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Senior software engineer/senior tester skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Travis Mandel Ph.D.,

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior software engineer/senior tester skills. We ranked the top skills for senior software engineers/senior tester based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.7% of senior software engineer/senior tester resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior software engineer/senior tester needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior software engineer/senior tester 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 engineers/senior tester use java:

Designed, developed and implemented Data Driven and Keyword Driven automation testing framework utilizing Java, TestNG and Selenium WebDriver.
Tested a Mission Monitoring System written in Java programming language by verifying performance and functional requirements for GUI interfaces.

2. 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 engineers/senior tester use python:

Enhanced existing Selenium knowledge with WebDriver using Python to complement manual testing with automation.
Automated Email/Messaging/Multimedia applications in core regression test plan by using Python scripting language.

3. Test Automation

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use test automation:

Refocused test automation from development of new scripts to utilization and refinement of existing routines.
Test Automation: Responsible for automating various windows applications using Mercury Interactive product WinRunner.

4. 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 engineers/senior tester use c++:

Supported Software Change and Enhancement Requests for Security Mediator using C++, COM+, ATL and Windows AD.
Designed, developed and maintained code to parse DLM product licenses using C++ and SQL queries.

5. C #

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use c #:

Designed/maintained automation using in-house C # automation library.
Executed Automated Test Scripts using Selenium RC and C #.

6. Software Test

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use software test:

Prepared business cases for automated software testing by formulating requirements and evaluating potential gains against feasibility and completion time.
Provide leadership, management and software test/systems engineering support on developmental software versions for release to government agencies.

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7. Test Results

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use test results:

Communicated test results identifying top blocker defect and reporting on quality to senior leadership through meetings and written correspondence.
Evaluated automated test results, utilized findings to present process improvement recommendations.

8. API

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use api:

Write and automate unit tests, end-to-end tests, and API tests for Platform services prior to code release.
Developed test scenarios to test REST API Endpoint calls against different products using firebug, poster, and fiddler.

9. 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 senior software engineers/senior tester use jenkins:

Designed and implemented weekly automated test with Jenkins.
Used Jenkins as a continuous build server to run software and web applications tests.

10. 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 engineers/senior tester use scrum:

Followed agile project development Methodologies and attended Scrum meetings with business sponsor team.
Participate in Scrum and Agile Development methodology.

11. QA

QA, or Quality Assurance is a procedure that entails all of the steps taken to avoid any errors in the manufacturing process or in the production of the goods that a company produces. It can also include ensuring the consistency of the services rendered. Quality assurance ensures that the quality of the service delivered to consumers meets or exceeds the promised expectations. This greatly aids in the prevention of any complications that might arise after the goods or services have been distributed. It makes sure that customers are satisfied.

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use qa:

Work effectively in a team environment, including with software/hardware development engineers, QA engineers and technical marketing engineers.
Prepared QA project documentation and test repository maintenance and updating.

12. 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 engineers/senior tester use linux:

Supported LINUX desktop configurations and installed and configured Red Hat Enterprise, installing and troubleshooting instrument drivers.
Involved with the Local Data Acquisition and Dissemination (LDAD) Server Upgrade functionality integration testing in a Linux platform.

13. Jira

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use jira:

Recorded testing anomalies in JIRA and Subversion defect tracking system for configuration management purposes.
Conducted extensive JIRA Fix Verification based on defects reported.

14. UI

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use ui:

Project details: DMS is a UI based Merchandising System, designed to make it easier to complete merchandising tasks.
Conducted Regression and UAT Testing for various releases of UI software for the application using HP Quality Center.

15. Regression

Here's how senior software engineers/senior tester use regression:

Conduct Functional, System and Regression testing to ensure that new software enhancements function according to specification and requirements.
Developed, executed, and maintained WinRunner automated test scripts for regression and functional testing of Decennial client/server applications.

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What skills help Senior Software Engineers/Senior Tester 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 engineer/senior tester resumes?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

The number one thing that employers typically look for is a project that demonstrates your ability to program something new and useful. The best projects are ones that someone undertakes independently or with a small group of others - if it is the latter, you need to clarify what you contributed. It's even better if you include a link to public code on Github so that employers can look around your Github page and get a sense of your coding style. A working demo is also very impressive. Ideally, this wouldn't be something you were forced to do for a class but rather something you took the independent initiative to do.

College GPA doesn't matter as much as people think it does - most companies care much more about what you can do than how well you did in class. Unless it is extremely low, it shouldn't be a problem. Listing courses can be useful, but even better would be listing skills you learned in classes. For instance, the class "Artificial Intelligence" means completely different things at institutions. So employers may not necessarily understand what skills you learned in that class unless you highlight them.

What soft skills should all senior software engineer/senior testers possess?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.

Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.

What hard/technical skills are most important for senior software engineer/senior testers?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Being comfortable with refactoring code is definitely one of the big ones here. Absolutely no one writes perfect code right off the bat - a good software engineer should recognize that and always be open and receptive to suggestions about improving their code. Even in the absence of such suggestions, a software engineer must be able to independently recognize that "the tower is about to fall over"! Meaning, if the code is turning into a real mess, a good software engineer will be able to realize that and independently begin refactoring it into a better state, even if that takes time away from implementing new features.

Another one I'll mention briefly is designing class inheritance diagrams to solve a new problem. The right structure here can allow components to be easily re-used and extended. But the wrong structure can lead to disastrous consequences, so it requires a lot of thought about how things will likely evolve in the future.

What senior software engineer/senior tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Anmol Dash

Adjunct Professor in Information Systems + Software Engineer (My full time job), University of Phoenix - Maryland Campus

I have seen mixed responses on this, but in general it is important at each stage of your career, some may say that it is always better to jump ship and job hop every 2-3 years but that is not always the case, sometimes staying at a company, assuming you are seeing growth and are being valued for your leadership, may also pay dividends. There is no one size fits all, but always make sure that you are being fairly valued at your current employer.

What type of skills will young senior software engineer/senior testers 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 senior software engineer/senior tester stand out to employers?

John Russo

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Computer Science, Landmark College

As I mentioned above, the ability to adapt to change. My favorite course is database management systems. I tell my students that the software that we use today likely will not be around for the entire span of their careers. They really need to learn how to quickly work with new technologies, languages and systems. In the span of my career much has changed. I have always found new technologies exciting and refreshing. Employers want to hire graduates who have a set of technical skills in programming languages, database management systems and techniques (such as data mining) but also can learn on the job and be excited to learn new things.

Do you want to know more?

List of senior software engineer/senior tester skills to add to your resume

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

Java
Python
Test Automation
C++
C #
Software Test
Test Results
API
Jenkins
Scrum
QA
Linux
Jira
UI
Regression
Api Testing

Test Scripts
Selenium Webdriver
Test Tools
Test Data
Cucumber
Junit
Web Services
Ruby
Unix
SDLC
Test Suites
TestNG
Test Strategy
Android
Automated Testing Tools
End Testing

Debugging
XML
Software Applications
Automation Scripts
Azure
Manual Test Cases
Test Scenarios
Test Reports
Test Procedures
Test Execution
SQL Server
Ui Testing
HTML
User Acceptance
Web Application

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.

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Updated January 8, 2025

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