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Senior software development 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.
Senior software development engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior software development engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for senior software development engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 22.9% of senior software development engineer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior software development engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior software development engineer 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 senior software development engineers use java:
  • Implemented mailing facility using Java Mail to send notification to partners for report generation.
  • Developed automated scripts using Selenium WebDriver and Implemented Frame work using Java Script.

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 senior software development engineers use software development:
  • Developed and maintained software development environment for entire product group including management of satellite installations for international groups.
  • Supervised the geophysical workstation software development team of more than forty computer-science professionals in China.

3. 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 senior software development engineers use python:
  • Developed building and labeling scripts in Python for automation of software configuration management in IBM Rational ClearCase.
  • Maintained the Selenium & Python automation code and resources in source controls GitHub over the time for improvements and new features.

4. Web Services

A web service is software that is available on the internet and uses a specific messaging system. A web service is a kind of service that is not bound to any specific programming language or operating system. Web services help every device to communicate over the world wide web.

Here's how senior software development engineers use web services:
  • Second phase required new publisher/subscriber web service and user interface app design, SQL stored-procedures, and data formatting system.
  • Created/maintained hundreds of integration test suites validating key web services Metadata Management, Account, Search, Recommendation and UserRights.

5. 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 senior software development engineers use linux:
  • Deployed, configured and maintained applications and services on Windows/Linux Servers.
  • Realized greater market share of DTV products, porting embedded Linux driver and application code to VxWorks for customer-specific releases.

6. API

Here's how senior software development engineers use api:
  • Run and verifies/Debugged OpenGL API and configuration parameters.
  • Designed data access API based on objected-oriented technology.

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7. GIT

Here's how senior software development engineers use git:
  • Worked on distributed test automation execution on different environment as part of continuous integration process using Selenium Grid and Git.
  • Used Maven to perform builds from Jenkins Continuous Integration and Git as source code repository.

8. 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 senior software development engineers use scrum:
  • Followed Agile and Scrum methodologies in the project implementation
  • Performed application, usability, functional, regression and performance testing for all McAfee EMM Components in Agile Scrum development process.

9. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how senior software development engineers use database:
  • Designed and developed equipment specifications centralized database, 3-tier data delivery and maintenance components and structured front-end data wrapper COM libraries.
  • Implemented synchronizing processes between the pension account system database and SMS/email platform databases to send pension account information to external customers.

10. Object Oriented Programming

Here's how senior software development engineers use object oriented programming:
  • Developed prototype of application, and started development of the application using Visual Basic, object oriented programming.
  • Modernized site architecture by introducing Object Oriented programming practices in Flash design.

11. Amazon Web Services

Here's how senior software development engineers use amazon web services:
  • Conduct systems design, feasibility and cost studies and recommend cost-effective cloud solutions such as Amazon Web Services (AWS).
  • Used Amazon web services for API's and used get, post and put method using Soap protocol and Restful services.

12. Code Reviews

Code review is a methodical examination of computer source code designed to find and correct errors that go unnoticed in the early stages of development. This generally improves the value of the software and the skills of the developer. Code reviews are important because they improve code quality and make your codebase more stable. They also help programmers build relationships and work together more effectively. Typically, a code review process is performed before merging it with the codebase.

Here's how senior software development engineers use code reviews:
  • Participated in multiple code reviews providing feedback.
  • Meet with management to prioritize bugs, close bugs, and rout bugs to code review.

13. C

Here's how senior software development engineers use c:
  • Implemented in C platform and services layer support for new power supply type, meeting California Energy Commission requirements.
  • Test scripts are written to exercise performance, regression, and stability of the embedded C product.

14. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how senior software development engineers use c++:
  • Designed and developed User Interface screens in Visual c++ and Packages in Oracle required for the customers in Hospitality Suite application.
  • Designed and Developed screens in Visual c++ and Visual Studio and interacted with Oracle Database using Perl scripts.

15. Test Automation

Here's how senior software development engineers use test automation:
  • Developed test automation framework from scratch for Holland American Lines Guest mobile-web application.
  • Developed test automation framework for Holland American Lines Secondary Flow web application.
top-skills

What skills help Senior Software Development Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on senior software development engineer resumes?

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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 senior software development 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 senior software development 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 senior software development engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Tao JuDr. Tao Ju LinkedIn profile

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 senior software development engineers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok SongDr. Ted Junseok Song LinkedIn profile

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 senior software development engineer stand out to employers?

Bob Sweeney Ph.D.Bob Sweeney Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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?
Read more about what experts have to say about senior software development engineer

List of senior software development engineer skills to add to your resume

Senior software development engineer skills

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

  • Java
  • Software Development
  • Python
  • Web Services
  • Linux
  • API
  • GIT
  • Scrum
  • Database
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Code Reviews
  • C
  • C++
  • Test Automation
  • Jenkins
  • UI
  • Tcp Ip
  • Cloud Computing
  • Spring Boot
  • Debugging
  • Azure
  • QA
  • Ruby
  • Windows
  • Html Css
  • Android
  • CSS
  • Jira
  • Microservices
  • Source Code Management
  • Perl
  • HTML
  • Test Cases
  • Unix
  • JSON
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Feature Development
  • C Net
  • Maven
  • Web Application
  • Development Environment
  • PHP
  • Lifecycle Management
  • SQL Server
  • XML
  • SDLC
  • Elasticsearch
  • Mobile Development

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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