How to Get a QA Engineer Job in Japan

QA is your gateway to Japan.

Our parent company, SHIFT, built one of the fastest-growing businesses purely on QA.

To get you all the information you need to land a job as a QA Engineer Tech Lead in Japan, I spoke with the QA technical Recruiter, Charis Angela, you can call her Cha.

Cha is working with a major software developer in Japan getting ready to launch a brand new platform.

To do this, they need to Assure the Quality of said platform.

That is where YOU come in.

Cha gave me all of the insights to help you get a job as a QA Engineer Tech Lead in Japan.

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

What is a QA Engineer Tech Lead in Japan?

As a QA Engineer Tech Lead in Japan, your role involves designing and implementing both manual and automated testing strategies to uphold high-quality standards.

In this role, you’ll be a technical expert and a pivotal leader in a culturally diverse environment.

You'll guide a QA team, communicating in both Japanese and English. Blending your technical skills with strong team leadership

Your expertise needs to extend to handling large-scale software projects, showcasing your ability to navigate complex challenges in software development.

Responsibilities

As a QA Engineer Tech Lead, you'll be central to the quality assurance of cutting-edge AI/ML products.

You'll handle platforms enabling real-time collaborative editing, demanding rigorous quality assurance.

You'll need to build and manage a QA team and delegate tasks, while still being hands-on with the project.

Your work will involve scalable software, containerization (using Kubernetes and Docker), and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Proficiency in DevOps practices for automating services and enhancing speed is also key.

Here is a list of the responsibilities of a QA Tech Lead in Japan:

Team Management and Development: Build and manage a QA team, ensuring effective delegation and hands-on involvement.
Quality Assurance Strategy: Develop and implement QA strategies that align with the project goals, focusing on both manual and automated testing.
Collaboration: Work closely with the infrastructure and DevOps teams to ensure seamless integration of QA processes.
Testing and Debugging: Oversee the creation of test scenarios, conduct rigorous testing, and manage debugging processes.
Bilingual Communication: Facilitate communication within a bilingual environment, interfacing with both Japanese and English-speaking team members.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and optimize QA processes and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Now, let's break down what you will actually be doing:

Day-to-Day Activities

Morning Check-In: Start your day with a team meeting to align on daily objectives and address any immediate concerns. This will involve a brief session with the development and infrastructure teams to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Review and Planning: Examine the current testing schedules, assess progress on various projects, and plan out the day's testing activities, including both manual and automated tests.
Hands-On Testing and Oversight: Spend a portion of your day engaged in hands-on testing or overseeing the testing being done by your team. This could involve checking new features, running regression tests, or exploring new test methods.
Collaboration with Other Teams: Work closely with the development and operations teams to discuss any issues that have arisen, brainstorm solutions, and ensure smooth integration of QA processes.
Lunch Break: A break to recharge, possibly with team members or networking with other departments.
Afternoon Analysis: Post-lunch, dive into analyzing test results, identifying patterns or recurring issues, and strategizing on improvements.
Meetings and Reporting: Attend any scheduled meetings with senior management or other departments, providing updates on QA activities, progress, and challenges.
End-of-Day Wrap-Up: Conclude the day by summarizing the day's work, setting up tasks for the next day, and possibly providing brief training or feedback sessions for your team.
Continuous Learning: Keeping abreast with the latest in QA methodologies, AI/ML advancements, and industry trends is crucial. This will include reading articles, participating in online forums, or planning for upcoming conferences or training sessions.

What are the requirements to work as a QA Engineer Tech Lead?

QA Engineer Tech Lead Requirements

To excel in this role, you should be bilingual and have over three years of experience in web system testing and automated test writing. Experience with containers and container orchestration, a solid understanding of QA principles, and strong communication and leadership skills are vital. Proficiency in both English and Japanese, at various levels, is required.

To excel in this role, you'll need:

Bilingual Skills: Proficiency in both Japanese and English, with at least conversational Japanese (N3 level) and business-level English.
Web System Testing Experience: At least three years of experience in web system testing, including test design, implementation, and optimization.
Automated Test Writing: Skills in writing and coding automated tests using tools like Espresso, XCUITest, or PlayWright.
Container and Orchestration Knowledge: Familiarity with NGINX, Docker, Kubernetes, and other containerization technologies.
Quality Assurance Principles: A thorough understanding of QA principles and methodologies.
Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively with development teams in implementing automation framework features.
Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership and communication abilities to interact across all organization levels.

