What Does a Lead Software Developer Do?

A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.

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Lead Software Developer Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead software developer resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

  • Spring MVC are used to manage navigation.
  • Manage technical infrastructure including but not limit to AWS images and instances, deployment procedures and tools, and monitoring.
  • Used and written maven scripts to manage dependencies and to build and deploy the application locally and in DEV environments.
  • Design rich user interface using ASP.NET, HTML and CSS.
  • Develop a lightweight media gallery CDN for marketplace images using windows azure and link lists.
  • Implement a clean UI with cutting edge technologies CSS3.0 and JavaScript using AngularJS, bootstrap and other JavaScript libraries.
  • Migrate legacy application architecture to a custom MVC framework and powerful object model using ColdFusion and Java.
  • Involve in creating user interfaces using JQuery.
  • Design CSS for uniform look of the web pages.
  • Work on accessing different data structure types including XML and JSON.
  • Convert the existing SatuitCRM product from IE-only to cross-browser, using jQuery.
  • Design JSON schema for data communication between client to server or vice-versa.
  • Develop HTML, JSP prototype of EFT change functions, incorporating NetBenefits redesign features.
  • Web content management system and update online branding materials utilizing HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, AngularJS.
  • Work closely with cross-shore development team base in India to communicate individual task assignments in a daily scrum environment.
Lead Software Developer Traits
Analytical skills
Analytical skills have to do with gathering information from various sources and then interpreting the data in order to reach a logical conclusion that benefits the business.
Communication skills
Communication skills shows that you are able to relay your thoughts, opinions and ideas clearly to those around you.
Creativity
Creativity involves thinking about a task or problem in an entirely new or different light.

Lead Software Developer Jobs You Might Like

  • High Paying Lead Software Developer Jobs - $151K and Up
  • Work From Home Lead Software Developer Jobs
  • Entry Level Lead Software Developer Jobs
  • Part Time Lead Software Developer Jobs
  • Actively Hiring
  • No Degree Lead Software Developer Jobs
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Lead Software Developer Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, lead software developer jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "much faster than average" at 21%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become a lead software developer?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of lead software developer opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 284,100.

Lead software developers average about $55.32 an hour, which makes the lead software developer annual salary $115,072. Additionally, lead software developers are known to earn anywhere from $87,000 to $151,000 a year. This means that the top-earning lead software developers make $64,000 more than the lowest earning ones.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become a lead software developer. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That's why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include a software architect, architect and developer, software engineer lead, and web application developer.

Learn More About Lead Software Developer Job Descriptions

Lead Software Developer Jobs You Might Like

5 Lead Software Developer Resume Examples

Build a professional lead software developer 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 lead software developer resume.

 
Sandra Wells
Lead Software Developer
Contact Information
Savannah, GA
(940) 555-1046
Skills
  • PHP
  • Javascript
  • Data Layers
  • Sharepoint
  • ERP
  • Company Website
  • Procedures
  • Front-End
  • Sdlc
  • Pl/Sql
Employment History
Lead Software Developer
2017 - Present
HCL America
Savannah, GA
  • Team Engine Project Management is the workspace collaboration solution that makes project work easier and more streamlined.
  • Created function, Procedures, packages using Sql Server.
  • Gathered requirements, created and executed test cases for different functions of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).
  • Used React concepts like JSX (JavaScript Syntax Extension), components, state and props.
  • Used JIRA CM Tracking Tool for defects and ticket submission and Confluence for team collaboration.
Senior Programmer Analyst
2013 - 2017
FedEx
Memphis, TN
  • Performed Oracle installations, database design and creation.
  • Developed the user Interface Presentation screens using Tiles, jQuery, jQery UI, HTML and JSP.
  • Received many internal awards for innovations and customer service.
  • Reviewed business requirements, generated detailed design documentation, and implemented the customer needs utilizing J2EE and web technologies.
  • Played a key role in conversion from IBM Websphere Application Server for OS/390 3.5 to Websphere Application Server for z/OS 5.0.
Web Developer
2006 - 2013
JPMorgan Chase
Columbus, OH
  • Experience in using Git, GitHub and deployment using Heroku.
  • Designed web forms by implementing CSS3, HTML5 and JavaScript.
  • Constructed validation.xml for registering the validation rules.
  • Used XML, XSLT, XPATH to extract data from WebServices output XML Providing Production Support & troubleshooting.
Web Developer And Programmer
2005 - 2006
Cardinal Health
Columbus, OH
  • Worked with SharePoint Web Services to get the user groups.
  • Used XML efficiently for mapping the fields of CRM management system to different fields.
  • Designed new leadership development program based on director and manager feedback and company needs.
  • Created detailed Technical Design Documents detailing the design with respect to Abinitio components, tables used procedures and views.
Education
Bachelor's Degree Computer Engineering
2002 - 2005
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
 
