What Does a Quality Analyst Do?
A quality analyst ensures that products, services, or systems meet established standards of quality and performance. They review requirements, design test plans, identify issues, and recommend improvements to safeguard consistency and reliability. Depending on the industry, a quality analyst may focus on software testing, business processes, or manufacturing workflows.
This role is essential in helping organizations deliver error-free results that meet customer expectations. Quality analysts collaborate with cross-functional teams to define quality benchmarks, run inspections or test cases, and document findings. Their work supports compliance with industry regulations and enhances customer satisfaction by minimizing defects and improving overall efficiency.
Looking to Hire a Quality Analyst?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Quality Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Review requirements and specifications to create detailed test plans
- Execute test cases and document results
- Identify, track, and report defects or process gaps
- Collaborate with developers, engineers, or production staff to resolve issues
- Maintain detailed quality documentation and audit records
- Monitor and measure process performance against benchmarks
- Recommend process improvements and preventive actions
- Ensure compliance with regulatory or organizational quality standards
- Provide feedback to stakeholders to support continuous improvement
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in quality assurance methodologies and tools
- Experience with manual and automated testing procedures
- Knowledge of defect tracking systems (e.g., Jira, Bugzilla, HP ALM)
- Familiarity with process documentation and reporting standards
- Understanding of compliance frameworks such as ISO, Six Sigma, or ITIL
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and time management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in quality management, computer science, engineering, or related field
Certifications
- CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer) or ISTQB Foundation Level recommended for software-focused roles
- Six Sigma Green Belt or higher recommended for manufacturing and process improvement roles
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with automation testing frameworks such as Selenium or Cypress
- Knowledge of performance testing tools like JMeter or LoadRunner
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies
- Previous experience in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing
- Proven record of driving process improvement initiatives
National Average Salary
Quality analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Quality Analyst is:
$59,875
Sample Job Description Templates for Quality Analysts
Junior Quality Analyst
Position Overview
The junior quality analyst assists in testing products, applications, or services to ensure they meet quality standards. This entry-level role involves executing test cases, reporting defects, and supporting the quality assurance team in maintaining consistency across deliverables. Junior quality analysts work under close supervision while gaining hands-on experience in testing processes and tools.
Responsibilities
- Execute manual test cases based on defined requirements
- Record test results and identify basic defects
- Collaborate with developers to verify fixes and retest issues
- Maintain documentation of test cases and outcomes
- Assist with preparing reports for senior team members
- Learn and apply quality assurance best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of software testing methodologies
- Familiarity with test case management tools (e.g., TestRail, Jira)
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office or Google Workspace tools
- Ability to write simple test scripts or queries
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and adapt quickly
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Problem-solving mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field; equivalent training or internship experience accepted
Certifications
- ISTQB Foundation Level recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or academic project in software or process testing
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies
- Exposure to automation tools such as Selenium
Mid-Level Quality Analyst
Position Overview
The mid-level quality analyst designs and executes test plans to ensure that systems and processes meet company and client standards. This role requires hands-on testing experience, familiarity with defect management tools, and the ability to provide actionable feedback to improve product reliability and user experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute test cases for functional, regression, and integration testing
- Document test results and log defects in tracking systems
- Work with developers and business analysts to clarify requirements
- Perform root cause analysis on recurring issues
- Support test automation initiatives where applicable
- Contribute to process documentation and continuous improvement activities
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in test case design and execution
- Hands-on experience with defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Bugzilla, HP ALM)
- Knowledge of SQL for basic data validation
- Familiarity with automation frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Cypress)
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Time management skills to meet project deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field
Certifications
- ISTQB Foundation or Advanced Level recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Agile or DevOps environments
- Knowledge of performance testing tools such as JMeter
- Exposure to API testing using Postman or similar tools
Senior Quality Analyst
Position Overview
The senior quality analyst leads testing initiatives, mentors junior staff, and ensures that quality assurance processes are consistently applied. This role requires advanced testing skills, experience with automation, and the ability to work closely with project stakeholders to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and execution of test strategies for complex projects