Bonus Points

Additional qualifications that will make you stand out include software development experience, a background in computer science, project management skills, and an understanding of machine learning frameworks and models.

Stand out further with:

Software Development Experience: Three or more years of hands-on experience in software development using any programming language.
Educational Background: A degree or background in computer science or related fields.
Project Management Skills: Experience in managing projects and leading teams.
Experience in Startups: Familiarity with working in a startup environment.
Machine Learning Knowledge: Understanding of machine learning frameworks (like Scipy/Numpy, Scikit-Learn, Pandas, Tensorflow/Keras/PyTorch) and business applications of ML models.
Initiative and Leadership: Demonstrated initiative in business situations and the ability to lead a team or organization.

Out of all of the requirements, here are the areas that Cha said you should focus.

5 Skills That Will Get You Hired

1. Bilingual

Why It Matters:

In Japan's tech landscape, bilingual abilities (Japanese and English) are invaluable. They facilitate effective communication within diverse teams and with international clients, enhancing collaboration and understanding across cultures.

How to Build It:

To improve your language skills, engage in language courses, practice with native speakers, and immerse yourself in both languages as much as possible. Utilize language learning apps, join language exchange meetups, and consume media in both languages to enhance proficiency.

2. Testing Experience (Manual and Automated)

Why It Matters:

Extensive experience in both manual and automated testing ensures a comprehensive understanding of the QA process. It enables you to identify and address a wide range of issues, improving product quality and user experience.

How to Build It:

Gain experience through varied projects, and stay updated with the latest testing methodologies and tools. Participate in professional workshops and certifications, and practice by working on real-world projects or open-source software.

3. Team Leadership Experience

Why It Matters:

Leadership experience is crucial for managing and guiding a team effectively. It ensures that projects are delivered efficiently and helps in nurturing a collaborative and productive team environment.

How to Build It:

Develop leadership skills by taking on management roles, even in small capacities. Seek mentorship, attend leadership workshops, and learn from experienced leaders. Practice effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

4. Experience in Large-Scale Software Development

Why It Matters:

Experience in large-scale software development demonstrates your ability to handle complex, high-stakes projects. It shows you can manage significant challenges and contribute to major technological advancements.

How to Build It:

Work on large-scale projects, either within a company or through collaborations. Understand different aspects of software development, from design to deployment. Participate in industry conferences and networking events to learn from peers.

5. Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code and DevOps Practices

Why It Matters:

In-depth knowledge of infrastructure as code and DevOps practices is vital for modern software development. It enables efficient and scalable solutions, ensuring faster and more reliable deployments.

How to Build It:

Engage in continuous learning through courses and certifications in DevOps and infrastructure as code. Gain practical experience by working on projects that implement these practices. Stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

What is the career path for someone passionate about QA?

Career Progression

You can progress from a tester to a QA role and eventually become an Engineering Manager for QA. The role offers educational benefits, regular salary reviews, and a diverse, bilingual work environment. Growth opportunities abound in this evolving field.

Entry Level: Software Tester

Responsibilities:

Conducting manual testing of software applications.
Reporting bugs and interfacing with developers for resolution.
Learning about automated testing tools and methodologies.

Development Focus:

Building foundational testing skills.
Gaining familiarity with the software development lifecycle.
Starting to learn automation tools and basic scripting.

Mid-Level: QA Analyst/Automation Engineer

Responsibilities:

Designing, developing, and executing automated test scripts.
Working closely with development teams on software quality.
Identifying areas for process improvement in the QA workflow.

Development Focus:

Enhancing skills in automated testing tools.
Developing a deeper understanding of software quality assurance methodologies.
Starting to take on smaller leadership or mentorship roles.

Senior Level: Senior QA Engineer/Team Lead

Responsibilities:

Leading a QA team, overseeing testing strategies and implementation.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality.
Contributing to the development of QA processes and tools.

Development Focus:

Refining leadership and project management skills.
Mastering advanced QA methodologies and tools.
Expanding expertise in automated and manual testing strategies.

Advanced Level: QA Manager/Engineering Manager for QA

Responsibilities:

Overseeing the entire QA department.
Setting QA standards and strategies for the company.
Managing multiple QA teams and interfacing with upper management.

Development Focus:

Developing strategic planning and management skills.
Fostering a culture of continuous improvement in QA practices.
Staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies.

Executive Level: Director of QA/CTO

Responsibilities:

Defining the company's technical vision and leading all aspects of technological development.
Directing the strategic direction, development, and future growth of the technical teams.
Making high-level decisions regarding policy and strategy.

