9. QA

QA, or Quality Assurance is a procedure that entails all of the steps taken to avoid any errors in the manufacturing process or in the production of the goods that a company produces. It can also include ensuring the consistency of the services rendered. Quality assurance ensures that the quality of the service delivered to consumers meets or exceeds the promised expectations. This greatly aids in the prevention of any complications that might arise after the goods or services have been distributed. It makes sure that customers are satisfied.

Here's how software test engineers use qa:

Experienced in Manual and Automated Quality Assurance testing of Client/Server, Web applications: Responsibilities included configuring WinRunner and QA Partner.
Developed and implemented quality-assurance and quality-control methodologies to ensure compliance with QA standards, federal regulations and customer specifications.

10. Test Scripts

Test scripts validate the quality of the software or app being tested. An effective test script has all the steps to be taken to use a software program as well as the ending result of each step.

Here's how software test engineers use test scripts:

Executed automated test scripts using common scripting languages at both unit and system level for connectivity/media/networking and diagnostics/navigation features.
Excelled at designing automation test scripts and managing testing activities using quality center.

11. Jira

Here's how software test engineers use jira:

Test connectivity of all environment servers periodically JIRA Administrator:.
Managed test case defect management reporting utilizing JIRA and Bugzilla

12. Scrum

Scrum is a lean structure for communicating, designing, and promoting complex products, with a focus on programming development. It has been applied to a variety of areas, including manufacturing, testing, new technology, and marketing techniques. Scrum is a simple framework that helps people, organizations, and teams generate value by providing many solutions to complicated problems.

Here's how software test engineers use scrum:

Followed agile methodology, participated and communicated in daily scrum meetings.
Gained full understanding of the modern SDLC, as well as Waterfall, Agile Scrum, Spiral, and U models.

13. JavaScript

Here's how software test engineers use javascript:

Hand-coded classic JavaScript and custom JavaScript objects used exclusively for client-side web interface development.
Carried out performance and reliability tests on GoodHopper automation tool in JavaScript.

14. Jenkins

Jenkins is an open source automation server that is free to use. It aids continuous deployment and execution by automating the aspects of product creation related to building, analyzing, and deploying. It is a system based on the server that runs in servlet containers like Apache Tomcat. Jenkins is a Java-based fully accessible automation platform with plugins designed for Continuous Integration.

Here's how software test engineers use jenkins:

Executed automated tests in appropriate test regions and supported continuous integration testing using Jenkins.
Introduced automation test cases into Jenkins and improved day-to-day build performances.

15. UI

Here's how software test engineers use ui:

Developed selenium automated tests for testing application UI operation.
Created test cases for PET scanning devices in Quality Center, and wrote UI testing tools using Quick Test Pro software.

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What skills help Software Test Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on software test engineer resumes?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

The number one thing that employers typically look for is a project that demonstrates your ability to program something new and useful. The best projects are ones that someone undertakes independently or with a small group of others - if it is the latter, you need to clarify what you contributed. It's even better if you include a link to public code on Github so that employers can look around your Github page and get a sense of your coding style. A working demo is also very impressive. Ideally, this wouldn't be something you were forced to do for a class but rather something you took the independent initiative to do.

College GPA doesn't matter as much as people think it does - most companies care much more about what you can do than how well you did in class. Unless it is extremely low, it shouldn't be a problem. Listing courses can be useful, but even better would be listing skills you learned in classes. For instance, the class "Artificial Intelligence" means completely different things at institutions. So employers may not necessarily understand what skills you learned in that class unless you highlight them.

What soft skills should all software test engineers possess?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.

Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.

What hard/technical skills are most important for software test engineers?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Being comfortable with refactoring code is definitely one of the big ones here. Absolutely no one writes perfect code right off the bat - a good software engineer should recognize that and always be open and receptive to suggestions about improving their code. Even in the absence of such suggestions, a software engineer must be able to independently recognize that "the tower is about to fall over"! Meaning, if the code is turning into a real mess, a good software engineer will be able to realize that and independently begin refactoring it into a better state, even if that takes time away from implementing new features.

Another one I'll mention briefly is designing class inheritance diagrams to solve a new problem. The right structure here can allow components to be easily re-used and extended. But the wrong structure can lead to disastrous consequences, so it requires a lot of thought about how things will likely evolve in the future.

What software test engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Anmol Dash

Adjunct Professor in Information Systems + Software Engineer (My full time job), University of Phoenix - Maryland Campus

I have seen mixed responses on this, but in general it is important at each stage of your career, some may say that it is always better to jump ship and job hop every 2-3 years but that is not always the case, sometimes staying at a company, assuming you are seeing growth and are being valued for your leadership, may also pay dividends. There is no one size fits all, but always make sure that you are being fairly valued at your current employer.

What type of skills will young software test engineers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok Song

Associate Professor of Engineering, John Brown University

As it always has been, the ability to communicate with others would be a critical skill for college graduates. Additionally, it will be more necessary for professionals to work cross-culturally, as the U.S. is becoming more diverse.

What technical skills for a software test engineer stand out to employers?

John Russo

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Computer Science, Landmark College

As I mentioned above, the ability to adapt to change. My favorite course is database management systems. I tell my students that the software that we use today likely will not be around for the entire span of their careers. They really need to learn how to quickly work with new technologies, languages and systems. In the span of my career much has changed. I have always found new technologies exciting and refreshing. Employers want to hire graduates who have a set of technical skills in programming languages, database management systems and techniques (such as data mining) but also can learn on the job and be excited to learn new things.

Do you want to know more?

List of software test engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a software test engineer resume and required skills for a software test engineer to have include:

Python
Java
Test Automation
C++
C #
Regression
Test Results
Linux
QA
Test Scripts
Jira
Scrum
JavaScript
Jenkins
UI
API
Manual Test Cases

Test Data
Selenium Webdriver
Object Oriented Programming
SQL Server
Debugging
Test Suites
Unix
Test Scenarios
Test Reports
Backend
Android
Api Testing
Test Execution
Bug Reports
SDLC
Perl
Cucumber

Automation Scripts
Junit
HTML
OS
XML
Web Application
User Interface
End Testing
Test Strategy
Ruby
User Acceptance
TestNG
Windows XP
TFS
Confluence
Azure

Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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