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Lead software developer 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 lead software developer skills. We ranked the top skills for lead software developers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.2% of lead software developer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a lead software developer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 lead software developer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 lead software developers use java:

Migrated legacy application architecture to a custom MVC framework and powerful object model using ColdFusion and Java.
Ported existing Java applications to web applications.

2. Architecture

Here's how lead software developers use architecture:

Developed Model Driven Architecture based platform architecture and prototype MFD controller, and demonstrated rapid changes.
Re-designed architecture from centralized custom solution to industry standard SharePoint framework for better publishing experience.

3. Application Development

Here's how lead software developers use application development:

Involved in analysis, design and application development of new requirement and enhancements.
Provided standard approach to application development, user interface and user experience.

4. 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 lead software developers use software development:

Recommended and improved software development methodology corporate-wide.
Interacted with stakeholders and prepared software module designs, estimations, software specifications which supported software development to known standards.

5. API

Here's how lead software developers use api:

Developed PHP/MySQL based Twitter API application reporting software that allowed trend analysis.
Designed and built shipping notification API with manufacturing partner.

6. JavaScript

Here's how lead software developers use javascript:

Developed reusable and customized classes using JavaScript.
Designed and developed the UI using Struts view component, JSP, HTML, CSS, Ajax and JavaScript.

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7. 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 lead software developers use python:

Led a team of 5 developers to design and develop a unique SGML/XML up, down and cross-translation tool using Python.
Set the policies and procedures for the Python coding standards within the OQR (Office of Quantitative Research).

8. Project Management

Here's how lead software developers use project management:

Performed requirements-gathering, business analysis, and project management for projects across all business units.
Implemented Project Management for global teams using Target Process for delivering multiple machine programs.

9. Scrum

Scrum is a lean structure for communicating, designing, and promoting complex products, with a focus on programming development. It has been applied to a variety of areas, including manufacturing, testing, new technology, and marketing techniques. Scrum is a simple framework that helps people, organizations, and teams generate value by providing many solutions to complicated problems.

Here's how lead software developers use scrum:

Certified Scrum Master responsible for leading and working with 5 development teams and related stakeholders simultaneously using Scrum methodologies.
Performed scrum meetings and reporting project progress and risk and analysis/mitigation to management.

10. Jenkins

Jenkins is an open source automation server that is free to use. It aids continuous deployment and execution by automating the aspects of product creation related to building, analyzing, and deploying. It is a system based on the server that runs in servlet containers like Apache Tomcat. Jenkins is a Java-based fully accessible automation platform with plugins designed for Continuous Integration.

Here's how lead software developers use jenkins:

Managed the AWS infrastructure and the CI & CD infrastructure with Jenkins and Docker.
Performed the CI for all the Blue applications using the Jenkins.

11. Html Css

Here's how lead software developers use html css:

Created several modules and forms using HTML CSS are performed styling for pages.
Developed HTML CSS style sheets for web interface creation.

12. Spring Boot

Here's how lead software developers use spring boot:

Developed rest services using Spring Boot, RestController, RestTemplate.
Recommend and develop strategy for integrating internal security model into new projects with Spring Security and Spring Boot.

13. HTML

Here's how lead software developers use html:

Project Link: o http://www-3.ibm.com/software/data/emms/ o http://www-03.ibm.com/solutions/businesssolutions/doc/content/landingdtw/1758120107.html
Designed and developed web applications for multiple clients using: Visual Studio 2005, ASP.NET, HTML, and C#.

14. Microservices

Microservice is an application architecture in which a large application or software project is broken into loosely coupled service components that communicate with each other through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) compared to traditional monolithic architecture.

Here's how lead software developers use microservices:

Implemented Schedule Manager MicroServices which is base for all other scheduling MicroServices.
Build tools for management/deployment MicroServices.

15. Azure

Here's how lead software developers use azure:

Write SQL-based scripts, Triggers, and stored procedures to update and manage back-end SQL-2008 R2 - 2012/SQL Azure Cloud database.
Deployed cloud based solutions to Windows Azure (IaaS, PaaS).

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What skills help Lead Software Developers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on lead software developer 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 lead software developers 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 lead software developers?

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 lead software developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Brian Law

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Illinois Wesleyan University

There are several areas that are "hot" right now, such as the previously-mentioned data science, artificial intelligence, and systems, but also cybersecurity and databases/data warehousing. That being said, the most important thing for a new graduate seeking employment to do is just to do anything, produce something. Tech employers don't and have never trusted computer science credentialing; that mistrust is the origin of the infamous "tech interview," used to verify whether a candidate actually has the technical skills to back up their piece of paper.

So to preemptively answer that question and get a leg up on other candidates, graduates should be sure to generate some artifact(s) that demonstrate(s) their technical and organizational skills. Show them that you can plan a project, design it, see it through in programming it, and do so in a responsible, organized manner (good coding style, readable code, well-documented, and using proper version control), and you'll have addressed your future employer's greatest worries right off the bat.

If it's a project in one of these "hot" areas or specifically tuned for the work the employer does, all the better, but anything the employer is doing is probably leagues beyond what a fresh graduate can do by themselves in a few months, so ultimately they're not going to be that impressed with your domain-specific technical knowledge. Instead treat it more as an opportunity to show off your "soft" skills, your programming maturity, and your ability to actually produce a product rather than just answer exam questions. And while you're at it, you might as well make it something fun for yourself so you'll be driven to finish it.

What type of skills will young lead software developers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok Song

Associate Professor of Engineering, John Brown University

As it always has been, the ability to communicate with others would be a critical skill for college graduates. Additionally, it will be more necessary for professionals to work cross-culturally, as the U.S. is becoming more diverse.

What technical skills for a lead software developer 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 lead software developer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a lead software developer resume and required skills for a lead software developer to have include:

Java
Architecture
Application Development
Software Development
API
JavaScript
Python
Project Management
Scrum
Jenkins
Html Css
Spring Boot
HTML
Microservices
Azure
C Net

Web Application
Web Services
Object Oriented Programming
Linux
SQL Server
CSS
Net Core
Maven
JQuery
Windows
AngularJS
Code Reviews
JSON
TFS
Jira
UI

XML
SDLC
HR
Debugging
Cloud Computing
Design Patterns
C
C++
Android
Database Design
Ruby
Emerging Technologies
QA
J2EE
Unix
Apex

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

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