Test Operator

A test operator is responsible for testing various electrical and other machinery, components, and tools. They assist engineering and other personnel in the installation, repair, and maintenance of various machinery and must know how to operate certain tools to do so.

They are also tasked with inspecting products, ensuring that company procedures and processes are being correctly followed, ensuring that all work is in accordance with OSHA and other federal and state-level work and engineering regulations, and solving issues as they come up. The operator must report on most of their work to higher management, whether there is a problem or not.

What does a Test Operator do?

The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.

Test operators may work on a variety of projects at once, each with its own unique design and set of challenges. They must be able to quickly adapt to changing demands and remain focused on the task at hand even when faced with unexpected problems or complications.

Detail Oriented

Test operators need to have excellent attention to detail to ensure they notice any changes in the product or process they’re testing. This can help them identify any issues and make corrections before the product is released to the public.
Mechanical Knowledge

Test operators need to be able to read and understand technical manuals and instructions for operating equipment. They also need to be able to troubleshoot and identify potential issues with equipment.

Communication Skills

Test operators communicate with other team members, supervisors and other stakeholders throughout the testing process. They use verbal and written communication skills to convey information, answer questions and provide feedback.
Problem Solving Skills

They may need to troubleshoot issues with machines or processes, find solutions to technical problems or find ways to improve processes. Test operators may also need to solve issues that arise during testing.

Assembly Test Technician

Assembly and test technicians are responsible for assembling different components or parts of semi-finished or finished goods to deliver a product that is ready to be sold in stores or other industries. They assemble parts or components to build a whole new product and perform regular test and inspection procedures to ensure that the product is formed per the specifications.

Manufacturing Engineer

A manufacturing engineer designs and manages the manufacturing systems for a product. Their main goal is to create the stages of a manufacturing system that turn raw materials such as metal, plastic or wood into a finished (discrete) product in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way possible, while always maintaining staff safety and product quality.

Quality Assurance Technician

Quality assurance technicians make sure that an organization’s products meet quality standards before going out to consumers. Quality assurance technicians can specialize in any product, from food to software. They handle the technical aspect of quality assurance testing by inspecting products and ensuring that they conform to private and governmental regulations.

Salary

The estimated total pay for a test operator is $37,000 per year.

Starting-level

Starting-level test operator earnings begin at:

$13 per hour

$27,000 per year

Senior-level

Senior-level test operator earnings begin at:

$21 per hour

$43,000 per year

Mid-level

Mid-level test operator earnings begin at:

$18 per hour

$37,508 per year

Top-level

Top-level test operator earnings begin at:

$24 per hour

$50,000 per year

Junior-level

Junior-level test operator earnings begin at:

$15 per hour

$32,000 per year

These are 2021 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.

Test operators work in a variety of settings, including factories, laboratories, and offices. They may work in clean rooms, where they must wear special clothing to avoid contaminating the products they are testing. They may also work in areas that are exposed to noise, dust, and other potential hazards.

Test operators typically work a standard 40-hour week, but they may be required to work overtime to meet deadlines or to complete projects. Some test operators may be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies.

How to Become a Test Operator?

A high school diploma/GED as well as a minimum 1 year manufacturing experience are the usual requirements for a test operator. As an test operator, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of technologies and systems, which will give you a better understanding of how they work and how they can be improved. You’ll also learn about the importance of testing and quality assurance, which is essential for any successful software development project.

As you progress in your career, you may want to move into a more specialized role within testing. There are many different types of tests that can be performed on software applications, including functional, regression, performance, compatibility, and usability tests. Each type of test requires a different set of skills and knowledge, so it’s important to choose a specialty that matches your interests and abilities.

Similar Careers

Assembly Operator

Assembly operators are responsible for building the products that we use every day. They take parts from various suppliers and assemble them into a finished product, often under strict quality control standards.

Assembly Test Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

Quality assurance technicians make sure that an organization’s products meet quality standards before going out to consumers.

Source:

Canva.com, 2022 | ClimbTheLadder.com, 2022 | Zippia.com, 2022

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Terms & Conditions

Test Operator

What does a Test Operator do?

Detail Oriented

Mechanical Knowledge

Communication Skills

Problem Solving Skills

Assembly Test Technician

Manufacturing Engineer

Quality Assurance Technician

Salary

$13 per hour

$27,000 per year

$21 per hour

$43,000 per year

$18 per hour

$37,508 per year

$24 per hour

$50,000 per year

$15 per hour

$32,000 per year

What does the workplace for a Test Operator look like?

How to Become a Test Operator?

Similar Careers

Assembly Operator

Assembly Test Technician

Quality Assurance Technician

Source:

Canva.com, 2022 | ClimbTheLadder.com, 2022 | Zippia.com, 2022

Subscribe to become an industry insider!