A Test Engineer is essential in the IT industry and is responsible for ensuring that an automated product is working according to plan. Someone in this position may perform a range of tasks such as; confirming that a product operates according to design, or providing technical expertise in product knowledge. They may also be required to prepare accurate estimates of test progress as well as writing test plans and procedures.
Often involved from the early design stage, a Test Engineer will work with or as part of the new product introduction (NPI) group. This is to ensure that a product is designed for both testability and manufacturability; in other words, to make sure that the product can be readily tested and built.
Test Engineers may also serve as a liaison between design engineering, manufacturing, sales engineering and marketing communities. The testing of software during development and recording results are also essential tasks within these jobs, so technical knowledge of specific products is also required.