Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer)

SQA engineer is someone who assures the quality of an application under test (AUT) by applying various SQA processes. It is a process-oriented role that focuses on adherence of standard guidelines, procedures, and processes from the development to the testing phase. This role involves periodic reviews, walkthroughs, inspections, and internal audits of all the artifacts and processes involved in the software development.

From a testing point of view, an SQA engineer perform periodic inspection of the test plan, test cases, requirement traceability matrix, test design documents, bug reports, delivery notes, QA release notes, etc.

DAR- (Decision Analysis and Resolution), project charter, version control, configuration management, and change request are other areas that have to be taken care of by an SQA from the process point of view.

The core objective of these process implementations is to have a proactive approach that ensures a bug-free and quality product in the first place.

Difference between Test engineer and SQA Engineer

Generally, a test engineer or simply a tester is focused more on the validation part i.e. comparing the expected with the actuals. He assures the compliance of the application for functional, and non-functional aspects. The core functions of the application should comply with the requirement, tasks, and activities the AUT is supposed to do. To assure this he runs the validations against various functional scenarios and use cases. Every validation must be passed. The coverage should be 100%. Work closely with the product owner on the use cases and user stories.
Whereas the basic non-functional aspect of the application must also be satisfied. for e.g. load bearing capacity in prod env. where the number of actual users is very high and uncertain.
Security and usability are other non-functional aspects that a test analyst or a test engineer has to take care of.

An SQA engineer on the other hand is focused on the verification and process implementation part. SQA is highly employed in CMMI-level companies that have to adhere to the processes as mandated by the CMMI. They have to make sure, every process is followed and artifacts are in place before the final audit.
The core responsibility of an SQA engineer is to analyze and identifies the gap in the specified process area and develop a process engineering methodology for developing software. The lesson learned at this step forms the basis for any future decisions that significantly impact an organization.

Prerequisite to becoming an SQA:

1. A thorough understanding of the software development life cycle.

2. Well-acquainted with every phase of the test life cycle.

3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Disclaimer:- The designation and terminology of an SQA may differ from organization to organization. Some may use different terminology for this role.