Software testing firm SQS Software Quality Systems is to increase its workforce, adding 20 new jobs in the next six months.

The move will bring Irish staff numbers at SQS, which employs more than 2,000 people throughout the world, to more than 120.

The positions will include experienced software quality engineers, software testing managers, performance engineers and software test analysts.

The move comes as the company continues to grow in Ireland, where it has operated since 2002. It currently has offices in Dublin and Belfast.

Managing director of SQS Ireland Phil Codd said the announcement was positive news for the company.

"It is very much driven by the business needs and pipeline of activity that we are gearing up for in 2012," he said.

"These latest jobs being created by SQS Ireland are high end specialist roles and will ideally suit professionals already working in the sector or those looking to transfer their relevant skillsets into a growth industry."

For the financial year 2010, SQS generated sales of €162.9 million.