What does a Software Engineer do?
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.
Software engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real software engineer resumes:
- Manage product releases, solve software bugs in a client/server environment, write UNIX shell scripts to manage development environments.
- Manage responsive UI design, implementing complex, dynamic functionality.
- Define continuous integration process and configure Jenkins build server to manage it.
- Develop a python serial communication program to automate test procedures and verify proper operation.
- Manage website/software/mobile applications by generating full scope requirements base upon PMI / SDLC guidance.
- Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
- Utilize Perl to implement a batch web service tool for creating and altering SVN users.
- Separate the user interface into the structure (HTML), behavior (JavaScript), and presentation (CSS).
- Web API allow to build HTTP services that reach a broad range of clients, these include multiple WMSI retirement products.
- Follow agile software development process using JIRA for project management.
- Design and implement numerous intuitive UI components using AngularJS and JavaScript.
- Used GitLab for version control.
- Perform using testing using JUnit.
- Create documentation and design in confluence.
- Create and executing test cases using JUnit.
Software engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Software Engineers are proficient in Java, Python, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Software Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 15%
Involved in writing Multi-Threading Synchronization concepts in Java Programs.
- Python, 9%
Performed vulnerability remediation for patient care web application using Python and PostgreSQL on OpenSUSE Linux.
- Software Development, 6%
Interfaced with various external/internal customers such as product managers and lead testers to gather and define functional specifications for software development.
- Database, 3%
Performed configuration management and administered SourceSafe database.
- GIT, 3%
Maintain Configuration Management (CM) git repositories for internal/external developed software and resolve subsystem to subsystem daily merge/integration issues.
- Object Oriented Programming, 3%
Developed Web Based Banking Applications like Brand Migration, Mortgage Module Development and Snapshot Functionality using Object Oriented Programming.
"java," "python," and "software development" are among the most common skills that software engineers use at work. You can find even more software engineer responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a software engineer to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Software engineers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created client-to-server applications for handling communication between controller cards and hmi (human machine interface) visualization system over tcp/ip protocol. "
Creativity. Many software engineer duties rely on creativity. "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software.," so a software engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways software engineer responsibilities rely on creativity: "invented software data visualization tool, library studio , for experimental design of combinatorial material libraries. "
Problem-solving skills. software engineers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to software engineer responsibilities, 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." A software engineer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "design and development of tableau visualization solutions using operational dashboards. "
Analytical skills. A big part of what software engineers do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to software engineer responsibilities because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical software engineer tasks: "developed a data visualization tool for a real-time, interactive flight test application that enabled participation of geographically dispersed test teams. "
Detail oriented. Another crucial skill for a software engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "detail oriented." A big part of what software engineers relies on this skill, since "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." How this skill relates to software engineer duties can be seen in an example from a software engineer resume snippet: "designed systems with object-oriented method and built them using c++, java, oracle. "
The three companies that hire the most software engineers are:
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Compare different software engineers
Software engineer vs. Software analyst
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between software engineers and software analyst. For instance, software engineer responsibilities require skills such as "python," "database," "git," and "c." Whereas a software analyst is skilled in "troubleshoot," "test data," "business process," and "data analysis." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Software analysts tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $86,986. In contrast, software engineers make the biggest average salary, $122,617, in the start-up industry.The education levels that software analysts earn slightly differ from software engineers. In particular, software analysts are 6.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a software engineer. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Software engineer vs. Software consultant
A software consultant is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the technological content and system applications of an organization, ensuring its efficiency and optimal performance. Software consultants design software systems, following clients' specifications and business needs. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems, programming languages, and system codes to create software processes and manage the network systems. A software consultant runs multiple diagnostic tests and creates troubleshooting reports for technical support reference.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real software engineer resumes. While software engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "git," "object oriented programming," "scrum," and "spring boot," software consultants use skills like "architecture," "software applications," "software solutions," and "erp."
Software consultants earn a lower average salary than software engineers. But software consultants earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $95,230. Additionally, software engineers earn the highest salaries in the start-up with average pay of $122,617 annually.software consultants earn similar levels of education than software engineers in general. They're 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Software Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Software engineer vs. Senior software development engineer
A senior software development engineer specializes in leading the efforts in designing and developing software and information systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing existing computer systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, testing new designs, and performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of operations, improving them to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, as a senior software development engineer, it is essential to monitor and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a software engineer is likely to be skilled in "front end," "net core," "taking care," and "application development," while a typical senior software development engineer is skilled in "test automation," "windows," "development environment," and "lifecycle management."
Senior software development engineers earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $134,736. Comparatively, software engineers have the highest earning potential in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $122,617.Most senior software development engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to software engineers. For example, they're 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Software engineer vs. Software programmer
A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Types of software engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
