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Software design 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 design engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for software design engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.3% of software design engineer resumes contained software development as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software design engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software design engineer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 design engineers use software development:

Implemented a software-testing infrastructure with third party applications to support cross-site, cross-continent software development.
Establish and improve software development standards, procedures, and recommending application development best practices.

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 design engineers use python:

Developed a Test Generator framework and Automation Scripts in Python.
Developed models in Python to simulate driver functionality.

3. Software Design

Here's how software design engineers use software design:

Structured software design for embedded test implementation efforts and performed software requirements analysis for mission and BIT software essential models.
Standardize literature review for Software Design so that efficient change management documentation can feed policy documentation.

4. 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 design engineers use java:

Developed a Java EE application platform for business customers.
Created automated test suites and testing tools using Visual Basic, Visual C, MS Test, C++ and Java.

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 design engineers use linux:

Design and develop software applications, system solutions, under Linux, Windows, WinXP embedded, and PocketPC Environments.
Maintained EzPCI and EzBMC, a library for accessing baseboard management controller on HP Integrity Servers running Linux.

6. GIT

Here's how software design engineers use git:

Maintain Configuration Management (CM) git repositories for internal/external developed software and resolve subsystem to subsystem daily merge/integration issues.
Configured and managed source code using Git and resolved code merging conflicts in collaboration with application developers.

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7. Azure

Here's how software design engineers use azure:

Utilized the Azure Job Scheduler to build a web application for monitoring the health of their services within the HolMon platform.
Contributed to an effort to migrate BI ETL and Data Warehouse components from on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL Data Warehouse.

8. C

Here's how software design engineers use c:

Worked in the VAX/VMS and UNIX environments programming in Pascal and C with extensive programming experience on TCP/IP client server applications.
Programmed charging algorithms and control logic for micro-controller based battery chargers, utilizing the C language using various IDE's.

9. 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 design engineers use c++:

Work was on the server "aspect" which used a c++ implementation of CORBA ("Mico" ORB).
Involved in IE programming in c++, VC++ 6.0 & Java script in windows environment.

10. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how software design engineers use database:

Designed and implemented database structure to maintain and display ever expanding portfolio of commercial and residential properties.
Developed and implemented a Customer Information System by using a relational database and client-server architecture.

11. Object Oriented Programming

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

Designed and implemented multiple OOP (Object Oriented Programming) GUI's and applications.
Reviewed designs and developed software (Code Review) Applied object oriented and non-object oriented programming skills.

12. Web Services

A web service is software that is available on the internet and uses a specific messaging system. A web service is a kind of service that is not bound to any specific programming language or operating system. Web services help every device to communicate over the world wide web.

Here's how software design engineers use web services:

Performed product owner responsibilities for the fraud detection and mitigation web services and administrative tools.
Consumed Web Services for obtaining Location and Places of Interest (POI) search results from Live Search Maps.

13. UI

Here's how software design engineers use ui:

Performed UI functionality test; compatibility and integration testing both manual and automated.
Designed and implemented UI improvements for Mass Spectrometer driver software.

14. 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 design engineers use scrum:

Developed application using Scrum methodology.
Evangelized the benefits of Scrum in a traditional waterfall shop, successfully creating a scrum pilot program.

15. API

Here's how software design engineers use api:

Implemented JAVAMAIL API to handle incoming and outgoing mail for various clients like Google, Yahoo, Live accounts.
Implemented complex logic and wrote complicated SQL queries, performed unit tests, and assisted in documenting the API.

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What skills help Software Design 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 design 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 design 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 design 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 design engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Tao Ju

Vice Dean for Research & Professor, Washington University in St. Louis

Graduates should research their targeted industries, companies and positions to identify which skills are in highest demand. Every job description has required qualifications and a desired qualifications section. The focus should be on trying to develop those desired qualifications. This could include learning a new programming language or working towards a certification (EIT, LEED, Six Sigma, etc.). Having said that, the specific skills themselves are less important than demonstrating the drive, passion and curiosity to continue developing. Do something. Take a course, volunteer, take on a short-term project, or teach yourself new software. The more graduates have developed their technical and transferable skills (leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, etc.), the more competitive they will be as they enter the job market, and the quicker they will make a difference in an organization.

What type of skills will young software design engineers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok Song

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 design 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 design engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Software Development
Python
Software Design
Java
Linux
GIT
Azure
C
C++
Database
Object Oriented Programming
Web Services
UI
Scrum
API
Debugging

User Interface
HTML
CSS
Html Css
SQL Server
XML
OS
Test Automation
Strong Analytical
Unix
C Net
Embedded Systems
T-SQL
Application Development
Code Reviews
QA

Math
Web Application
Jenkins
Test Cases
WPF
GUI
Windows XP
RF
MVC
Perl
PHP
Elasticsearch
Eclipse
PC
PowerShell
Ethernet

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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