Development Focus:

Enhancing executive leadership and strategic decision-making abilities.
Broadening understanding of the business and technology sectors.
Building and maintaining high-level industry connections.

Ready to apply? Here are some tips from Cha to help you get hired.

Tips for Landing the Job

Highlight Automation Testing Experience

Why It's Important: Automation testing, especially on large-scale projects, is a key requirement. It shows your ability to handle complex systems and improve efficiency.
How to Demonstrate: Share specific examples where your automation testing contributed to significant improvements in project outcomes. Quantify these improvements if possible, such as efficiency gains or reduced error rates.

Management Experience

Why It's Important: As a Tech Lead, you'll not only be involved in technical aspects but also in managing a team. Demonstrating experience in this area is crucial.
How to Demonstrate: Discuss your past roles where you've led teams, highlighting how you managed resources, delegated tasks, and led projects to successful completion.

Experience Building and Leading a Team

Why It's Important: Building and leading a team is integral to the role. You'll need to show your ability to scale a team effectively.
How to Demonstrate: Talk about instances where you've been involved in hiring and onboarding processes, as well as how you've nurtured team growth and development.

Work on Large-Scale Projects

Why It's Important: Experience with large-scale projects demonstrates your capability to manage significant technical and organizational challenges.
How to Demonstrate: Detail your involvement in large projects, focusing on your role, the challenges you faced, and how you contributed to the project's success.

Show Initiative and Ability to Teach

Why It's Important: Being proactive and capable of teaching others, especially in a technology-driven environment, is highly valued.
How to Demonstrate: Provide examples of how you've taken initiative in past roles, such as implementing new technologies or processes, and how you've mentored or trained team members.

Discuss Contributions Beyond Day-to-Day Tasks

Why It's Important: Employers look for candidates who go above and beyond their regular duties, showing a commitment to the organization's growth and success.
How to Demonstrate: Highlight any additional contributions you've made in previous roles, such as process improvements, innovations, or exceptional problem-solving instances.

Research the Company Thoroughly

Why It's Important: Understanding the company's vision, products, and culture shows your genuine interest and how you align with their goals.
How to Demonstrate: In interviews, reference specific aspects of the company's work and articulate why they align with your skills and interests.

Be Prepared for Situational Questions

Why It's Important: Employers often use situational questions to gauge your problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
How to Demonstrate: Reflect on past experiences where you've overcome challenges, resolved conflicts, or managed difficult situations. Be ready to discuss these constructively and insightfully.

Interview Tips

Focus on your technical skills, team collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Research the company thoroughly and be prepared to discuss your contributions and achievements. Show long-term interest and ask insightful questions about the role and the company.

Emphasize Key Technical Skills

Skills to Highlight: Focus on your experience with manual and automation testing, containerization tools, and CI/CD pipelining tools like Jenkins.
How to Showcase: Provide specific examples of projects where you've used these skills effectively. Discuss the impact your technical contributions had on the project's success.

Showcase Communication Skills and Teamwork

Why It's Important: The first part of the interview often assesses how well you function as a team member or leader.
How to Demonstrate: Share experiences that show your ability to work collaboratively, resolve conflicts, and lead teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated challenges in team settings.

Prepare for Situational Questions

Typical Questions: Expect questions like, “What challenges did you face in your last project and how did you overcome them?” or “How have you handled conflicts with team members or management?”
How to Answer: Reflect on relevant experiences and be honest about the challenges you faced. Focus on the solutions and learning outcomes rather than just the problems.

Research the Company Thoroughly

Why It's Important: Demonstrating knowledge about the company shows your interest and how you align with their goals.
How to Prepare: Go beyond the company's website. Understand their market position, recent news, and any technological advancements they're known for. Relate your skills and experience to their specific needs.

Highlight Your Contributions and Achievements

Why It's Important: Employers want to see how you've made a tangible difference in your past roles.
How to Showcase: Discuss specific projects where you've gone above and beyond. Quantify your achievements if possible, and talk about any innovative solutions you've implemented.

Discuss Meaningful Projects and Learning Experiences

Why It's Important: This shows your passion for work and commitment to professional growth.
How to Discuss: Share stories about projects that were particularly meaningful to you. Explain what you learned, the skills you improved, and how these experiences have prepared you for the role you're applying for.

