How To Become A Technical Testing Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a technical testing engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Julie Brandis

The role of a technical testing engineer is to evaluate, inspect, and report on the quality and functionality of products and applications before releasing them to customers. These professionals work in a variety of fields, ranging from computer software to the automotive industry, but most often work with computer-related products.

Technical testing engineers follow testing protocols, test procedures, materials, computer hardware, and software, as well as mechanical systems to ensure that quality products are delivered to customers. These individuals are trained to identify and resolve product issues and train other team members to ensure compliance throughout the production phase.

Technical testing engineers should be adept at problem-solving and possess strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills. These professionals may work in an office setting or on a manufacturing floor and be able to detect issues and identify root causes. Technical testing engineers also provide technical support to other teams, propose solutions, and may offer suggestions to improve quality and performance. They also enforce safety measures, help assess risks, and provide detailed documentation of test findings.

Many technical testing engineers have a bachelor's in computer science, engineering, or a related field, but an advanced degree is not necessarily a requirement if the individual has comparable knowledge and skills. Technical testing engineers can make up to $66,000 a year, and the job field is expected to grow 8% in the US by 2028.

What general advice would you give to a technical testing engineer?

Julie Brandis

Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Website

Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.

ScoreTechnical Testing EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.9

Avg. Salary $88,367

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 11.84%

Black or African American 4.88%

Hispanic or Latino 12.00%

Unknown 3.97%

White 67.13%

Gender

female 10.29%

male 89.71%

Age - 41

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 - 41

Stress level

7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a technical testing engineer

Explore technical testing engineer education requirements

Most common technical testing engineer degrees

Associate

47.3 %

Bachelor's

41.3 %

Master's

3.5 %

Start to develop specific technical testing engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Test Results	6.83%
Schematics	6.64%
Test Procedures	5.64%
Test Data	4.06%
Test Fixtures	4.04%

Complete relevant technical testing engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical testing 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 technical testing engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical testing engineer resumes.

Research technical testing engineer duties and responsibilities

Design circuitry and write software to automate the testing of microwave data transmitters.
Lead project team to design and FDA validate 10-up extreme accuracy vial dosing system and CIP/SIP automate cleaning equipment.
Use of digital storage oscilloscopes to trace digital and analog signals during component level troubleshooting and system level integration and test.
Assist engineers with CE, and UL certifications.

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