What is a QA Engineer at TechnipFMC?

A QA Engineer at TechnipFMC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and precision of technology used in the global energy industry. Because our systems operate in high-stakes environments—from subsea oil and gas fields to renewable energy installations—the software and hardware updates we deploy must meet the highest standards of quality. You are not just testing code; you are safeguarding critical infrastructure that powers the world.

In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end quality lifecycle of our products, focusing on how software updates interact with complex physical systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to validate that every release is robust and compliant with international safety regulations. This position offers the unique challenge of applying modern Quality Assurance methodologies to heavy-industry applications where there is zero margin for error.

The impact of a QA Engineer at TechnipFMC is felt across the entire organization. By identifying potential failure points early and advocating for the user experience, you help maintain our reputation for technical excellence. Whether you are working on subsea control systems or surface measurement tools, your work directly contributes to the operational efficiency and environmental safety of our global energy projects.

Common Interview Questions

Interview questions at TechnipFMC tend to be practical and scenario-based. We want to see how you apply your knowledge to real-world problems.

Technical & QA Methodology

This category tests your fundamental understanding of quality assurance and your ability to apply it to our specific product needs.

• Describe the difference between re-testing and regression testing.
• How do you prioritize test cases when you have limited time before a release?
• What is your process for testing a software update that includes both new features and bug fixes?
• How do you handle a situation where you cannot reproduce a bug reported by a user?
• Explain the life cycle of a bug from discovery to closure.

Behavioral & Situational

These questions help us understand how you work within a team and how you handle the challenges of a corporate engineering environment.

• Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a developer regarding a bug's priority.
• How do you stay motivated and organized during long testing cycles?
• Describe a situation where you had to learn a new technology or product very quickly.
• How do you handle a situation where the interviewers or managers seem disorganized or provide unclear instructions?
• Give an example of how you have improved a QA process in your previous role.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparing for an interview at TechnipFMC requires a blend of technical mastery and an understanding of the industrial context in which we operate. Your interviewers will look for candidates who don't just follow a checklist but understand the "why" behind every test case. We value precision, patience, and a proactive approach to identifying risks before they become issues.

Role-Related Knowledge – This is the core of your evaluation. Interviewers at TechnipFMC will test your familiarity with the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), regression testing, and specifically how you manage quality for software updates. You should be prepared to discuss your experience with similar technical products and your ability to adapt to specialized domain requirements.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will be asked to walk through complex scenarios where a product is failing or a requirement is ambiguous. We evaluate how you structure your thoughts, prioritize testing efforts under tight deadlines, and ensure edge cases are covered. Demonstrating a methodical approach to troubleshooting is essential for success in this role.

Professionalism and Communication – Given the collaborative nature of our engineering teams, your ability to communicate technical defects clearly to non-QA stakeholders is vital. We look for candidates who remain professional under pressure and can navigate the occasionally long feedback loops inherent in large-scale industrial projects.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a QA Engineer at TechnipFMC is designed to assess both your technical competence and your alignment with our operational standards. Typically, the process begins with an HR screening to verify your background and expectations. This is followed by technical evaluations and conversations with hiring managers to ensure you have the specific product knowledge required for the vacancy.

While the rigor of the process is standard for the engineering industry, candidates should be prepared for a deliberate pace. TechnipFMC values thoroughness over speed, which is reflected in how we evaluate candidates. You may encounter a mix of telephonic screens and face-to-face (or virtual) panel interviews involving both technical leads and department managers.

The timeline above outlines the standard progression from the initial contact to the final decision. Candidates should use this to pace their preparation, focusing heavily on technical fundamentals in the early stages and shifting toward leadership and domain-specific scenarios for the final rounds. Note that the duration between the final interview and an offer can vary depending on the location and specific project needs.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Quality Assurance Methodology

The ability to implement a structured testing process is the most critical skill for a QA Engineer. At TechnipFMC, we focus on how you handle software updates and ensure that new features do not compromise existing system stability. You must demonstrate a deep understanding of how to build a test plan that accounts for the complexities of industrial hardware-software integration.

Be ready to go over:

• Regression Testing Strategy – How you determine the scope of testing after a software update to ensure system integrity.
• Defect Management – Your process for identifying, documenting, and tracking bugs through to resolution.
• Test Documentation – The importance of maintaining clear, auditable test cases and results in a regulated environment.
• Advanced concepts – Automated testing frameworks, CI/CD integration for industrial software, and risk-based testing methodologies.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How do you approach testing a critical software update for a product you have never used before?"
• "Describe a time you found a major defect late in the release cycle and how you handled it."
• "What metrics do you use to determine if a product is 'ready' for deployment?"

