Discover rewarding Quality Analyst (Accessibility and Manual Testing) jobs, a specialized and critical profession at the intersection of software quality, user experience, and digital inclusion. Professionals in this role are dedicated guardians of product integrity, ensuring that digital applications, websites, and software are not only functionally flawless but also accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This career path merges meticulous technical testing with a profound commitment to creating equitable digital spaces. The core mission of a Quality Analyst specializing in accessibility and manual testing is to execute hands-on, exploratory testing without the use of automation scripts. They simulate real-user interactions to identify functional bugs, usability issues, and design inconsistencies. A significant and growing portion of their responsibility is conducting comprehensive accessibility audits against established standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They rigorously test using only a keyboard, employ screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver, and utilize other assistive technologies to ensure compatibility. Their work validates that interactive elements, navigation flows, multimedia content, and document structure are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with diverse abilities. Typical daily responsibilities include analyzing design specifications and requirements to create detailed test plans and cases. They meticulously execute these tests across various browsers, devices, and operating systems to ensure consistent performance. When defects are found, they document them with precise steps to reproduce, along with screenshots or videos, within bug-tracking systems like Jira. A key deliverable often involves preparing accessibility conformance reports, such as VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates), which summarize compliance for clients or regulatory purposes. Collaboration is essential, as they work closely with developers to communicate issues, with designers to advise on inclusive practices, and with project managers to provide accurate time estimates and status updates. The typical skill set for these jobs includes a strong analytical mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and patience for repetitive testing cycles. A solid understanding of WCAG principles (levels A, AA, AAA) and related regulations like Section 508 is fundamental. Practical experience with screen readers and other assistive tech is highly valued, as is proficiency in using developer tools to inspect HTML, ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels, and CSS. While not always requiring coding expertise, familiarity with front-end web technologies is a significant advantage. Strong written and verbal communication skills are paramount for clear defect reporting and effective cross-functional teamwork. For those passionate about quality, technology, and social impact, Quality Analyst (Accessibility and Manual Testing) jobs offer a fulfilling career building a more inclusive digital world.
