Get That Job: How to be QA test engineer

Engine Room Games’ Sam Bickley offers bite-size tips on getting a job as a QA test engineer.

What is your job role?
I’m currently a QA test engineer, working at Engine Room Games on the implementation of all PlayStation platforms for Unity. I provide triage on the many enquiries we receive from developers, but also do a lot of work testing both existing and new features of the game engine for the platforms.

How would someone come to be in your role?
Keeping an open mind to what career roles you want to go in to and knowing the right people has got me to where I am today. I originally completed a BA degree in Games Design at Staffordshire University and began working as a junior animator, but over time found myself migrating to a position as a technical artist. Things have only continued to become more technical and varied as time has gone on, which has really helped me in my current position.

What qualifications and/or experience do you need?
Because of the sheer variety of work this role entails, having experience in a number of fields is really helpful. Most university courses provide a broad enough selection of modules so that you won’t be blind to any one area, and having a mixture of technical and artistic knowledge is very beneficial. Ideally you’ll have done some work in QA before, and be familiar with the processes involved. However, anything is possible if can show you’re a quick and willing learner.

If you’re interviewing someone to join your team what do you look for?
They’ve got to be the right person for the team: you’ve got to be able to properly communicate and get along with everyone you’re working with. After that, I’d really be looking for someone who’s flexible enough to deal with anything that comes our way, but also genuinely enthusiastic about the work they’d be doing.

Why choose to follow a career in your field?
If you want to expand your knowledge in all fields of development and get involved in a variety of projects, then this is the career for you. You see issues arrive that are complete show-stoppers for developers trying to get their games in to submission, apply what you know and then work with your team to provide a solution for the developers.