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In this article, we explain who a QA Automation Engineer is, how they differ from a manual QA tester, what skills are required for the job, and how to start a career in this field.
Who Is an Automation QA Engineer
QA Automation Engineer is a software quality assurance specialist who develops automated tests and testing frameworks to verify the functionality, stability, and performance of systems.
In simple terms, if a manual QA checks functionality manually, an automation QA writes code that performs these checks automatically.
Such tests can be run:
- after every code change;
- before a product release;
- regularly during development.
This allows teams to quickly detect errors and reduce the risk of bugs appearing in the system.
A test automation engineer typically:
- analyzes requirements for new functionality;
- designs testing scenarios;
- creates automated tests;
- runs test checks;
- analyzes testing results;
- documents discovered bugs;
- collaborates with developers and other team members.
Thanks to automation, companies can verify product quality much faster and release updates without unnecessary risks.
How a QA Automation Engineer Differs From a Manual QA
At first glance, these roles seem similar, but there is an important difference between them.
| Manual QA | QA Automation Engineer |
|---|---|
| checks functionality manually | creates automated tests |
| works with test cases and bug reports | combines testing with programming |
| has a lower technical entry threshold | requires programming knowledge |
| often performs repetitive checks | automates repetitive scenarios |
| works less with code | regularly writes and maintains test code |
In other words, a QA Automation Engineer is a specialist who combines testing and programming skills. Therefore, an automation engineer is a versatile professional who can develop both in testing and in development.
What a QA Automation Engineer Does: Main Responsibilities
The daily tasks of a test automation engineer may vary depending on the company and the product, but they usually include:
- Analyzing requirements for new functionality;
- Creating test scenarios;
- Writing automated tests;
- Running tests in a testing environment;
- Analyzing testing results;
- Documenting and tracking bugs;
- Maintaining the testing framework;
- Updating tests after changes in the software.
For example, a typical working day for an automation QA engineer may start with checking the results of overnight test runs. If some tests fail, the specialist analyzes the cause: it may be a bug in the product or an issue in the test itself.
Next, they may work on new testing scenarios, update existing automated tests, or discuss discovered issues with the development team.
What Skills Are Important for a Software Tester
To work as an automation QA, it is necessary to combine testing knowledge with basic programming skills.
Hard Skills
At the start, it is useful to know:
- software testing fundamentals;
- the software development lifecycle (SDLC);
- basic programming;
- Git;
- SQL;
- API testing;
- working with testing frameworks.
It is not necessary to be an expert in everything immediately. The main thing is to understand the basic logic of testing and gradually master technical tools.
Soft Skills
Automated testing engineers do not only perform technical work. The following are also important:
- analytical thinking;
- attention to detail;
- a systematic approach;
- the ability to work with information;
- communication with the team.
These skills help both to find errors and to understand the causes of their occurrence.
What Tools QA Automation Engineers Use
In their work, automation QA engineers use various technologies and tools.
Among the popular programming languages:
- Java
- Python
- JavaScript / TypeScript
- C#
Read also:
Which Programming Language to Learn in 2026Among automation tools:
- Selenium
- Playwright
- Cypress
- Appium
Also commonly used in the work:
- Postman for API testing;
- Git for working with code;
- Jenkins or GitHub Actions for automatic test execution;
- Docker for working with environments.
To start, it is enough to learn one programming language and one automation tool, while other technologies can be studied gradually.
Why Test Automation Is Becoming Increasingly Important
Modern IT companies release new features very quickly, so checking a product only manually becomes difficult and time-consuming. This is where the need for test automation appears.
QA Automation Engineers create automated tests that can check a product:
- after every update;
- during development;
- before release;
- in different environments.
This significantly reduces testing time and increases product stability.
How Much a QA Automation Engineer Earns
The salary of an Automation QA Engineer depends on experience, technical stack, English proficiency, and the type of company. On average, test automation specialists earn more than manual QA testers, because this role requires programming knowledge and work with automation tools.
According to the salary statistics from the portal DOU as of December 2025, the income level of automation QA specialists in Ukraine looks approximately like this:
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Junior QA Automation Engineer | $600 – $1075 |
| Middle QA Automation Engineer | $1900 – $2900 |
| Senior QA Automation Engineer | $3400 – $4700 |
| QA Automation Team Lead | $4000 – $5200 |
For comparison, the salaries of manual QA specialists according to the same DOU research look like this:
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Junior Manual QA | $650 – $1100 |
| Middle Manual QA | $1300 – $2100 |
| Senior Manual QA | $2300 – $3420 |
| QA Team Lead | $2100 – $3700 |
As can be seen from the statistics, test automation specialists usually earn higher salaries than manual testers. This is because automation QA combines testing knowledge with technical programming skills and work with automation tools.
How to Become an Automation QA Engineer From Scratch
Most specialists enter the profession following approximately this path:
- Learn the basics of testing;
- Master basic programming;
- Learn to work with Git;
- Master the main automation tools;
- Write automated tests;
- Develop a test project to demonstrate skills;
- Prepare for the interview.
Often this path is completed through training programs, where it is possible to gain structured knowledge and practice.
Where Veterans Can Learn Test Automation
For veterans who want to transition into IT, it is important not only to have access to education but also support during the career change. That is exactly why the Academy for Heroes — an educational initiative exists, helping veterans start a career in IT.
In May, enrollment opens for the QA Automation course, where participants can:
- learn the basics of software testing;
- work with automation tools;
- gain practical experience working with tests;
- understand how QA work looks in real teams;
- complete an internship in leading IT companies;
- improve their English level.
The program is designed so that you move as quickly as possible from a general understanding of QA to independently developing automated tests. The best students receive employment opportunities.
Who the Automation Engineer Profession Is Suitable For
This profession can be a good choice for people who:
- want to transition into IT;
- have analytical thinking;
- like logic and structured systems;
- are ready to learn new technologies;
- want to work in the technology field.
Therefore, a test automation engineer is a promising technical profession that combines testing, programming, and analytical thinking. The demand for such specialists is steadily growing, and test automation is becoming an important part of modern software development.
For veterans who want to gain a new profession in the technology field, one of the possible starting points may be the QA Automation course from the Academy for Heroes.
Frequently Asked Questions About QA Automation Engineers
Is it possible to become an automation engineer without IT experience?
Yes, but it is necessary to learn the basics of testing, basic programming, and automation tools. Many specialists start their careers after completing courses.
Is programming knowledge mandatory?
Yes. Automation QA engineers create automated tests using code, so programming skills are required.
How long does it take to become a QA specialist?
Usually, basic preparation takes from 4 to 10 months (depending on the intensity of learning and practice).
Will artificial intelligence replace testers?
No, but a tester who uses AI will replace one who does not. In 2026, the key skill of a software tester is prompt engineering (the ability to give clear tasks to neural networks) and critical thinking to verify what the algorithm has generated. AI is excellent at routine tasks, but strategic test planning and understanding business logic remain the responsibility of humans.
