What does a Quality Engineer do?
A quality engineer is responsible for the generation of a strategic plan to improve the business processes and increase production output. Duties include creating the company's quality standards and testing systems to reflect efficiency, reliability and performance. Quality engineers are also responsible for the creation of documentation that reports issues and errors relating to the production process with efforts placed to find a solution. Depending on the industry and organization, the typical career advancement for a quality engineer is in a managerial or executive position.
A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is often required for the job of a quality engineer with most companies expressing a preference for a master's degree. A successful track record working as a quality engineer is also often required by hiring managers. Other valuable skills include a high proficiency in computer technology including Microsoft Office applications and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Develop inspection methods to analyze product quality
- Improve product quality by making recommendations for change
- Work together with relevant teams and departments to improve products
- Ensure products adhere to company and industry quality standards
- Brainstorm ideas to create solutions for identified problems
- Formulate a strategic plan to increase productivity in the business
- Document results and findings after inspections are carried out
- Implement a working system to ensure conformity and accuracy in the production process
- Master's degree in engineering preferred
- Extensive experience in a quality assurance environment required
- High proficiency in computer technology and systems operations
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- In-depth understanding of industry market trends and conditions
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Able to work efficiently in a team environment
- Basic mathematical arithmetic skills
Quality Engineer Salaries
Average Base Pay
Quality Engineer Career Path
Learn how to become a Quality Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Quality Engineer Insights
Tavant“Have good work life balance (depends on projects but most of them are good).”
McAfee“Otherwise you will end up doing same work again and again which is not good for your career.”
BD“Can transfer internally to another position to advance your career or diversify your portfolio if the direct boss is good and supportive.”
United States Steel“This is a good place to start your career and move on after 3 years.”
Autoliv“There is a great team that will work with you and wants to teach you what they know.”
“I got good opportunities to work in interesting projects and interacted with product development companies directly.”
Ashriya Infotech“Good payment for your work and recognizes you if you and your work are worth of.”
PrinterLogic“The CEO is an egomaniac and his 'executive' friends have no clue what they're doing.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Quality Engineer
When working as a Quality Engineer, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Lean Six Sigma, Problem Solving, Written Communication, Audit and APQP.
- QA Analyst
- QA Engineer
- Quality Manager
- QA Manager
The most common qualifications to become a Quality Engineer is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.