Post job

What does a senior software specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
On this page

Senior software specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior software specialist resumes:

  • Collaborate with project manager in tracking and managing project development process following SDLC and RBPM methodologies.
  • Develop a messaging system using RPC over XML in Java.
  • Work also include use of WCF, and XML.
  • Deploy the tested workflow XML's to the higher environments.
  • Provide enterprise wide Unix OS and application management across multiple sites.
  • Create Unix scripts for auto file generation in during the ETL job process.
  • Implement generic JSON base solutions to avoid the need of creating physical tables for various tasks and static data elements.
  • Provide guidance relate to architecture and design aspects of the core API, as well as cross-platform development environments and applications.
  • Automate routine middleware administration tasks with Linux shell scripts.
  • Implement reusable customize Jquery components, integrate across all modules.
  • Implement flash communication interface to receive information over JSON to enable update communication.
  • Work on assembly level processor exception handling routines in Linux kernel for device stability.
  • Integrate photo gallery and video gallery extensions and used jQuery plug-ins for better animation.
  • Provide HTML solutions for both document and dashboard functionality in MicroStrategy and ExactTarget email campaigns.
  • Design and implement automated regression test framework for company's ad-serve system running on Jenkins.

Senior software specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 16% of Senior Software Specialists are proficient in Java, C++, and Python. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

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

  • Java, 16%

    Developed Web Services for various business transactions Environment: Java, Eclipse, Web logic, UNIX.

  • C++, 13%

    Designed and created tables, Windows C++ data access modules, and SQL stored procedures.

  • Python, 8%

    Completed multi-threaded programming exercise using both Python 2.x (2.7.12) and 3.x (3.6.0rc1).

  • Software Development, 7%

    Followed agile methodology throughout the software development and testing cycles.

  • SAN, 5%

    Implemented Disaster Recovery policies & procedures and managed them by EMC Symmetric SAN DMX3000 SRDF replication.

  • Cloud Computing, 4%

    Migrated existing data and services from DISA s data centers to DoD s Defense Cloud Computing platform.

Common skills that a senior software specialist uses to do their job include "java," "c++," and "python." You can find details on the most important senior software specialist responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a senior software specialist to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a senior software specialist resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "utilize in-depth knowledge of functional and technical experience in java, j2ee technologies, db2 database querying and manipulations. "

Communication skills. Many senior software specialist duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a senior software specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior software specialist responsibilities rely on communication skills: "managed and released all standard and custom software applications for the telecommunications group. "

Creativity. This is an important skill for senior software specialists to perform their duties. For an example of how senior software specialist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior software specialist: "implemented inventory management into web application and database sync services through windows service using wcf. ".

Detail oriented. A big part of what senior software specialists do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to senior software specialist responsibilities because "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 senior software specialist tasks: "tested p8 4.x installation and upgrade documentation in the css lab and provided team with detailed results. "

Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for senior software specialist responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of senior software specialists all the time, as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." An excerpt from a real senior software specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a senior software specialist does: "worked on the sit and uat defect and provide the resolution. "

Most common senior software specialist skills

Choose from 10+ customizable senior software specialist resume templates

Build a professional senior software specialist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior software specialist resume.
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume
Senior Software Specialist Resume

Compare different senior software specialists

Senior software specialist vs. Software engineer lead

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 annual salary of software engineers lead is $25,691 higher than the average salary of senior software specialists.Even though senior software specialists and software engineers lead are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, c++, and python in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior software specialist are more likely to require skills like "san," "troubleshoot," "software applications," and "software products." On the other hand, a job as a software engineer lead requires skills like "aws," "spring boot," "git," and "emerging technologies." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Software engineers lead really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $125,218. Comparatively, senior software specialists tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $112,279.The education levels that software engineers lead earn slightly differ from senior software specialists. In particular, software engineers lead are 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior software specialist. Additionally, they're 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software specialist vs. Senior leader

A senior leader specializes in overseeing the business operations and work progress within a particular department or office. Focusing on the workflow and the workforce, they are in charge of assessing performances and motivating staff to meet goals and stay within the allotted time and budget. They may also participate in the hiring and training of new employees, utilizing their talents and shaping them into valuable members of the workforce, all while implementing company rules and regulations.

A career as a senior leader brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a senior software specialist. In fact, senior leaders salary is $14,454 higher than the salary of senior software specialists per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both senior software specialists and senior leaders have skills such as "java," "c++," and "cloud computing. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior software specialist resumes. While senior software specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "software development," "san," and "database," senior leaders use skills like "project management," "architecture," "customer service," and "c #."

On average, senior leaders earn a higher salary than senior software specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, senior leaders earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $123,451. Whereas senior software specialists have higher pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $112,279.senior leaders earn similar levels of education than senior software specialists in general. They're 4.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior software specialists 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 specialist vs. Software engineer

A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.

On average, software engineers earn higher salaries than senior software specialists, with a $386 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on senior software specialists and software engineers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "java," "c++," and "python.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior software specialist is likely to be skilled in "san," "javascript," "windows," and "tfs," while a typical software engineer is skilled in "git," "c," "scrum," and "spring boot."

Software engineers earn the highest salary when working in the start-up industry, where they receive an average salary of $122,617. Comparatively, senior software specialists have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $112,279.Most software engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to senior software specialists. For example, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software specialist vs. Software systems engineer

A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.

Software systems engineers typically earn higher pay than senior software specialists. On average, software systems engineers earn a $7,228 higher salary per year.While both senior software specialists and software systems engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, c++, and python, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "javascript," "windows," "tfs," and "web services" are skills that commonly show up on senior software specialist resumes. On the other hand, software systems engineers use skills like c #, architecture, software systems, and c on their resumes.In general, software systems engineers earn the most working in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $125,769. The highest-paying industry for a senior software specialist is the retail industry.The average resume of software systems engineers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to senior software specialists. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 3.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.0%.

Types of senior software specialist

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.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs