Software Test Engineer, New College Grad - 2025 (Austin, TX) - job 35 of 42

As a Software Test Engineer at Visa, your responsibilities will include developing and executing comprehensive test plans, tracking and reporting on test results regularly, and collaborating effectively with Project Managers, Product Owners, Developers, and Quality Engineers. Your role will also involve setting up, configuring, and maintaining test environments, and actively looking for ways to improve processes and standards within the tech organization.

To qualify for the Software Test Engineer position at Visa, candidates should have a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, along with a strong understanding of software testing methodologies. Familiarity with programming languages and testing tools is beneficial, and a passion for quality assurance and attention to detail will set you apart as a candidate.

Visa is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. As a Software Test Engineer, you will have access to mentorship, training programs, and workshops. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on diverse projects that can help you develop expertise in different areas of software testing and quality assurance, setting the stage for advancement within the company.

While prior professional experience is beneficial, it is not strictly necessary for the Software Test Engineer position at Visa, especially for new college grads. The company values fresh perspectives and offers training to help you develop the skills required for the role. A strong foundational knowledge and readiness to learn are the key attributes we look for.

As a Software Test Engineer at Visa, you will hone essential skills such as test planning and execution, problem-solving, collaboration across teams, and proficiency with testing tools and methodologies. You'll also gain experience working in agile environments, which will be beneficial for your long-term career in software development and quality assurance.

When developing a test plan, it's essential to start by understanding the requirements of the software. Break down the functionalities and determine the testing methods to be used. Collaborate with team members to assess possible risks and ensure that the test plan covers all areas for quality assurance effectively.

I'm familiar with various testing methodologies, including manual testing, automated testing, functional testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). Understanding when to apply each methodology is crucial for ensuring software quality.

In a previous project, I encountered a situation where a critical bug was not caught during testing. I collaborated closely with the development team to analyze the issue, track its origins, and implement a more robust testing protocol. This experience taught me the importance of cross-team communication and thoroughness in testing.

Prioritization in testing tasks can be guided by the risk and impact on the application. I typically focus on critical functionalities first. Collaborating with stakeholders helps in understanding which areas require immediate attention based on user feedback and application usage.

I use various tools for tracking test results, such as JIRA, TestRail, and Azure DevOps. These tools allow for efficient documentation and reporting of test results, facilitating easy access for team members to review findings and enhance overall project accountability.

Ensuring software meets high quality standards requires rigorous testing processes, adherence to best practices, and constant communication with the development team. Regular team check-ins, feedback loops, and documentation help in maintaining quality standards throughout the development lifecycle.

I stay updated on the latest testing trends and tools by subscribing to industry blogs, participating in webinars, and engaging in professional forums. Networking with fellow Quality Engineers also gives insights into emerging tools and methodologies that can enhance testing processes.

Smoke testing is a preliminary test to check the basic functionality of an application, ensuring that critical features work fine after a build. Sanity testing, on the other hand, is conducted to verify the particular functionality after changes or fixes have been made, ensuring that those specific issues do not recur.

Automation plays a crucial role in my testing approach, especially for repetitive tasks like regression tests. By automating these tests, I can focus more on exploratory testing, collaboration, and strategic analysis, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of our testing efforts.

Handling tight deadlines requires effective time management and clear communication with team members. I prioritize critical tasks, automate where possible, and advocate for realistic timelines, ensuring quality isn’t compromised while meeting project deadlines.