 
Rachel Turner
Lead Software Developer
Contact Info
Richardson, TX
(370) 555-9494
Skills
QCData IntegrityLinuxJsonGITPl/SqlAngularjsCSSUser InterfaceCloud
Employment History
Lead Software Developer
2014 - Present
Cisco Systems
Richardson, TX
  • Project Description: Alert Framework Project involved building a Database where all Alerts can be stored for different Application.
  • Implemented real-time patient prescription history verification system using C, Oracle PL/SQL.
  • Provide design architecture documents and functional specifications as required.
  • Research projects included modification of existing commercially available hardware platforms, and compiling Linux distributions to function with those platforms.
  • cloud, Virtualization (ESXi, KVM) experience.
Software Development Engineer
2011 - 2014
Paperless Co
Baton Rouge, LA
  • Helped develop UNIX and VB scripts for testing.
  • Worked closely with QA team to ensure the Quality of the Delivery.
  • Worked on User Interface Components such as section, flow action and harness.
  • Created and executed testing scenarios and cases; led defect tracking and management, collaborating with developers on bug fix validation.
Quality Assurance Analyst
2008 - 2011
Electronic Arts
Baton Rouge, LA
  • Tested titles to assess performance on design specifications with a focus on user interface standards for a specific deployment platform.
  • Worked with the QA Lead to help manage and teach new testers how to use programs and tools used for projects.
  • Assigned QA team members' areas of focus to ensure full coverage.
Systems Tester
2007 - 2008
Kayser-Roth
Greensboro, NC
  • Developed SQL queries to test Data Integrity.
  • Provide the status of task assigned through Jira.
  • Developed Servlets, Service classes, Controllers, and other web components using REST, Struts MVC to generate xml response.
  • Helped & coordinated UAT testing & test data setup for UAT.
Education
Bachelor's Degree Computer Science
2004 - 2007
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC
 
 
Rachel Turner
Lead Software Developer
Richardson, TX
(370) 555-9494
Experience
Lead Software Developer2014 - Present
Cisco Systems•Richardson, TX
  • Project Description: Alert Framework Project involved building a Database where all Alerts can be stored for different Application.
  • Implemented real-time patient prescription history verification system using C, Oracle PL/SQL.
  • Provide design architecture documents and functional specifications as required.
  • Research projects included modification of existing commercially available hardware platforms, and compiling Linux distributions to function with those platforms.
  • cloud, Virtualization (ESXi, KVM) experience.
Software Development Engineer2011 - 2014
Paperless Co•Baton Rouge, LA
  • Helped develop UNIX and VB scripts for testing.
  • Worked closely with QA team to ensure the Quality of the Delivery.
  • Worked on User Interface Components such as section, flow action and harness.
  • Created and executed testing scenarios and cases; led defect tracking and management, collaborating with developers on bug fix validation.
Quality Assurance Analyst2008 - 2011
Electronic Arts•Baton Rouge, LA
  • Tested titles to assess performance on design specifications with a focus on user interface standards for a specific deployment platform.
  • Worked with the QA Lead to help manage and teach new testers how to use programs and tools used for projects.
  • Assigned QA team members' areas of focus to ensure full coverage.
Systems Tester2007 - 2008
Kayser-Roth•Greensboro, NC
  • Developed SQL queries to test Data Integrity.
  • Provide the status of task assigned through Jira.
  • Developed Servlets, Service classes, Controllers, and other web components using REST, Struts MVC to generate xml response.
  • Helped & coordinated UAT testing & test data setup for UAT.
Skills
QCData IntegrityLinuxJsonGITPl/SqlAngularjsCSSUser InterfaceCloud
Education
Bachelor's Degree Computer Science2004 - 2007
University of North Carolina at Greensboro•Greensboro, NC
 
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Lead Software Developer Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 11% of Lead Software Developers are proficient in Java, Architecture, and Application Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Lead Software Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 11%

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

  • Architecture, 6%

    Developed Model Driven Architecture based platform architecture and prototype MFD controller, and demonstrated rapid changes.

