QA / Test Engineer jobs in the IT Industry

Why choose Younity as your recruitment partner for QA/Test Engineer roles?

At Younity, we specialise in recruiting QA/Test Engineers. Our expertise in quality assurance and our understanding of the New Zealand tech landscape allow us to seamlessly connect your skills and career aspirations with the specific needs of leading employers.

We leverage our extensive local networks to access exclusive roles that aren’t available elsewhere. Our personal, collaborative approach means you’ll receive dedicated, professional support throughout the recruitment process.

What does a QA/ Test Engineer Do in IT?

QA/Test Engineers are responsible for testing code and applications to ensure they align with business requirements. This role involves several key responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing software to confirm it meets business specifications.
• Identifying issues or defects and providing feedback to developers for rework.
• Running automation scripts and executing manual testing processes.
• Reporting daily on testing progress, results, and any defects found.
• Managing the entire defect lifecycle, from initial identification through to resolution.

QA/Test Engineers often work closely with developers, business analysts, and other members of agile teams. They participate in daily stand-ups and contribute to broader team planning to ensure a high-quality product is delivered.

What’s it like to work in this discipline?

Most QA/Test Engineers in New Zealand work within agile squads or small, cross-functional teams. A typical day often begins with a stand-up meeting, where developers share their progress and testers outline what they’re currently working on.

Collaboration is constant, with quick feedback loops. If something fails a test, it’s immediately sent back for changes. Once it passes, it moves forward in the delivery pipeline.

What qualifications or experience does this role benefit from?

Employers hiring QA/Test Engineers in New Zealand often look for a blend of formal education, practical experience, and recognised certifications. Useful qualifications and experience include:

• A degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, or a related field.
• Industry certifications such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), Certified Selenium Professional, or other test automation credentials.
• Hands-on experience with both automated and manual testing tools, including Playwright, Selenium, Postman, or Cucumber, and a familiarity with CI/CD platforms like Azure DevOps.
• Knowledge of both functional and non-functional testing (e.g., performance, security, and device compatibility) and methodologies like Agile and Waterfall.
• Relevant experience in entry-level IT roles (e.g., Junior Developer or Support Technician), which can provide a solid pathway into testing.
• Strong soft skills like communication, teamwork, information design, and problem-solving. Building these professional and interpersonal strengths is crucial for career growth and delivering quality outcomes.

Pathways Into a QA/Test Engineer Role

There are several ways to start or advance your career in QA/testing, whether you’re entering the IT sector or transitioning from another role:

• Graduate entry: many roles start with a degree or diploma in computer science or a similar subject.
• Technical support or junior roles: jobs like IT Support Analyst or Junior Developer offer practical exposure to testing through on-the-job experience.
• Specialist certifications: completing industry-standard certifications (like ISTQB or tool-specific credentials) builds credibility and employability.
• Internal progression: staff in business or IT positions can move into testing when applications are upgraded or new projects arise, initially contributing to test activities before stepping into a full QA role.
• Work experience: internships, graduate programmes, or project-based work experience can be a great way to secure an initial QA or testing role, especially for recent graduates.

Gaining practical experience and demonstrating proficiency in testing tools, teamwork, and problem-solving are key to progressing and thriving in New Zealand’s QA/ test engineering market.

Preparing a CV or cover letter for a QA/Test Engineer Role

When applying for a QA/Test Engineer role in New Zealand, your CV and cover letter should focus on your practical achievements and highlight the skills most relevant to the role.

• Tailor your application to match the job description
• Show specific outcomes (e.g. ‘automated regression tests and reduced release cycle by 40%’)
• Keep technical jargon clear and concise
• In cover letters, explain why you’re motivated to enter or progress in the QA/Test Engineer career space

Don’t forget LinkedIn!  Employers often search profiles when filling IT jobs. Optimise yours by:

• Listing certifications and technical expertise
• Adding detail to key projects
• Asking colleagues for endorsements

If you’re serious about building your QA/Test Engineer career, the first step is to present your skills effectively. Register your CV here to access opportunities in QA/ Test Engineer roles in New Zealand.

Check out our helpful Jobseeker Resources section for cover letter and CV templates, as well as career advice for IT professionals.

Browse other job types in this specialty area

• Test Analyst
• Test Lead
• Automated Test Analyst
• Cloud Test Engineer
• Test Manager