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What does an applications support engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does an applications support engineer do

An applications support engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the application and network systems to support business operations and functions. Applications support engineers work on the installation of updates, upgrade system infrastructure, and resolve technical process issues and gaps. They also analyze the condition of existing applications and modify procedures to improve stability and configuration. An applications support engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills to identify failure sources and create resolution manuals to prevent downtime reoccurrence.

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Applications support engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real applications support engineer resumes:

  • Create scripts and ETL jobs to automate manual daily production activity.
  • Manage data line project, JIRA use cases and testing, schedules, and cross-functional planning.
  • Manage operational enhancements within the local team and manage globalization of them (Perl, bash scripting).
  • Manage and design UAT tests for new software release, delegate out tasks, and report results back to QA department.
  • Diagnose and correct all software code issues for software written in HTML, Perl, JavaScript and Java.
  • Experience supporting software systems on Unix and Linux.
  • Deploy and collapse distribution switches and core routers to effectively prepare retail stores for future technology deployment.
  • Develop customized SNMP applications over Linux platform architecture to further enhance monitoring effectiveness of network/systems monitoring processes.
  • Work with customers and vendors to troubleshoot high-level application issues including installation, operation, and customization issues.
  • Complete on-site installations, upgrades and trouble-shooting using various software and hardware environments including Unix and windows servers.
  • Work with APIs to create and parse XML, EXEL, and PDF data files.
  • Parse text data (CSV, XML, TXT), inspect, analyze and organize it in right formats.
  • Deploy XenApp 5.5 and XenDesktop 6 Virtualization.
  • Schedule CRONTAB through with Unix commands for DataManager.
  • Used CSS for applying style in entire applications.

Applications support engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10% of Applications Support Engineers are proficient in Java, Application Support, and Database. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.

We break down the percentage of Applications Support Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 10%

    Support multiple servers hosting Java Web services including the installation of service-pack upgrades to mitigate security risk exposure.

  • Application Support, 10%

    Managed and maintained documentation and coordinated the enabling of monitoring of systems and applications owned by Application Support Team.

  • Database, 8%

    Implemented and maintained Oracle database systems for production, test, and warehouse reporting environments including database replication and backup strategies.

  • JavaScript, 6%

    Used knowledge and understanding of PHP, JavaScript and LAMP stack to deeply troubleshoot issues and recommend resolutions.

  • CRM, 5%

    Implemented a CRM system for customer quality and successfully implemented a comprehensive support environment for customer retention.

  • Customer Satisfaction, 5%

    Coordinate with upper management and development teams on recommendations regarding issues aimed at continuous product improvement and customer satisfaction.

Most applications support engineers use their skills in "java," "application support," and "database" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential applications support engineer responsibilities here:

Creativity. One of the key soft skills for an applications support engineer to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what applications support engineers do because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Additionally, an applications support engineer resume shows how applications support engineers use creativity: "provide technical support to large enterprises in europe and apac on enterprise crm / inventory and lifecycle management systems. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform applications support engineer duties is detail oriented. Applications support engineers responsibilities require that "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Applications support engineers also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "used object oriented methodology for the java app design. "

Interpersonal skills. applications support engineers are also known for interpersonal skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to applications support engineer responsibilities, because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." An applications support engineer resume example shows how interpersonal skills is used in the workplace: "enhanced customer service through strong interpersonal communication skills. "

Analytical skills. A big part of what applications support engineers do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to applications support engineer responsibilities because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical applications support engineer tasks: "worked with various data providers to import large xml and json data into our main web application. "

Communication skills. Another crucial skill for an applications support engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "communication skills." A big part of what applications support engineers relies on this skill, since "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." How this skill relates to applications support engineer duties can be seen in an example from an applications support engineer resume snippet: "use visionael studio (network resource management) to troubleshoot and trace route telecommunication circuits, i.e. "

Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what an applications support engineer does. Applications support engineer responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how applications support engineer duties rely on this skill: "provided individual customer support and developed tailored software solutions for individual clients. "

Most common applications support engineer skills

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Compare different applications support engineers

Applications support engineer vs. Support

A support employee is responsible for assisting the business operations and responding to customers' inquiries and concerns regarding its goods and services. Support logs all customers' interaction and escalates potential complaints to the appropriate department. They also help with implementing strategic procedures to improve operations and reach maximum productivity. A support employee must have excellent communication and customer service skills, ensuring clients' satisfaction with the services and maintain good feedback to boost the company's brand, attract more clients, and increase revenues.

We looked at the average applications support engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a support. Generally speaking, supports are paid $53,701 lower than applications support engineers per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between applications support engineers and supports are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like customer satisfaction, linux, and sql server.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between applications support engineers and support. For instance, applications support engineer responsibilities require skills such as "java," "application support," "database," and "javascript." Whereas a support is skilled in "customer service," "cash management," "hr," and "inventory control." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Supports earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $50,563. On the other hand, applications support engineers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $90,705.supports tend to reach lower levels of education than applications support engineers. In fact, supports are 7.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Applications support engineer vs. Support analyst

The role of support analysts is to resolve problems with hardware, computer programs, and peripherals. They may focus on a particular aspect of the information technology (IT) department or give technical support to end-users. They mainly detect issues with IT equipment and software and devise solutions to resolve these issues. Also, they are responsible for answering queries from users, preparing service records, and handling escalations. Support analysts also support the company's IT operations and best practices by creating and distributing relevant IT documents.

On average, support analysts earn a $13,939 lower salary than applications support engineers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Applications support engineers and support analysts both require similar skills like "java," "application support," and "customer satisfaction" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, applications support engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "database," "javascript," "crm," and "web servers." Meanwhile, a support analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "patients," "issue resolution," and "excellent interpersonal." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, support analysts earn a lower salary than applications support engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, support analysts earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $93,871. Whereas applications support engineers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $90,705.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Support analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than applications support engineers. In fact, they're 4.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for applications support engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Applications support engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

An average engineer eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of applications support engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to engineers earning a $2,149 higher average salary than applications support engineers.By looking over several applications support engineers and engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "javascript," and "troubleshoot." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, applications support engineers are more likely to have skills like "application support," "database," "crm," and "customer satisfaction." But a engineer is more likely to have skills like "python," "cloud," "c #," and "aws."

Engineers earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $97,672. Applications support engineers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $90,705.Most engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to applications support engineers. For example, they're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Applications support engineer vs. Support lead

A support lead is typically in charge of overseeing the performance of a technical support team, ensuring efficiency and customer satisfaction. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the performance of the workforce, resolving complex issues, identifying customer needs and sales opportunities, and training new team members. They may also perform calls and correspondence, respond to inquiries, and resolve issues promptly. Furthermore, as a support lead, it is essential to perform clerical tasks such as preparing progress reports, managing schedules, and maintaining records of transactions.

Support leads tend to earn a lower pay than applications support engineers by an average of $3,112 per year.While their salaries may vary, applications support engineers and support leads both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "application support," and "customer satisfaction. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. An applications support engineer uses "database," "javascript," "crm," and "web servers." Support leads are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "cash management," "pos," and "sales floor. "support leads reach similar levels of education compared to applications support engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 3.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of applications support engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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