  • Application Development, 5%

    Involved in analysis, design and application development of new requirement and enhancements.

  • Software Development, 5%

    Recommended and improved software development methodology corporate-wide.

  • API, 4%

    Developed PHP/MySQL based Twitter API application reporting software that allowed trend analysis.

  • JavaScript, 4%

    Developed reusable and customized classes using JavaScript.

Some of the skills we found on lead software developer resumes included "java," "architecture," and "application development." We have detailed the most important lead software developer responsibilities below.

  • The most important skills for a lead software developer to have in this position are analytical skills. In this excerpt that we gathered from a lead software developer resume, you'll understand why: "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." According to resumes we found, analytical skills can be used by a lead software developer in order to "developed a code generation tool to generate the spring jdbc code in java for oracle database tables. "

  • Another trait important for fulfilling lead software developer duties is communication skills. According to a lead software developer resume, "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Here's an example of how lead software developers are able to utilize communication skills: "designed and implemented xml document to java class marshalling and unmarshalling for client-server communication. "

  • Another skill that is quite popular among lead software developers is creativity. This skill is very critical to fulfilling every day responsibilities as is shown in this example from a lead software developer resume: "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "slow inventory web application to audit products in stock for a long time. "

  • A thorough review of lots of resumes revealed to us that "detail oriented" is important to completing lead software developer responsibilities. This resume example shows just one way lead software developers use this skill: "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." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical lead software developer tasks: "refactored outsourced java application to be object oriented. "

  • Another common skill for a lead software developer to be able to utilize is "problem-solving skills." Because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process. A lead software developer demonstrated the need for this skill by putting this on their resume: "integrated rfid devices with management solutions using asp.net, jquery, tsql and javascript. "

    • See the full list of lead software developer skills.

    Before becoming a lead software developer, 68.2% earned their bachelor's degree. When it comes down to graduating with a master's degree, 21.1% lead software developers went for the extra education. If you're wanting to pursue this career, it may be impossible to be successful with a high school degree. In fact, most lead software developers have a college degree. But about one out of every nine lead software developers didn't attend college at all.

    Those lead software developers who do attend college, typically earn either computer science degrees or computer engineering degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for lead software developers include electrical engineering degrees or business degrees.

    Once you're ready to become a lead software developer, you should explore the companies that typically hire lead software developers. According to lead software developer resumes that we searched through, lead software developers are hired the most by Shopify, S&P; Global, and U.S. Bank. Currently, Shopify has 108 lead software developer job openings, while there are 72 at S&P; Global and 52 at U.S. Bank.

    If you're interested in companies where lead software developers make the most money, you'll want to apply for positions at Microsoft, Pure Storage, and First Republic Bank. We found that at Microsoft, the average lead software developer salary is $164,253. Whereas at Pure Storage, lead software developers earn roughly $163,685. And at First Republic Bank, they make an average salary of $157,375.

    View more details on lead software developer salaries across the United States.

    Some other companies you might be interested in as a lead software developer include Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Raytheon Technologies. These three companies were found to hire the most lead software developers from the top 100 U.S. educational institutions.

    The industries that lead software developers fulfill the most roles in are the finance and technology industries. But the highest lead software developer annual salary is in the manufacturing industry, averaging $115,917. In the hospitality industry they make $113,741 and average about $113,540 in the technology industry. In conclusion, lead software developers who work in the manufacturing industry earn a 8.4% higher salary than lead software developers in the finance industry.