Show Long-Term Interest

Why It's Important: Employers favor candidates who are looking for more than just a job; they want someone who is invested in the long-term success of the company.
How to Demonstrate: Ask insightful questions about the company's plans, your potential role in long-term projects, and the company's goals. This shows that you're thinking about how you can contribute in the long run.

Ask About the Role and the Company

Why It's Important: This indicates your eagerness to understand and adapt to the company's culture and operations.
Questions to Ask: Inquire about day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and what success looks like in the role you're applying for. Ask about the company's approach to innovation, team development, and how they handle challenges.

People Got Rejected For This

Cha shared a few reasons for rejection. Here are the top reasons:

Insufficient Experience

Candidates were often rejected for not having enough experience, especially in automation testing on large-scale projects.

Unconvincing Reason for Joining

Applicants who did not provide convincing reasons for wanting to join the company, such as simply stating a generic interest in AI, faced rejection.

Red Flags in Situational Questions:

Conflict with Management: Candidates who shared negative experiences with management, like walking out of a situation, without explaining how they constructively resolved the issue.

Inability to Handle Team Conflicts: Lack of effective conflict resolution skills, particularly in managing disagreements or issues with junior engineers or team members.

Lack of Research about the Company

Applicants who failed to show a deep understanding of the company and its goals during the interview process.

Not Highlighting Contributions

Candidates who didn’t effectively showcase their contributions beyond regular duties, such as significantly improving a platform's efficiency through automation testing.

Short-term Interest

Lack of long-term interest or vision for their role in the company, as evidenced by not asking forward-looking questions during the interview.

Alternative Titles

1. Senior QA Engineer

Similarities: Involves leading testing efforts, often with a focus on both manual and automated testing.
Differences: Less emphasis on team management compared to a Tech Lead role.

2. QA Manager

Similarities: Oversees the quality assurance aspect of software development, including team management.
Differences: Often more focused on strategic planning and less on hands-on testing.

3. Lead Test Engineer

Similarities: Responsible for leading the testing team and setting testing standards.
Differences: This title can sometimes imply a more technical focus, with less emphasis on broad managerial responsibilities.

4. Software Quality Engineer

Similarities: Focuses on ensuring software quality through rigorous testing methodologies.
Differences: Broader scope, including quality control aspects beyond just testing.

5. Automation Lead

Similarities: Specializes in leading automation testing efforts within a team.
Differences: More narrowly focused on automation, possibly less involvement in manual testing processes.

6. DevOps QA Lead

Similarities: Integrates QA processes with DevOps practices, overseeing development and operational aspects.
Differences: Involves a deeper integration with DevOps methodologies compared to a traditional QA role.

7. Test Automation Architect

Similarities: Involves designing and implementing automation strategies and frameworks.
Differences: More focused on the architectural aspect of test automation, less on team management.

8. Quality Assurance Team Leader

Similarities: Leads the QA team, similar to a Tech Lead, with a strong focus on quality assurance practices.
Differences: More hands-on and closely involved with the QA team's day-to-day activities.

Now let’s go over some of the questions that Cha gets about working as a QA Engineer Tech Lead.

FAQ

Here are straightforward answers to your frequently asked questions about the QA Engineer Tech Lead role, especially tailored for Japan's tech sector.

1. What Will You Do as a QA Engineer Tech Lead?

Answer: You'll lead a team in quality assurance tasks. This includes creating test strategies, conducting automated testing, ensuring software quality, and working closely with teams like DevOps for effective QA integration.

2. What Technical Skills Do You Need?

Answer: You need skills in manual and automated testing, containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure. Knowledge of DevOps is also crucial.

3. Do You Need to Be Bilingual in Japan?

Answer: Being bilingual (Japanese and English) is useful, though not always required. It helps you communicate better within teams and with clients.

4. What Kind of Management Experience Should You Have?

Answer: You should have managed teams before. This means delegating tasks, building teams, managing resources, and mentoring others.

5. How Important is Experience with Large Projects?

Answer: Very important. It shows you can handle complex software projects and their challenges.

6. What Are Your Career Growth Opportunities?

Answer: You can start as a Software Tester and move up to roles like QA Analyst, Senior QA Engineer, QA Manager, and eventually to top positions like Director of QA or CTO.

7. What Common Interview Questions Can You Expect?

Answer: Expect questions about your experience with specific tools, problem-solving, and leadership scenarios, and discussions about your past projects and successes.

8. What Makes You Successful in This Role in Japan?

Answer: To succeed, show your technical and management skills, adaptability in diverse environments, good knowledge of the company you're applying to, and the ability to talk about your experiences and contributions.