The role of a quality assurance (QA) engineer is crucial in ensuring that software products meet specified requirements and are free from defects. QA engineers design and execute test cases to validate functionality, performance, and security throughout the development lifecycle. They collaborate with development teams to identify potential issues early and recommend improvements that enhance quality. Moreover, QA engineers play a role in automating tests, which increases efficiency in the testing process. Their work ultimately ensures a positive user experience and contributes to the overall success of software projects.