Two paired JDs: Test Technician and Test Lead.
The entry-level role and the role that grows them.
Paired job descriptions for Test Technician (entry-level) and Test Lead (experienced). Useful as hiring-panel reference material, as exercise material in interview training, and as a reminder of what ladder progression looks like inside a test team.
Key Takeaways
Four things to remember.
The technician role is a career entry point
Organized, responsible, follows direction, eager to learn. Do not gate it on credentials you do not need.
The lead role is experienced, not just senior
Four-plus years, including lead roles. Leading test work is a demonstrable skill, not a title transition.
Domain knowledge is named explicitly
Windows, Internet technologies, e-commerce. When domain matters, name it. When it does not, say "domain is teachable".
Non-core expectations belong in "Other"
Shift work, travel, on-call — surface these up front in their own section so they do not ambush anyone late in the funnel.
Overview
These two JDs are intentionally short. They were written as interview-training exercises — "here is the role, write the phone-screen questions" — and that brevity makes them useful reference points when you need to calibrate an open req quickly.
Use them as a sanity check: if your real JD for the same title is more than twice this long, look hard at what is in the extra weight.
01
Test Technician — Roles and Responsibilities
- Participate in test case development and execution in a Windows/Web environment.
- Assist the lead test engineer in gathering and formatting information for test results reporting.
02
Test Technician — Education
Degree or technical certification desirable but not required.
03
Test Technician — Experience
- Previous experience in test engineering, developing and executing test cases, test tools, and test suites is a plus.
- Windows test experience or knowledge of Windows technology required.
- Familiarity with Internet technologies like HTML, streaming audio/video, browsers, etc., required.
- Internet test experience highly desirable.
- Experience with e-commerce highly desirable.
04
Test Technician — Expertise Required
Ideal position for new-career or second-career person looking to enter the software business. Be organized, responsible, able to take and follow directions, and eager to learn.
05
Test Technician — Other
- Dress is business-casual.
- Position may require some evening or graveyard test shift work.
06
Test Lead — Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead test case development and execution by less-experienced test engineers and technicians in a Windows/Web environment.
- Assist the test manager in reporting test results to management and technical staff.
07
Test Lead — Education
B.Sc. in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering, or two additional years experience, or tester certification.
08
Test Lead — Experience
- Four+ years experience in test engineering, developing and executing test cases, test tools, and test suites, including lead roles.
- Windows test experience and knowledge of Windows technology required.
- Familiarity with Internet technologies like HTML, streaming audio/video, browsers, etc., required.
- Internet test experience highly desirable.
- Experience with e-commerce highly desirable.
09
Test Lead — Expertise Required
A demonstrated career commitment to testing and/or quality assurance is preferred. The candidate should show a familiarity with state-of-the-art testing theory and practice, and be able to discuss how she applied the ideas in her previous positions.
10
Test Lead — Other
Dress is business-casual and hours are flexible. Some weekends and evenings will be required. Lead may need to provide direction to evening or graveyard test shift.
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