What does a test operator do?
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
Test operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real test operator resumes:
- Box build sub-assembly level by solder wire into connector, lead, and fan according to MPI and visuals aid.
- Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
- Work include new lay, tie-ins, repairs, CTS stations, ETS stations.
- Install the new version software operation windows.
- Complete NDT inspections using multiple inspection methods.
- Trouble shoots and repair ICT failures to component level.
- Work with inventory cycle counts, QC hold parts.
- Utilize a windows base computer system to operate test stand.
- Perform a variety of tests and install PCB boards on the hard drives.
- Pack complete PC boards in cartons to be ship to warehouse or customer.
- Employ math formulas to determine oil, water and gas production of oil wells.
- Perform different tests, such as ICT and FVT for different types of assemblies.
- Perform rework by checking inside drive, replace seal label, and PC boards.
- Perform operation of CNC's, mills, lathes, and other production machinery.
- Operate forklifts, hoists and other material handling equipment safely receiving high marks in performance.
Test operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Test Operators are proficient in Test Equipment, Hand Tools, and Test Procedures. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Physical strength, and Technical skills.
We break down the percentage of Test Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Test Equipment, 9%
Performed Final Quality Control testing for both Manufacturing and Customer Service Field Returns using system level diagnostics and automated test equipment.
- Hand Tools, 7%
Assemble wire and cable, read blueprint, soldering through holes, surface mount, build harness, used hand tools.
- Test Procedures, 6%
Set up and conduct routine repetitive test on final assemblies using electronic testing equipment following established test procedures.
- Test Results, 5%
Qualified to accept or reject tubes based on specification requirements, recorded data and notify supervisor of any unusual test results.
- Safety Rules, 4%
Maintain and follow up the importance of ISO, ESD, and Safety Rules.
- Circuit Boards, 4%
Recorded defective circuit boards and communicated with technicians to resolve any issues
Most test operators use their skills in "test equipment," "hand tools," and "test procedures" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential test operator responsibilities here:
Physical strength. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling test operator duties is physical strength. The role rewards competence in this skill because "quality control inspectors may be required to lift or maneuver heavy production materials or finished products." According to a test operator resume, here's how test operators can utilize physical strength in their job responsibilities: "maintain documentation on test results by inputting information into database, and perform physical inspection and cleaning of assemblies. "
Technical skills. This is an important skill for test operators to perform their duties. For an example of how test operator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "to ensure that products and parts meet quality standards, inspectors must understand the relevant blueprints, technical documents, and manuals." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a test operator: "provide technical support to a product line and work cell; experienced with ess and related test systems. ".
Math skills. A big part of what test operators do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to test operator responsibilities because "knowledge of basic math is important for measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications in quality control testing." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical test operator tasks: "created and maintained batch records and used math skills such as fractions, percents and multiplying. "
Mechanical skills. Another crucial skill for a test operator to carry out their responsibilities is "mechanical skills." A big part of what test operators relies on this skill, since "quality control inspectors use tools and machinery when testing products." How this skill relates to test operator duties can be seen in an example from a test operator resume snippet: "test operator, ict operator, mechanical assembly, pulling part and count. "
The three companies that hire the most test operators are:
- Deloitte37 test operators jobs
- Parker Hannifin17 test operators jobs
- Select Energy Services13 test operators jobs
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Compare different test operators
Test operator vs. Quality control inspector
Quality control associate scientist roles require good observation, critical thinking, and communication skills, in addition to knowledge of procedures and chemistry. They assist in laboratory experiments and research, while working in a team or independently. Working with the lead scientist, associates may compile reports of their data findings.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between test operators and quality control inspector. For instance, test operator responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "test procedures," "safety rules," and "math." Whereas a quality control inspector is skilled in "calipers," "magnetic particle," "quality products," and "micrometers." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Quality control inspectors earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $42,355. On the other hand, test operators are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $44,634.quality control inspectors tend to reach similar levels of education than test operators. In fact, quality control inspectors are 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Test operator vs. Quality assurance inspector
Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures. They also have in-depth knowledge of the expected outcomes of such processes to ensure that the company only provides quality products and services. Quality assurance auditors are also familiar with regulatory laws and policies of governing bodies that oversee companies in their particular industry. They ensure that their companies are compliant and may conduct random quality checks every now and then.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that test operator responsibilities requires skills like "hand tools," "test procedures," "safety rules," and "windows." But a quality assurance inspector might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "calipers," "micrometers," "corrective action," and "safety standards."
On average, quality assurance inspectors earn a higher salary than test operators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, quality assurance inspectors earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $48,138. Whereas test operators have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $44,634.In general, quality assurance inspectors achieve similar levels of education than test operators. They're 1.8% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Test operator vs. Certified welding inspector
A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment. Moreover, a certified welding inspector also helps welders by developing welding techniques to optimize operations, teaching the correct welding practices, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a test operator is likely to be skilled in "test equipment," "hand tools," "test procedures," and "test results," while a typical certified welding inspector is skilled in "cwi," "pt," "structural steel," and "ndt."
When it comes to education, certified welding inspectors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to test operators. In fact, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Test operator vs. Quality inspector
A Quality Control Inspector is responsible for making sure that the manufactured products in a particular company or organization are up to standard and adheres to the rules and regulations. They continuously monitor production operations where they manually inspect products, accepting and rejecting those that do not meet the standard quality, and provide recommendations should it be necessary. Moreover, the Quality Control Inspectors coordinates with workers to ensure improvements, and with management to report the results.
Types of test operator
Updated January 8, 2025
