A METHODOLOGY FOR DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING TEST ENGINEERS

摘要

Our division does not have attrition; we have growth. Two approaches fulfill growthrequirements: developing existing professionals and hiring new professionals. Both approachesrequire a methodology for developing and maintaining test engineers. Recognizing that TestEngineering is peer to other engineering disciplines (e.g., Systems Engineering and SoftwareEngineering) drives this methodology. Among the methodology’s key elements are the TECouncil, which consists of senior engineering talent, providing ownership in developing,maintaining, and improving the organizational process; individual career development plans,which includes TE classroom curriculum, on-the-job training, formal mentoring, and informalcoaching by senior test engineers; and a college-recruiting program, balanced with a professionalrecruitment process, supporting hiring professionals. Other key elements are providingtechnically challenging work, job satisfaction, salaries equivalent to peer disciplines, andrewarding performance. This paper discusses eight points of the methodology, including benefitsfor providing training, common process, mentoring, and career development in a growingenvironment.