Automatically Apply For Jobs With Zippi

Upload your resume to get started.

Computer Software Engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted Experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical computer software engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for computer software engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 18.8% of computer software engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a computer software engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 computer software engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how computer software engineers use python:

Developed stand-a-lone applications using Python, PyGTK, GTK+, Glade3, MySQL-python, and PyDev for the Eclipse IDE.
Led efforts in compiler benchmarking protocols through custom Python implementations.

2. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how computer software engineers use software development:

Research and software development in speech signal processing under contract with the Automation Faculty, Polytechnic University of Bucharest
Initiated the developed a software development methodology and continuous process improvement program.

3. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how computer software engineers use java:

Worked with the Apache Struts framework for Java based web development.
Created Java Swing based System Tray to help automate testing.

4. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how computer software engineers use linux:

Provided Linux systems administration for various projects during my career.
Learned and worked with Linux on Intel as a pilot project for Linux/VM, Linux/390, and Linux on System z.

5. Object Oriented Programming

Here's how computer software engineers use object oriented programming:

Developed Web Based Banking Applications like Brand Migration, Mortgage Module Development and Snapshot Functionality using Object Oriented Programming.
Developed and enhanced dozens of Visual Studio applications for a financial system using procedural based and object oriented programming.

6. MATLAB

Here's how computer software engineers use matlab:

Performed MATLAB simulations for design and optimization.
Created a MATLAB application to help the user covert from one version of a missile simulation package to a new version.

Choose from 10+ customizable computer software engineer resume templates

Build a professional computer software engineer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer software engineer resume.

7. Debugging

Here's how computer software engineers use debugging:

Have been on customer visitation and field/user trials and debugging issues in related products
Assisted with testing, modifying, and debugging new and existing programs.

8. Visualization

Here's how computer software engineers use visualization:

Developed 3D visualization program to illustrate projected fuel levels for aircraft on ground.
Developed a data visualization tool for a real-time, interactive flight test application that enabled participation of geographically dispersed test teams.

9. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how computer software engineers use technical support:

Team members traveled to customer sites to resolve issues escalated from Technical Support.
Provided Tier 3 technical support for DPS Telecom windows-based software.

10. API

Here's how computer software engineers use api:

Designed and developed file serialization and archiving software components for their new products and providing an API to application developers.
Developed user interface and API level automation for Microsoft internal applications, including CheckPoint and CheckPoint Express.

11. PowerPoint

Here's how computer software engineers use powerpoint:

Created PowerPoint demonstration to train Caltrans employees how to configure system.

12. Computer Software

Here's how computer software engineers use computer software:

Beta-tested and troubleshoot new patches and updates for computer software.
Reviewed and wrote computer software programs using C++.

13. OS

In technical terms, OS stands for "Operating System". It is a software that is used to run programs on the computer. An operating system acts as a link between the user and the hardware components. Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux are examples of an operating system.

Here's how computer software engineers use os:

Documented relevant procedures needed for OS acceptance testing.
Managed OS security patching and intrusion detection systems.

14. Management System

A management system is a set of policies, processes, and procedures taken by an organization or a business to ensure it can fulfill its tasks and achieve its objectives. A management system makes sure that the company excels financially and improves the user experience. The management system also takes care of the worker's and employees' needs and manages their workload and oversees their performance. Apart from interior matters of the company, a management system also deals with exterior matters like legislations, tax matters, and law issues.

Here's how computer software engineers use management system:

Designed and Developed: Denver Leadership Foundation, Contact Management System and Donation Tracking.
Evaluated various Management Systems for accuracy, compliance and usefulness.

15. HTML

Here's how computer software engineers use html:

Design and develop dynamically generated web pages based on HTML, XML with JavaServer Pages, JavaScript and Tag files.
Generated automated reports in XML, ASP.NET, and HTML for government clients.

5 Computer Software Engineer Resume Examples

Build a professional computer software engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 5+ resume templates to create your computer software engineer resume.

Create My Resume

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

What skills help Computer Software Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on Computer Software Engineer resumes?

