Working Life

The Test lead is responsible for managing the individual members of the testing team.Test leads must estimate and obtain management support for the time, resources and budget required to perform the testing of software. Test leads must create testing metrics and reports.

The test lead must review test deliverables, defects and test results, identify risks and put measures in place to prevent glitches in the software.

Test leads must work with technical writers and business analysts to execute assembly and performance tests for software products.

Test Engineers perform similar duties, however, they would come from an engineering background with the ability to read engineering schematics and blueprints.

Tasks and Activities:

• Guide and monitor the analysis, design, implementation and execution of the test cases, test procedures and test suites

• Reviewing test cases, test case preparation, estimation, planning, reporting

• Taking control of product quality assurance

• They schedule the tests for execution and then they monitor, measure, control and report on the test progress, the product quality status and the test results, adapting the test plan and compensating as needed to adjust to evolving conditions

• Planning, development and execution of manual, automated test suits for web application

• Inspecting and testing materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications

• Writing test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or repairs needed.

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming

Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximising the effective manufacture of products.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Computer Programming – Knowledge of a broad range of computer programmes and systems

English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language with a high level of written competency necessary.

Skills

Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products to evaluate quality or performance.

Leadership – effectively leading a testing team and fulfilling the leadership role of a manager.

Effective communication skills – required to manage the testing team effectively. You will be required to write detailed technical reports.

Strong verbal communication skills - in order to report your test findings with other engineering departments during meetings.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organisations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
• Analyse user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
• Coordinate installation of software system.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
• Determine system performance standards.
• Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
• Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

To be a test lead, employers will expect excellent technical knowledge of as many programming languages and platforms as possible and to have a good understanding of the software testing lifecycle. Courses are provided by a range of colleges of further education to gain a platform of understanding in software programming.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: ICT skills development, automated software testing, software development.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: software development, apps, games, network architecture.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: ICT Software Developer, Software Solutions Architect.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: computing, software development, computing with software development, software systems development, applied computing, computer science, computing.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: advanced software engineering, applied software development, computer science advanced, software development, computing, enterprise software systems, software design and development.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Springboard courses ICT conversion, software development courses are also available via courses at NFQ level 6-9 search Springboard courses.

ICT Skillnet for job seekers & upskilling for people in employment.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €110k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Brighwater/ Sigmar/ Archer/ Azon/ Abrivia/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Information technology and telecommunications directors; IT specialist managers; IT project and programme managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period was strong, with employment levels growing annually since 2018. Those employed were primarily male (70%), working full-time (97%) and the share of non-Irish citizens at 19% was in line with the national average.

The number of employment permits issued grew from 359 in 2021 to 974 in 2022; although the majority were for the ICT sector, they also spanned a range of other sectors, with roles including IT project/program manager and technical lead. Vacancies for IT project managers were identified in the Recruitment Agency Survey and by employers (Spotlight on Skills and Skills for Growth) as being difficult to fill. While demand may be slowing, shortages persist for this occupation.

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
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• ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 237 7788
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• Irish Software Association

  • Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
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• Technology Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
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