Product and Domain Expertise

Because TechnipFMC operates in the energy sector, we look for candidates who can quickly grasp the nuances of our products. You don't necessarily need prior subsea experience, but you must show an ability to learn complex systems and understand the physical implications of software behavior.

Be ready to go over:

• System Architecture – Understanding how software interacts with hardware components.
• User Personas – Identifying the needs of the engineers and operators who use our tools in the field.
• Compliance and Standards – Knowledge of industry-specific quality standards and how they influence testing.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Explain a complex technical product you have tested in the past and the specific challenges it presented."
• "How do you ensure that software updates do not negatively impact hardware performance?"

Key Responsibilities

As a QA Engineer, your primary responsibility is to serve as the final gatekeeper for product quality. You will spend a significant portion of your time developing and executing comprehensive test plans that cover functional, performance, and security requirements. This involves working directly with the development team to understand new features and translating those into actionable test cases.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of this role. You will interact with Project Managers, Software Developers, and Systems Engineers to align on quality goals. When defects are found, you are responsible for not just reporting them, but working with the engineering team to root-cause the issue and verify the fix.

In addition to manual testing, you will contribute to the evolution of our quality systems. This includes identifying opportunities for automation, improving our internal testing tools, and ensuring that all QA activities are documented according to TechnipFMC global standards. You will often be the voice of the end-user, ensuring that our technology is not only functional but also intuitive and safe for field operations.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

A successful candidate for the QA Engineer position at TechnipFMC must possess a strong technical foundation combined with a meticulous attention to detail. We look for individuals who have a proven track record in quality assurance, particularly in environments where software interacts with physical assets.

• Technical Skills – Proficiency in manual testing methodologies is required. Experience with automation tools (such as Selenium or UFT) and bug-tracking software (like Jira or Azure DevOps) is highly preferred.
• Experience Level – Typically, we look for candidates with 3+ years of experience for Level II roles, while intern positions require a strong academic background in Computer Science or Engineering.
• Soft Skills – Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for documenting defects and collaborating with global teams. You must also demonstrate resilience and professional etiquette during long project lifecycles.

Must-have skills:

• Deep understanding of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).
• Experience testing software updates and regression suites.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and reproducible bug reports.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Experience in the energy, oil and gas, or manufacturing sectors.
• Knowledge of SQL for data validation and backend testing.
• Familiarity with ISO or other industrial quality management standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult are the interviews for a QA Engineer position? The difficulty is generally rated as average. While the technical questions are straightforward if you have a solid QA background, the challenge lies in demonstrating how your skills apply to the complex industrial products at TechnipFMC.

Q: What is the typical timeline from the first interview to an offer? Candidates should be prepared for a process that can take anywhere from three weeks to over a month. Internal coordination and feedback loops can sometimes be slow, so maintaining patience is key.

Q: What makes a candidate stand out during the interview? Successful candidates often stand out by showing a genuine interest in the energy industry and by asking insightful questions about the hardware-software integration of our products. Demonstrating a "quality-first" mindset rather than just a "testing" mindset is crucial.

Q: Is there a specific focus on automation in this role? While manual testing and process knowledge are the foundations, TechnipFMC is increasingly looking for candidates who can help modernize our QA efforts through automation. Highlighting your experience in this area is a significant advantage.

Other General Tips

• Research our Products: Before your interview, spend time on the TechnipFMC website learning about our subsea and surface technologies. Being able to reference specific product types shows you are serious about the role.
• Be Patient with the Process: As a large global organization, our hiring process can involve multiple layers of approval. If you don't hear back immediately, do not be discouraged; follow up professionally with your recruiter.
• Master the STAR Method: When answering behavioral questions, use the Situation, Task, Action, and Result format. This ensures your answers are structured and highlight your specific contributions.

• Prepare for Ambiguity: Some interviewers may ask open-ended questions about how you would test an undefined product. Focus on the questions you would ask to gain clarity, as this demonstrates your analytical thinking.

Summary & Next Steps

The QA Engineer role at TechnipFMC is an exceptional opportunity for quality professionals who want to work on technology that has a tangible impact on the world's energy future. By focusing your preparation on robust testing methodologies, product integration, and clear communication, you will be well-positioned to succeed in our interview process.

Remember that we are looking for partners in our mission to deliver high-quality, safe, and reliable energy solutions. Your role as a QA Engineer is vital to that mission, and a successful interview is your first step toward making a significant impact. We encourage you to use the resources available on Dataford to further refine your preparation and gain deeper insights into the engineering culture here.

The salary range provided reflects the compensation for intern and junior positions. For Quality Assurance Engineer II roles and above, compensation is competitive and typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. When discussing salary, consider your total experience and the specific requirements of the location for which you are applying.