    The three companies that hire the most prestigious lead software developers are:

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    Lead Software Developer Jobs You Might Like

    • High Paying Lead Software Developer Jobs - $151K and Up
    • Work From Home Lead Software Developer Jobs
    • Entry Level Lead Software Developer Jobs
    • Part Time Lead Software Developer Jobs
    • Actively Hiring
    • No Degree Lead Software Developer Jobs
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    What Software Architects Do

    A Software Architect develops new programs for a variety of technological devices for businesses, computer games, mobile networks, and/or operating systems. They ensure architectural integrity and consistency across the entire product and work closely with executives to explain the benefits of the software.

    In this section, we compare the average lead software developer annual salary with that of a software architect. Typically, software architects earn a $666 lower salary than lead software developers earn annually.

    While their salaries may differ, one common ground between lead software developers and software architects are a few of the skills required in each craft. In both careers, employees bring forth skills like java, architecture, and application development.

    These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. A lead software developer responsibility is more likely to require skills like "project management," "hr," "database design," and "ssis." Whereas a software architect requires skills like "cloud," "database," "aws," and "saas." Just by understanding these different skills you can see how different these careers are.

    Software architects receive the highest salaries in the health care industry coming in with an average yearly salary of $119,142. But lead software developers are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $115,917.

    Software architects tend to reach similar levels of education than lead software developers. In fact, software architects are 4.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

    What Are The Duties Of an Architect And Developer?

    An Architect And Developer is focused on the technical design, architecture, and development of products. They generally work as a part of the development team.

    Next up, we have the architect and developer profession to look over. This career brings along a lower average salary when compared to a lead software developer annual salary. In fact, architects and developer salary difference is $4,102 lower than the salary of lead software developers per year.

    While the salary may be different for these job positions, there is one similarity and that's a few of the skills needed to perform certain duties. We used info from lots of resumes to find that both lead software developers and architects and developer are known to have skills such as "java," "application development," and "api. "

    While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, several resumes showed us that lead software developer responsibilities requires skills like "architecture," "software development," "python," and "project management." But an architect and developer might use skills, such as, "c #," "application architecture," "mvc," and "digital marketing."

    Architects and developer may earn a lower salary than lead software developers, but architects and developer earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $125,314. On the other side of things, lead software developers receive higher paychecks in the manufacturing industry where they earn an average of $115,917.

    On the topic of education, architects and developer earn similar levels of education than lead software developers. In general, they're 2.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

    How a Software Engineer Lead Compares

    A Software Engineer Lead is focused on developing and testing software programs. They manage a team of software engineers that design enterprise software products and operating systems.

    The third profession we take a look at is software engineer lead. On an average scale, these workers bring in higher salaries than lead software developers. In fact, they make a $10,493 higher salary per year.

    By looking over several lead software developers and software engineers lead resumes, we found that both roles utilize similar skills, such as "java," "software development," and "api." But beyond that the careers look very different.

    There are many key differences between these two careers as shown by resumes from each profession. Some of those differences include the skills required to complete responsibilities within each role. As an example of this, a lead software developer is likely to be skilled in "architecture," "application development," "net core," and "hr," while a typical software engineer lead is skilled in "aws," "git," "database," and "google cloud platform."

    Interestingly enough, software engineers lead earn the most pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $125,218. As mentioned previously, lead software developers highest annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $115,917.

    Software engineers lead are known to earn similar educational levels when compared to lead software developers. Additionally, they're 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

    Description Of a Web Application Developer

    A web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.

    Now, we'll look at web application developers, who generally average a lower pay when compared to lead software developers annual salary. In fact, the difference is about $29,232 per year.

    While their salaries may vary, lead software developers and web application developers both use similar skills to perform their jobs. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "application development," and "api. "

    Each job requires different skills like "architecture," "software development," "project management," and "sql server," which might show up on a lead software developer resume. Whereas web application developer might include skills like "database," "git," "web forms," and "front end."

    In general, web application developers make a higher salary in the finance industry with an average of $88,928. The highest lead software developer annual salary stems from the manufacturing industry.

    Web application developers reach lower levels of education when compared to lead software developers. The difference is that they're 5.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree less, and 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

    What Similar Roles Do

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    Updated October 2, 2020