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What does a senior software engineer/senior tester do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

A Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester is responsible for designing and creating software programs and applications according to business requirements and client specifications. Senior Software Engineers/Senior Testers manage software solutions by measuring its efficiency and ensuring its stability during live operations. They run multiple diagnostic tests to check if the software programs adhere to high-quality standards. A Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester also improves and enhances the features of existing software systems, upgrades network infrastructure, and resolves program failures.

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Senior software engineer/senior tester responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior software engineer/senior tester resumes:

  • Monitor and manage source code in visual studio and git.
  • Train the leads on how to develop, create, and maintain comprehensive test plans for assign applications (JIRA).
  • Modify and maintain legacy Perl and python test scripts.
  • Involve in creating FDA compliant documentation and ensure compliance with FDA, CGP and ISO standards.
  • Used selenium framework for UI validation and verify integration functionality.
  • Develop requirements-based test description documentation and JAVA test scripts of SynergyLITE cellular phone product.
  • Develop and maintain automated test scripts to support regression testing and participate actively in system testing.
  • Used TestNG for building the WebDriver project.
  • Work on OS security for android devices.
  • Key contact for FDA and client audits.
  • Create XML suites in TestNG for categorization of tests.
  • Used SQL queries to perform back-end testing of the application.
  • Integrate the QC with QTP for automating the test cases.
  • Support automated modem testing using AT/QCOM DIAG commands, android application.
  • Uncover defects during the SDLC to ensure delivery of higher quality product.

Senior software engineer/senior tester skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Senior Software Engineers/Senior Tester are proficient in Java, Python, and Test Automation.

We break down the percentage of Senior Software Engineers/Senior Tester that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 9%

    Designed, developed and implemented Data Driven and Keyword Driven automation testing framework utilizing Java, TestNG and Selenium WebDriver.

  • Python, 8%

    Enhanced existing Selenium knowledge with WebDriver using Python to complement manual testing with automation.

  • Test Automation, 7%

    Refocused test automation from development of new scripts to utilization and refinement of existing routines.

  • C++, 5%

    Supported Software Change and Enhancement Requests for Security Mediator using C++, COM+, ATL and Windows AD.

  • C #, 5%

    Designed/maintained automation using in-house C # automation library.

  • Software Test, 4%

    Prepared business cases for automated software testing by formulating requirements and evaluating potential gains against feasibility and completion time.

Common skills that a senior software engineer/senior tester uses to do their job include "java," "python," and "test automation." You can find details on the most important senior software engineer/senior tester responsibilities below.

All senior software engineer/senior tester skills

Choose from 10+ customizable senior software engineer/senior tester resume templates

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Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume
Senior Software Engineer/Senior Tester Resume

Compare different senior software engineers/senior tester

Senior software engineer/senior tester vs. Test engineer

Test engineers are professionals who observe and record the quality of products, which includes functionality, durability, speed, and safety. They are responsible for checking the materials and procedures thoroughly throughout the production cycle. It is their duty to run tests on different criteria to identify and fix technical issues. They analyze reactions to determine the causes of malfunctions and recommend potential improvements. Moreover, they test products before they are launched to ensure customers get high-quality and functional products.

If we compare the average senior software engineer/senior tester annual salary with that of a test engineer, we find that test engineers typically earn a $30,784 lower salary than senior software engineers/senior tester make annually.Even though senior software engineers/senior tester and test engineers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, python, and c++ in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior software engineer/senior tester are more likely to require skills like "test automation," "software test," "api," and "selenium webdriver." On the other hand, a job as a test engineer requires skills like "test equipment," "troubleshoot," "data analysis," and "rf." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Test engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the telecommunication industry, with an average yearly salary of $88,414. On the other hand, senior software engineers/senior tester are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $122,025.The education levels that test engineers earn slightly differ from senior software engineers/senior tester. In particular, test engineers are 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior software engineer/senior tester. Additionally, they're 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software engineer/senior tester vs. Lead engineer

A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.

On average, lead engineers earn a $25,689 lower salary than senior software engineers/senior tester a year.A few skills overlap for senior software engineers/senior tester and lead engineers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "python," and "c++. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior software engineer/senior tester resumes. While senior software engineer/senior tester responsibilities can utilize skills like "test automation," "software test," "test results," and "scrum," lead engineers use skills like "architecture," "javascript," "git," and "database."

Lead engineers may earn a lower salary than senior software engineers/senior tester, but lead engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $110,872. On the other hand, senior software engineers/senior tester receive higher pay in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $122,025.lead engineers earn similar levels of education than senior software engineers/senior tester in general. They're 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior software engineer/senior testers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Senior software engineer/senior tester vs. Senior test engineer

A senior test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.

An average senior test engineer eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of senior software engineers/senior tester. The difference in salaries amounts to senior test engineers earning a $27,841 lower average salary than senior software engineers/senior tester.senior software engineers/senior tester and senior test engineers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "python," and "c++," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior software engineers/senior tester are more likely to have skills like "test automation," "software test," "selenium webdriver," and "test tools." But a senior test engineer is more likely to have skills like "test cases," "test equipment," "rf," and "status reports."

Senior test engineers make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $104,711. On the other hand, senior software engineers/senior tester are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $122,025.Most senior test engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to senior software engineers/senior tester. For example, they're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software engineer/senior tester vs. Software development engineer

A software development engineer is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications based on clients' specifications and business needs. Software development engineers manage operating systems and analyze network codes to maintain the compatibility of the software applications and control systems. They also run diagnostic tests for every software structure to ensure smooth navigations and perform immediate troubleshooting for inconsistencies. A software development engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, as well as technological processes and analytical skills.

Software development engineers tend to earn a lower pay than senior software engineers/senior tester by an average of $1,469 per year.According to resumes from senior software engineers/senior tester and software development engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "java," "python," and "test automation. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "c #," "software test," "selenium webdriver," and "test tools" are skills that commonly show up on senior software engineer/senior tester resumes. On the other hand, software development engineers use skills like software development, aws, object oriented programming, and c on their resumes.The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for software development engineers, with average annual pay of $127,910. Comparatively, the highest senior software engineer/senior tester annual salary comes from the telecommunication industry.The average resume of software development engineers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to senior software engineers/senior tester. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 3.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.5%.

Types of senior software engineer/senior tester

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.

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