- Review and validate requirements to ensure test coverage
- Manage defect reporting and track resolution through completion
- Implement automation testing to improve efficiency
- Provide mentorship and training to junior analysts
- Partner with business stakeholders to align QA processes with project goals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in manual and automated testing practices
- Strong knowledge of test automation frameworks (e.g., Selenium, TestNG, Cypress)
- Ability to write complex SQL queries for data validation
- Familiarity with performance and security testing
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong communication across technical and business teams
- Analytical thinking with a detail-oriented approach
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
Certifications
- ISTQB Advanced Level Test Analyst recommended
- CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer) considered valuable
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cloud-based testing environments
- Exposure to continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines
- Knowledge of industry compliance standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, or SOX
Lead Quality Analyst
Position Overview
The lead quality analyst oversees a team of testers and coordinates QA activities across projects. This role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring that testing strategies are followed and that quality standards are upheld throughout the development lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Manage QA team members and assign testing tasks
- Define quality assurance processes and ensure compliance
- Oversee test planning, execution, and defect management across projects
- Provide status updates and quality metrics to project stakeholders
- Coach and mentor junior and mid-level analysts
- Collaborate with development leads to resolve quality issues efficiently
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in software testing life cycle and QA methodologies
- Experience managing QA teams and leading projects
- Strong knowledge of automation frameworks and tools
- Proficiency in creating quality metrics and reporting dashboards
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Ability to influence and collaborate across departments
- Strategic mindset with focus on continuous improvement
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in information systems, computer science, or related field
Certifications
- ISTQB Advanced or equivalent leadership-level certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven experience managing QA in Agile or hybrid environments
- Familiarity with enterprise-level tools such as HP ALM or Zephyr
- Background in risk management and compliance auditing
Quality Assurance Manager
Position Overview
The quality assurance manager directs the overall QA function, ensuring that products and services meet organizational and regulatory standards. This management role involves building QA strategies, leading teams, and collaborating with senior leadership to improve business outcomes through effective quality practices.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement organization-wide quality assurance policies
- Manage QA staff, hiring, training, and performance evaluations
- Oversee test planning, execution, and reporting for multiple projects
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards
- Analyze quality metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement
- Partner with executive leadership to align QA strategies with business goals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive knowledge of QA methodologies, tools, and best practices
- Strong background in automation, performance, and security testing
- Experience managing budgets and resource allocation for QA teams
- Ability to interpret compliance frameworks and apply them to QA processes
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Analytical mindset with focus on business impact
- Ability to drive cultural change around quality initiatives
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- ISTQB Expert Level or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing QA across global or enterprise environments
- Background in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing
- Knowledge of advanced automation frameworks and emerging QA technologies
Director of Quality Assurance
Position Overview
The director of quality assurance provides strategic direction for all quality-related initiatives within the organization. This executive-level role oversees QA managers and teams, ensures compliance with standards, and partners with business leaders to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes that align with company objectives.
Responsibilities
- Define the vision and long-term strategy for quality assurance across the organization
- Direct and manage QA managers and cross-functional quality teams
- Establish KPIs and monitor quality performance at an organizational level
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and corporate standards
- Drive innovation in testing practices and quality tools
- Represent quality assurance in executive leadership meetings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert knowledge of QA strategy, process improvement, and risk management
- Proven ability to manage multiple teams and enterprise-level projects
- Strong understanding of automation, cloud testing, and advanced QA technologies
- Knowledge of compliance standards across multiple industries
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and vision-setting abilities
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to influence decision-making at the highest levels
- Strategic thinker with ability to align quality initiatives with business outcomes
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree strongly preferred
Certifications
- ISTQB Expert Level, Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent high-level certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading QA at an enterprise or global scale
- Proven success in digital transformation or modernization initiatives
- Active involvement in professional QA or testing organizations