A quality analyst ensures that a company’s products and services meet the company’s quality standards. Analysts can work in a variety of fields, including software development, manufacturing, and customer service. Although the specifics of a job description for this position will vary industry and organization, many of the responsibilities are conceptually similar. Higher education, strong analytic skills, and meticulous attention to detail are frequently required for this position.
Quality analysts may play an important role in establishing quality standards in their organizations. They frequently recommend quality-related practices that can be used across the organization based on industry benchmarks and experience. Analysts’ expertise is frequently used in quality improvement initiatives to ensure program success.
Quality analyst jobs are typically focused on creating plans to ensure that quality requirements are met. In manufacturing, this may entail determining the number of samples to take per lot, the types of tests to run, and when sampling and testing should take place. To ensure that computer applications meet their requirements, the analyst will likely develop plans and write test cases in software development. Those who work in customer service organizations can make plans to audit and survey a sample of transactions.
As part of her job, a quality analyst frequently reviews product or service specifications. She can apply her knowledge to suggest changes to the specifications, which will result in a better final product or service. Correcting quality issues during the specification phase saves money for businesses.
Another important task for quality analysts is to analyze and report test results. To find the sources of defects, they frequently collect extensive data and employ techniques such as root cause analysis. Based on the findings, the analyst may make recommendations for improving products and processes to reduce or eliminate defects.
People who work in these fields are frequently highly educated. Employers frequently ask for a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Computer science classes will help someone who wants to work as a software development quality analyst. Someone who wants to work in manufacturing might benefit from taking chemistry or engineering classes. Any quality analyst will benefit from a strong mathematics and statistics background.
Quality analysts are usually analytical and detail-oriented. They must be tenacious and willing to work through problems. Learning quickly, as well as the ability to communicate orally and in writing with people from various backgrounds, will be beneficial in this profession.