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Software automation engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Travis Mandel Ph.D.,
Travis Mandel Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical software automation engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for software automation engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.9% of software automation engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software automation engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software automation engineer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 automation engineers use python:
  • Updated, developed and maintained a Python coded automation program for wireless protocol testing.
  • Write black box test cases and then automate them in Python to run in test automation framework similar to - Selenium.

2. 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 automation engineers use java:
  • Worked with Selenium WebDriver to create selenium automation scripts in java and performed Functional Testing and automated Regression Testing.
  • Developed required Selenium support code in Java for Cucumber.

3. C #

Here's how software automation engineers use c #:
  • Designed/maintained automation using in-house C # automation library.
  • Executed Automated Test Scripts using Selenium RC and C #.

4. 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 software automation engineers use jenkins:
  • Used Git for Source code Management and integrated it with Jenkins CI Server and Deployment plugins to automate Continuous Delivery pipelines.
  • Execute test cases and test plans on local and remote test environments through Jenkins and Quality Center.

5. 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 automation engineers use linux:
  • Contributed to the development and continuous enhancement of several advanced digital satellite set top box projects in real-time embedded Linux environments.
  • Performed development testing for Cisco Unity Connection- a Linux based feature-rich voice and unified messaging platform.

6. GIT

Here's how software automation engineers use git:
  • Developed libraries, object repositories and upload project file into Git repository.
  • Created objective repository using GIT.

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7. CI

A continuous improvement (CI) manager acts as an internal consultant, working to develop short and long-term strategies for the improvement of the organization. The job of a CI is to facilitate progress and reduce costs, both in terms of sales and workflow inefficiencies.

Here's how software automation engineers use ci:
  • Set up CI for the team.

8. Automation Tools

Here's how software automation engineers use automation tools:
  • Implemented automation tools to automate test scripts for integration and verification of firmware.
  • Developed automation tools for Temerity Pipeline v2.0 and Maya to streamline the daily process of digital media.

9. 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 software automation engineers use scrum:
  • Worked in Agile methodology (Scrum) and attended daily stand up, Sprint planning, Demo and retrospective meeting etc.
  • Work with developers in SCRUM process to create test cases and test automation to validate software function and verify build integrity.

10. Jira

Here's how software automation engineers use jira:
  • Performed Manual Testing, created Manual Test cases in Quality Center, JIRA executed them and documented defects.
  • Logged and Tracked defects using JIRA through all phases of defect life cycle.

11. 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 automation engineers use c++:
  • Developed unit tests to validate particular behavior for C++ applications.
  • Developed an object-oriented file reading application in C++

12. Regression

Here's how software automation engineers use regression:
  • Developed automated test scripts using QTP for functional and regression testing for data synchronization ensuring pub/sub model verification.
  • Design and develop an automated continuous integration regression test framework for protocol compliance and program stability.

13. UI

Here's how software automation engineers use ui:
  • Write automated tests to measure device memory/performance/play delay/FPS metrics of UI on different platforms.
  • Implemented Amazon custom UI views and found unique solutions for the project within the tight time constraints.

14. 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 software automation engineers use qa:
  • Experienced in Manual and Automated Quality Assurance testing of Client/Server, Web applications: Responsibilities included configuring WinRunner and QA Partner.
  • Analyzed business requirements, system requirements, and data mapping requirement specifications interacting with client, developers and QA team.

15. Bash

The Bourne- Again Shell, or simply BASH, is commonly known as a default command interpreter of Linux and GNU systems.

Here's how software automation engineers use bash:
  • Created bash scripts to be shared between projects for the build environment.
top-skills

What skills help Software Automation 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 automation engineer 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 hard/technical skills are most important for software automation engineers?

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 soft skills should all software automation engineers 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 software automation engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Sridhar Santhanam Ph.D.Dr. Sridhar Santhanam Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor and Chair, Villanova University

In a gap year, graduates could consider retooling themselves by acquiring advanced knowledge and skills. Graduate school provides a perfect avenue for this. Enrolling in a Masters's program that aligns with one's interests and aptitudes can be an excellent investment. Many graduate schools also offer shorter certificate programs targeted to specific sub-disciplines within mechanical engineerings, such as robotics, sustainable energy, or additive manufacturing. Certificates can be obtained in a calendar year, or less, and can significantly bolster one's resume in preparation for exploring the job market after the gap year. Several programs offer online graduate classes, thereby providing convenience and accessibility to students.

What type of skills will young software automation engineers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok SongDr. Ted Junseok Song LinkedIn profile

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 software automation engineer 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.

List of software automation engineer skills to add to your resume

Software automation engineer skills

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

  • Python
  • Java
  • C #
  • Jenkins
  • Linux
  • GIT
  • CI
  • Automation Tools
  • Scrum
  • Jira
  • C++
  • Regression
  • UI
  • QA
  • Bash
  • Automation Framework
  • Ruby
  • Debugging
  • Confluence
  • Cucumber
  • Automation Software
  • Unix
  • Web Services
  • Test Scripts
  • Front End
  • JSON
  • Api Testing
  • Perl
  • Code Reviews
  • Bitbucket
  • Junit
  • HTML
  • Rest API
  • Maven
  • PLC
  • Test Results
  • XML
  • Business Analysts
  • SVN
  • Back-End
  • SQL Server
  • Test Data
  • Selenium Webdriver
  • CSS
  • Virtualization
  • JMeter
  • Web Application

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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