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Software applications 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.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical software applications engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for software applications engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.8% of software applications engineer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software applications engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software applications 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 software applications engineers use java:

Enhanced Java based certification tool for Motorola based Android Application certification and signing process in order to provide automated server-to-server authentication.
Developed new Java code for legacy product utilizing in-house MPEG Message Processing Framework.

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 software applications engineers use python:

Developed python scripts to help the team attain LEAN goals by automating tedious manual processes.
Performed code review in accordance with predefined Google standards Worked on Pipette tool and Python scripts.

3. 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 software applications engineers use software development:

Embedded software development, GUI development, and software/hardware integration for digital communication equipment.
Embedded software development, GUI development, and software/hardware integration for automotive diagnostic equipment.

4. JavaScript

Here's how software applications engineers use javascript:

Developed presentation tier for the portfolio system using Spring MVC, JSP, JavaScript and JSTL.
Provided offline functionality by creating an offline application using HTML 5 offline storage and JavaScript.

5. Architecture

Here's how software applications engineers use architecture:

Contributed to additions and maintenance of software architecture of various diagnostic components providing easy reference and guidelines for the future development.
Performed assessments of IT architecture, electronic file management, and the analysis of current archiving processes and provided recommendations.

6. HTML

Here's how software applications engineers use html:

Created metric reports with Oracle APEX and inserted HTML where needed to make the reports look better.
Created and programmed a Quality Experience (QE) software web application using XML, HTML, ASP and Visual Basic..

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7. C

Here's how software applications engineers use c:

Strengthened familiarity with 2D graphics programming in C by working with Device Mosaic's ThinGUI graphics library to modify user interfaces.
Shanghai airport air traffic management system was written in C in a UNIX environment.

8. 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 software applications engineers use c++:

Created an automated process for generating c++ source code from Action Script to facilitate a UML based modeling object design process.
Developed PLSXML tool using c++ and OOPS concepts which retrieves the PLSXML commands from the printer to the end user.

9. 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 software applications engineers use linux:

Automated several daily/monthly customer usage statistics reports/reconciliations on Linux servers, boosting team productivity by 30%.
Applied device tree configuration in Linux audio driver to support dynamic audio feature configuration and enhancement.

10. Object Oriented Programming

Here's how software applications engineers use object oriented programming:

Developed Web Based Banking Applications like Brand Migration, Mortgage Module Development and Snapshot Functionality using Object Oriented Programming.
Developed and enhanced dozens of Visual Studio applications for a financial system using procedural based and object oriented programming.

11. Debugging

Here's how software applications engineers use debugging:

Engaged with Home Audio customers to ensure design wins of many Japanese vendors including framework customization and various debugging and training.
Performed script inspection, debugging, and modification during maintenance and crisis events, as required.

12. UI

Here's how software applications engineers use ui:

Worked extensively on CSS to enhance the style of the UI Components for the MIS application.
Developed the new UI as per marketing team requirements.

13. API

Here's how software applications engineers use api:

Provided shared libraries and API s for document enhancement to cross-functional teams across product lines for Android mobile applications.
Designed databases and wrote web services that could communicate with PageFlex API.

14. Application Development

Here's how software applications engineers use application development:

Created and developed new and modified existing Logistic Application in oracle PL/SQL packages as part of the application development and Integration.
Served as the liaison between the customer and the technical team to facilitate the application development efforts.

15. Android

An android is an operating system designed for mobiles. It is a modified version of Linux Kernel and all other types of software that are designed for touchscreens. Like every other OS, android's job is to connect the device and the user. Android offers us numerous choices while buying a phone, it is Google and user-friendly as well.

Here's how software applications engineers use android:

Created an Android app to work in unison with the web services to demonstrate usage to third party developers.
Adapted the radio interface layer in Android emulator to test the customized phone application and call processing.

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What skills help Software Applications Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on software applications engineer resumes?

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.

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

Dr. Galen Duree

Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

It again depends on what the graduate sees as their next step - graduate school or a job with a company or lab. If the next step is graduate school, the graduate should investigate what they are interested in pursuing and then where the best school is to get the experience that the graduate thinks he or she wants.

General reading about technologies or reading available articles about subjects the graduate is interested in will help generate questions they can ask potential graduate schools. This time would also be a chance to improve areas where the graduate may feel weak while an undergraduate. Many online resources can help them brush up on week background topics. Do not worry about transfer credits because that is usually not helpful in graduate school, but improve knowledge and experience in areas where the graduate feels weak. If the graduate has identified a graduate school and program to study in, the graduate school might have some recommendations about what to review. All of this will help improve success in graduate school.

If the next step is a job with a company or lab, taking courses to improve communication will help. Many technically competent or even technically brilliant people struggle with effective communication. Techniques about writing reports, making oral presentations, or communicating technical information will help improve success. The gap year also provides time to investigate technologies that the graduate wants to be involved in and the companies or labs in those areas.

Once the graduate has identified areas of interest and companies or labs that the graduate might want to work for, they can be contacted to either answer questions or point the graduate in a direction for further investigation.

In either case, a gap year can provide a chance to refine the graduate's choice for the next steps and help them prepare other skills overlooked during the undergraduate years.

What type of skills will young software applications engineers need?

Gagan Agrawal

Professor, Augusta University

I feel that the skill set needed in computing fields has held quite steady for some amount of time now. You will need a combination of basic software and problem-solving links. You need the ability to work on projects with others and learn new languages or technologies on your own. Communication skills are always important. Companies like graduates who have taken the initiative and done projects outside classwork - this shows that you really enjoy work, and you are motivated and driven.

Lately, there are specialized sectors like security or Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning that are seeing a lot of action. If you want to be in either of those spaces, you need to take electives accordingly and probably do projects in these areas on your own (and/or possibly take online classes). But then, there are classical areas, like database programming, that still employ many.

What technical skills for a software applications engineer stand out to employers?

Bob Sweeney Ph.D.

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?

List of software applications engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Java
Python
Software Development
JavaScript
Architecture
HTML
C
C++
Linux
Object Oriented Programming
Debugging
UI
API
Application Development
Android
Scrum

Web Services
J2EE
SQL Server
CSS
Unix
Compilers
XML
Front End
Web Application
Azure
JQuery
Jenkins
QA
Html Css
Application Software
JSON

OS
MVC
C Net
Technical Support
Management System
Development Environment
SDLC
ETL
Emerging Technologies
User Interface
PHP
Perl
CAD
Visualization

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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