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Director, Montana Engineering Education Research Center (MEERC), Montana State University

All companies are looking for some experience beyond the classrooms. This can be through internships or doing research at their universities. But students still need to show an acceptable GPA to show employers that they understand the fundamentals of their discipline.

What soft skills should all Computer Software Engineers possess?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

All the soft skills are important, but a few are absolutely critical in today's hybrid workforce. With the uncertainty of COVID delaying the return to the office, many companies are embracing hybrid work and/or 100% remote for some or all of their employees. Today's employees must be able to effectively communicate over a range of different modalities, both synchronously and asynchronously, while still being able to actively build and maintain relationships as they participate in one or more teams of coworkers, customers, and other stakeholders. Today's IT workers need to be honest with themselves on the work environments they can and cannot succeed within.

What hard/technical skills are most important for Computer Software Engineers?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

Students graduating with Information Systems and related degrees usually have little problem finding employment upon graduation. However, the pandemic upended that paradigm for some. For those who recently graduated and are still looking for employment, keep the faith and develop your technical skills. Developers should show prospective employers that they are familiar with agile programming methodologies and modern DevOps stacks and processes. Data analysts should be focused on presenting their ability to work with structured and unstructured data, effectively query data using SQL & NoSQL, and, most importantly, provide actionable insight by making data accessible and relatable to decision-makers at all levels of an organization. Those interested in cloud architecture and cyber security careers have to keep current on their skills and certifications. Cloud engineers need to stay aware of the constant changes happening at the major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and, as with all other IT fields, provide tangible evidence of your skills via real projects that you have worked on. Prospective cyber security analysts should first focus on identifying their first specialization because there are too many security roles to learn them all at once, especially as beginners. Two popular entry-level cyber security jobs include information security consultant and Security Operations Center (SOC). Both of these roles require a sound foundation in networking fundamentals, vulnerability identification and mitigation, and an understanding of organizationally relevant security and privacy frameworks and regulations.

What Computer Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Tao Ju

Vice Dean for Research & Professor, Washington University in St. Louis

Graduates should research their targeted industries, companies and positions to identify which skills are in highest demand. Every job description has required qualifications and a desired qualifications section. The focus should be on trying to develop those desired qualifications. This could include learning a new programming language or working towards a certification (EIT, LEED, Six Sigma, etc.). Having said that, the specific skills themselves are less important than demonstrating the drive, passion and curiosity to continue developing. Do something. Take a course, volunteer, take on a short-term project, or teach yourself new software. The more graduates have developed their technical and transferable skills (leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, etc.), the more competitive they will be as they enter the job market, and the quicker they will make a difference in an organization.

What type of skills will young Computer Software Engineers need?

Gagan Agrawal

Professor, Augusta University

I feel that the skill set needed in computing fields has held quite steady for some amount of time now. You will need a combination of basic software and problem-solving links. You need the ability to work on projects with others and learn new languages or technologies on your own. Communication skills are always important. Companies like graduates who have taken the initiative and done projects outside classwork - this shows that you really enjoy work, and you are motivated and driven.

Lately, there are specialized sectors like security or Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning that are seeing a lot of action. If you want to be in either of those spaces, you need to take electives accordingly and probably do projects in these areas on your own (and/or possibly take online classes). But then, there are classical areas, like database programming, that still employ many.

What technical skills for a Computer Software Engineer stand out to employers?

Bob Sweeney Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University of South Alabama

Strong database skills including big data and SQL are always valued by local employers hiring our IS majors. While not technical, written and verbal communications skills are always important.

Do you want to know more?

List of computer software engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a computer software engineer resume and required skills for a computer software engineer to have include:

Python
Software Development
Java
Linux
Object Oriented Programming
MATLAB
Debugging
Visualization
Technical Support
API
PowerPoint
Computer Software
OS
Management System
HTML

Perl
Configuration Management
Cloud Computing
Confluence
Extraction
OpenGL
Bash
PHP
C Net
Software Solutions
QA
Database Design
UI
CSS
XML

Adaptive
System Design
Test Cases
Unix
Ruby
UML
PC
Lifecycle Management
Web Application
Animation
CAD/CAM
Eclipse
Virtualization
User Interface

Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs