A METHODOLOGY FOR DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING TEST ENGINEERS

摘要

Our division does not have attrition; we have growth. Two approaches fulfill growth requirements: developing existing professionals and hiring new professionals. Both approaches require a methodology for developing and maintaining test engineers. Recognizing that Test Engineering is peer to other engineering disciplines (e.g., Systems Engineering and Software Engineering) drives this methodology. Among the methodology's key elements are the TE Council, 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 informal coaching by senior test engineers; and a college-recruiting program, balanced with a professional recruitment process, supporting hiring professionals. Other key elements are providing technically challenging work, job satisfaction, salaries equivalent to peer disciplines, and rewarding performance. This paper discusses eight points of the methodology, including benefits for providing training, common process, mentoring, and career development in a growing environment.