In the Marine Corps:
Applications Developer; Aviation Logistics Information Management System (ALIMS) Specialist; Intelligence Software/Security Engineer; Management, Data Systems Officer
In the Navy:
Automatic Data Processing Intelligence Officer; CVN Propulsion Plant Local Area Network (PPLAN) Manager; Computer Network Capability Development; Cryptologic Infrastructure Maintenance Supervisor; Cyber RandD Specialist; Fire Controlman; Submarine Carry-On Equipment (COE) Privileged Access Technician; Submarine Carry-On Equipment (COE) Supervisor; Submarine Carry-On Equipment (COE) Team Leader; Surface Cryptologic Carry-On Program (CCOP) Director
Software quality assurance engineers and testers work to identify glitches and errors that prevent apps and computer programs from working as intended. In the past, software quality assurance may have relied more on large groups of individual testers but now engineers create automated programs to discover weaknesses in software they’re developing. As part of sometimes large development teams, these engineers design testing plans and procedures, monitor the results for any bugs they uncover, and begin the process of solving the design flaws that cause the problems. Strong attention to detail and rigorous documentation are important to ensure that programs aren’t published with bugs or bad code. Typically, quality assurance engineers and testers work in offices, often as part of large teams. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important to coordinate testing and ensure that all issues are caught. Software quality assurance testers and engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a field related to software development. Applicants with additional industry certifications and knowledge of a variety of programming languages and troubleshooting techniques may find it easier to find employment.
What they do:
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
On the job, you would:
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
reading work related information
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability
You might use software like this on the job:
Development environment software
Apache Subversion SVN
Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE
Data base user interface and query software
Apache Hive
Blackboard software
Program testing software
JUnit
Selenium
bachelor's degree or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.