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What does a senior systems developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
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Senior systems developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior systems developer resumes:

  • Lead full SDLC including requirements gathering, training, development, testing, and implementation.
  • Develop database structures and AJAX interfaces for managing users metadata.
  • Configure and manage JGroup multicasting communication for apache tomcat web servers.
  • Provide API documentation and continual customer support for web services.
  • Incorporate signal handler chaining capabilities to the MathLink API reference library to allow incorporation into important environments such as Java.
  • Adhere to GMP 21 CFR 210 and 211 regulations thru SDLC process.
  • Used tracer tool and clipboard for debugging the application.
  • Code UI and background modules and unit test the same.
  • Code updated web sites in HTML and test each update prior to installation.
  • Used PL/SQL to implement logical row-base processing for certain data requests where appropriate.
  • Create custom Fax/Email transaction confirmations for users using SQL, XML, and XSLT.
  • Develop front end for the mobile web using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and JQuery.
  • Deploy and harden Linux servers for various tasks such as backups, NTP, and applications.
  • Perform daily maintenance, triage, and remote debugging on an as-need basis on production applications.
  • Design and develop Microsoft T-SQL store procedures to parse and generate XML for transaction base data storage.

Senior systems developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 15% of Senior Systems Developers are proficient in Java, C++, and API. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.

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

  • Java, 15%

    Engaged in coding/implementation in Java using a 3rd party application server.

  • C++, 8%

    Design document produced with C++ as the object oriented language targeted.

  • API, 5%

    Developed and deployed Mobile Dashboards with panel stacks and URL API drill downs for ease of use and optimizing limited screen.

  • Linux, 5%

    Developed TCP/IP-based and socket programs under Linux operating system for collecting data from remote sites (SeniMax) and alert generation.

  • Application Development, 4%

    Researched new and emerging technologies to meet application development, end-user experience and ROI requirements.

  • SQL Server, 4%

    Developed a data conversion solution using SQL Server replication and Windows Services.

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

Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a senior systems developer to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role 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." Additionally, a senior systems developer resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "set up development and enhancement of batch oriented technical etl applications, automatic scheduling routines, and related programs and procedures. "

Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior systems developer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." According to a senior systems developer resume, here's how senior systems developers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "created asp.net portal solution to enable clients to view online statements and balance sheets. "

Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior systems developers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior systems developer duties, as "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "designed data populated forms using java in adobe livecycle designer; reducing c-iv county worker hours by manually entering financial data. "

Communication skills. For certain senior systems developer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a senior systems developer rely on this skill, as "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what senior systems developers do: "prepared xml messages formats to provide communication between sap and kwatos. "

Creativity. A commonly-found skill in senior systems developer job descriptions, "creativity" is essential to what senior systems developers do. Senior systems developer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." You can also see how senior systems developer duties rely on creativity in this resume example: "assisted ui team members in producing object oriented style-sheets based on creative design assets. "

See the full list of senior systems developer skills

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Compare different senior systems developers

Senior systems developer vs. Developer analyst

A developer analyst is an individual who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements. They work with other teams to design and implement a web application that manages internal processes and can result in increased productivity. Developer analysts are also required to perform integration tests for various vendors for services that are according to business requirements and testing processes.

The annual salary of developer analysts is $23,816 lower than the average salary of senior systems developers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both senior systems developer and developer analyst positions are skilled in java, c++, and api.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior systems developer are more likely to require skills like "c #," "database design," "bi," and "apex." On the other hand, a job as a developer analyst requires skills like "eclipse," "architecture," "data analysis," and "visualization." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Developer analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $99,277. On the other hand, senior systems developers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $111,483.On average, developer analysts reach similar levels of education than senior systems developers. Developer analysts are 2.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior systems developer vs. Team lead and developer

A team lead and developer is a person who handles a group of employees in a particular section, geared to accomplish daily specific goals. The team lead and developer ensures that the team works cohesively and efficiently to achieve its goals. It is the role of the team lead to ensure employees are well-equipped, trained properly, and capable. The team lead conducts regular assessments of teammates and offers support. Added to the role of the team lead is to request training, enhancement seminars, and submit accomplishment and activity reports to company management.

Team lead and developer positions earn lower pay than senior systems developer roles. They earn a $23,271 lower salary than senior systems developers per year.A few skills overlap for senior systems developers and team lead and developers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "c++," and "api. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior systems developer resumes. While senior systems developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "c #," "debugging," "technical support," and "database design," team lead and developers use skills like "architecture," "javascript," "object oriented programming," and "scrum."

On average, team lead and developers earn a lower salary than senior systems developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, team lead and developers earn the most pay in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $110,027. Whereas senior systems developers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $111,483.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Team lead and developers tend to reach similar levels of education than senior systems developers. In fact, they're 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior systems developers 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 systems developer vs. Net developer

A NET developer specializes in crafting and producing various software and information systems through extensive computer and information technology knowledge. A NET developer's responsibilities range from designing and developing applications, generating codes and building a secure database, implementing regulations, and providing continuous support and maintenance. A NET developer must also have an active line of communication and coordination as there are instances when one's work revolves in a team setting or meets particular demands or specifications from a client.

An average net developer eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of senior systems developers. The difference in salaries amounts to net developers earning a $20,111 lower average salary than senior systems developers.senior systems developers and net developers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "application development," and "sql server," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior systems developer resumes include skills like "c++," "c #," "api," and "linux," whereas a net developer is more likely to list skills in "c # .net," "javascript," "database," and "asp. "

Net developers earn the highest salary when working in the retail industry, where they receive an average salary of $94,650. Comparatively, senior systems developers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $111,483.When it comes to education, net developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior systems developers. In fact, they're 1.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior systems developer vs. Software developer

A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.

Software developers average a lower salary than the annual salary of senior systems developers. The difference is about $21,574 per year.While both senior systems developers and software developers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, c++, and api, 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. "c #," "sql server," "database design," and "mvc" are skills that commonly show up on senior systems developer resumes. On the other hand, software developers use skills like python, software development, javascript, and database on their resumes.In general, software developers earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,138. The highest-paying industry for a senior systems developer is the finance industry.In general, software developers hold similar degree levels compared to senior systems developers. Software developers are 0.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior systems developer

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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