KONE is Hiring Test Engineer | Finsplitz

Introduction

Are you a meticulous problem-solver with a passion for ensuring software quality and reliability, particularly in the realm of smart buildings and urban mobility? KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, is actively seeking talented Test Engineers to join its innovative teams in India, primarily at its Technology and Engineering Center in Chennai. This role is crucial in validating the functionality and performance of the advanced software that drives KONE’s elevators, escalators, and intelligent building solutions, impacting the flow of urban life for billions of people daily. If you possess strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of software testing methodologies, KONE offers a dynamic environment to contribute to cutting-edge technology and shape the future of urban environments.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a Test Engineer at KONE, you will be an integral part of the Software Reliability team, focused on ensuring the highest quality of software released for delivery. Your responsibilities will typically include a blend of manual and automated testing, analysis, and collaboration within an agile framework:

• Test Plan and Test Case Design: Eliciting customer requirements and translating them into comprehensive test plans and detailed test cases to validate the functionality of elevator/escalator software.
• Test Execution: Executing test suites (both manual and automated) in a laboratory environment, simulating real-world conditions to identify defects and ensure software performance and reliability. This often involves working with embedded testing environments.
• Defect Management: Reporting defects using KONE standard tools, analyzing findings, and collaborating with software developers to identify root causes and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Test Automation Development: For Test Automation Engineer roles, developing and maintaining testing framework libraries and test scenarios using programming languages like Python. This includes writing code to test product capabilities not available for manual testing and optimizing routine processes.
• Test Environment Management: Identifying, procuring, and building robust test environments for software testing, and maintaining/upgrading lab equipment and environments.
• Troubleshooting: Possessing a good understanding and troubleshooting capability of electrical systems, which is crucial for embedded testing. Initiating corrective or preventive actions when appropriate.
• Reporting and Analysis: Generating test reports, setting up reviews with managers, and performing risk assessments for simulators.
• Process Adherence: Working in a Lean & Agile work environment, maintaining a 5S & Safety work culture in the laboratory, and adhering to KONE’s quality assurance standards.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinating and executing test activities with cross-functional teams, including software developers, product managers, and client service teams.
• Continuous Improvement: Showing a strong interest and passion towards quality assurance, continuously utilizing problem-solving skills, and contributing to the constant improvement of testing processes and tools.

Salary and Benefits

KONE offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package for Test Engineers in India, reflecting its commitment to attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

• Competitive Base Salary:
  • For entry-level Test Engineers (0-2 years of experience) or freshers, typical salaries might range from ₹3.5 lakhs to ₹6.5 lakhs per annum, depending on the specific role (manual vs. automation), skills, and academic background.
  • For Test Automation Engineers with 1-3 years of experience, salaries can range higher, reflecting the demand for automation skills.
  • Overall, reported average salaries at KONE Elevator in India across various roles and experience levels are around ₹18.0 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The median salary is around ₹14.0 lakhs per annum.
• Performance-based Pay: Opportunities for additional reward elements influenced by individual and team performance, as part of KONE’s total reward philosophy.
• Health and Well-being: KONE promotes a holistic approach to employee well-being, which typically includes health insurance, and programs encouraging physical and mental health.
• Career Development: KONE emphasizes continuous learning and offers various career development opportunities, including:
  • Internal Job Rotation: Encourages horizontal moves and taking on more challenging roles across the organization.
  • Learning Programs: Comprehensive learning programs covering professional skills, technical training (e.g., Robot Framework, Python development), and management skills.
  • Mentoring: Opportunities for mentorship within KONE and participation in cross-company mentoring programs.
  • Regular discussions (at least twice a year) between employees and managers on well-being, career development, and growth opportunities.
• Flexible Working Practices: KONE offers flexible working arrangements, promoting work-life balance for its employees.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities to work in a global matrix organization and participate in diverse project teams, gaining international experience.
• Inclusive Culture: KONE is recognized for its inclusive environment and initiatives that support diversity, including being listed among the “top 100 Best Companies for Women in India.”

Eligibility Criteria

KONE seeks detail-oriented and analytical individuals with a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for quality assurance. Typical eligibility criteria for Test Engineer roles include:

• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor of Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) or Master of Engineering/Technology (M.E./M.Tech) degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Experience:
  • For entry-level Test Engineer roles: 0-2 years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or relevant internship experience.
  • For Test Automation Engineer roles: 1 to 3 years of experience in test automation or developing testing frameworks using Python.
• Key Technical Skills:
  • Programming Languages: For automation roles, Python programming knowledge is a must. For other testing roles, a good understanding of programming languages like C, C++, Java, or C# is beneficial, along with OOP principles.
  • Testing Fundamentals: Good knowledge of the basics of software testing, testing tools (e.g., Quality Center, Jama), and methodologies.
  • Test Automation Tools: Proficiency with testing tools like Robot Framework, Jenkins, and Git is highly valued, especially for automation roles.
  • Embedded Systems: Practical approach to work in embedded testing environments. Good understanding and troubleshooting of Electrical systems.
  • Agile Methodologies: Knowledge of agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) is an asset.
  • Database Fundamentals: Knowledge of the basics of SQL is often required for novice test engineers.
  • Hardware Knowledge (for embedded): Ability to effectively use test equipment and tools, potentially including oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong Interest in Quality Assurance: A genuine passion and strong interest towards quality assurance and delivering high-quality software.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical capabilities to design test cases, identify defects, and perform root cause analysis.
  • Communication Skills: Good written and verbal communication skills in English are vital for coordination with cross-functional teams and documentation.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in testing and reporting.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work independently and as a strong member of a diverse and global team.
  • Proactive & Engagement: Ability to create results, constantly utilize problem-solving skills, and show engagement, obtaining commitment from others.

Application Process

Ready to contribute to smart urban solutions? Here’s how to apply for a Test Engineer position at KONE:

1. Online Application: Visit the official KONE Careers website (www.kone.in/careers/open-opportunities/) or global site (www.kone.com/en/careers/apply-now/). Search for “Test Engineer,” “Test Automation Engineer,” or “Software Testing Specialist” roles in India.
2. Resume Submission: Submit a well-structured resume that clearly highlights your educational background, relevant technical skills (especially Python, test automation tools, embedded systems knowledge), project experience, and any prior internships in software testing or quality assurance.
3. Initial Screening: If your skills and experience match the role, a recruiter will conduct an initial phone or virtual chat to discuss your background, interests, and learn more about your fit for the role.
4. Assessment or Technical Evaluation (if applicable): For certain roles, you may need to complete an online assessment or technical task. This could involve coding challenges (especially for automation roles), aptitude tests, or domain-specific questions.
5. Interviews: Candidates who clear the initial screening and assessments will be invited for interview rounds.

Interview Process

The interview process for a Test Engineer at KONE is designed to assess your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. It typically involves multiple rounds:

• Technical Interview(s) (1-2 rounds): These rounds focus on your core technical competencies relevant to software testing.
  • Testing Concepts: Questions on software testing principles, different types of testing (unit, integration, system, regression, performance), test case design techniques, and defect life cycle.
  • Programming & Automation: For automation roles, in-depth questions on Python programming, OOPs concepts, and experience with test automation frameworks (e.g., Robot Framework, Selenium). You might be asked to write code or debug given snippets.
  • Embedded Systems: For embedded testing roles, questions on embedded systems concepts, microcontrollers, RTOS, communication protocols (e.g., CAN), and troubleshooting hardware-software interactions.
  • Tools: Discussion on your experience with testing tools (e.g., Quality Center, Jama), version control (Git), and CI/CD tools (Jenkins).
  • Project Discussion: Detailed discussion about your previous projects or academic work related to testing, quality assurance, or embedded systems. Be prepared to explain your role, challenges faced, and solutions.
• Managerial Interview: This round usually involves the hiring manager or a senior team member. They will assess your understanding of the testing lifecycle, your approach to problem-solving, your ability to work in an agile environment, and your communication and teamwork skills. Expect behavioral and situational questions.
• HR Interview: This final round evaluates your cultural fit, motivation for joining KONE, and general communication skills. Expect questions like:
  • “Tell me about yourself.” (Prepare a concise, impactful introduction.)
  • “Why KONE?” (Show you have researched the company, its vision, and how you align with its mission of improving urban flow.)
  • Your strengths and weaknesses.
  • How you handle pressure, adapt to new technologies, and collaborate in a team.
  • Your career aspirations and expectations from the role.

Throughout the process, demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, a meticulous approach to quality, clear and confident communication, and a genuine passion for contributing to the safety and efficiency of KONE’s advanced urban solutions.

Conclusion

Joining KONE as a Test Engineer offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety, reliability, and innovation of essential urban infrastructure. With its focus on smart technology, sustainable solutions, and a commitment to employee development, KONE provides a stimulating and rewarding environment for aspiring quality assurance professionals. If you are a driven individual with strong technical skills and a passion for ensuring excellence in software, explore the Test Engineer openings at KONE today!