Some industries that require test engineers include the military, electronics, and software manufacturers. Most facilities that offer multiple test engineer jobs are in the manufacturing sector. For example, a company that makes engine parts may need a test engineer in the fuel injection section as well as one in the section that makes the circuit boards to control the fuel injectors. The test engineer in the fuel injection section generally needs a mechanical background; the one in the circuit board section needs electronic aptitude.
Test engineer jobs are common in many different fields, including manufacturing and service companies. Generally, test engineers develop a company's test procedures or methodology, design test equipment, and perform other jobs that management requires. Although most companies require a bachelor of science degree, the educational and work experience requirements vary.
Typically, test engineer jobs are more prevalent in the manufacturing industry. Tests help a company monitor the product quality and often test engineers' work in the quality department. A test engineer or manufacturing engineer may be responsible for designing and constructing the test equipment. After implementing the testing, an engineer monitors the test results and uses the information to improve either the testing equipment or the manufacturing process or both.
By reducing testing costs and times, a test engineer may be able to increase the product yields. Frequently, this will increase the company's profit margin. Test engineer jobs often include decision-making tasks, which is one of the reasons companies require applicants to have experience in the industry. Knowledge of manufacturing practices, such as lean manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma, is a plus when applying for test engineer jobs.
Test engineers sometimes double as department leads, especially if it is the test department. He or she may schedule labor, material handling, and equipment use. Often this position requires engineer to write reports, lead meetings, and perform other supervisory jobs.
Often a company's research and development section includes test engineer jobs. In larger facilities, this may mean that the engineer works only with new products. Typically, engineers in smaller facilities work on new and existing products. The challenge is to design tests and procedures that will improve and update the existing products. For example, in the fuel injection industry, the newer injectors may be required to burn ethanol fuel efficiently. An engineer must improve the testing equipment to comply with this new requisite.
The types of experience that employers may require for test engineer jobs are varied. For example, one manufacturer may prefer that applicants have experience in military or aerospace electronics. Another company may need for its test engineers to have airplane cockpit experience or knowledge. Sometimes companies have atypical requirements, such as expecting an employee to be able to get a government security clearance.
