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What is a test & development engineer and how to become one
Test and development engineers work in a variety of fields. Any organization or company manufacturing products needs test and development engineers. Think of your favorite kitchenware, t-shirt, shampoo, or any other product you use - a test and development engineer makes sure those products make your MUST-HAVE list! Why not carry your high-quality tastes and expectations into your job role and become a test and development engineer!
Your role includes overseeing and conducting final quality assurance checks on products before they leave from company premises or factories to go to the public for purchase. As a test and development engineer, you have the responsiblity to thoroughly check the materials, procedures, and mechanical systems to ensure that high-quality, functional products head to the customers. Moreover, you run tests on the products and their various components and features. You analyze your test results, identify technical issues, and recommend changes to fix issues in the production line to improve the quality of the product. Essential skills required to execute these responsibilities include analytical, troubleshooting, attention to detail, communication, and problem solving.
To qualify for this position, you will need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a similar field. Additional certifications in quality assurance will be advantageous. Previous experience in a similar role is also expected. The average hourly pay for this position is $42.59, which amounts to more than $88,000 annually.
What general advice would you give to a test & development engineer?
Daniel Armentrout
Clinical Associate Professor/Associate Chair
Avg. Salary $80,977
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
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%
Genderfemale 11.59%
male 88.41%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Test & development engineer career paths
Key steps to become a test & development engineer
Explore test & development engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific test & development engineer skills
Skills Percentages Python 9.96% Test Equipment 5.99% Test Development 5.85% RF 5.72% Java 4.39% Complete relevant test & development engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New test & development 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 test & development engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real test & development engineer resumes.Research test & development engineer duties and responsibilities
- Lead successful completion of sterility assurance tests for particulate (ISO 8536-4, USP788), and microbial ingress.
- Develop TestStand and LabVIEW code to completely automate calibration and functional test station.
- Lead LabVIEW program development for high temperature camber measurement and steam generation analysis tools.
- Utilize SolidWorks software to design and analyze 3-D models of test fixtures.
Prepare your test & development engineer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your test & development engineer resume.
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Apply for test & development engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a test & development engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average test & development engineer salary
The average test & development engineer salary in the United States is $80,977 per year or $39 per hour. Test & development engineer salaries range between $61,000 and $106,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
