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What does a software engineering specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

A software engineering specialist designs and develops software engineering components. Moreover, they evaluate technical architecture and framework. They conduct tests on software and carry out any updates that are needed. Strong teamwork and communication skills are necessary for this position.

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Software engineering specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real software engineering specialist resumes:

  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
  • Evaluate development software using Java and create prototype applications with C++, and other software development tools.
  • Perform extensive system and data analysis for converting project from windows application to web application.
  • Used m2Eclipse plugin for eclipse.
  • Create cronjobs that call various perl scripts.
  • Develop bash (linux) scripts for daily tasks.
  • Used JavaScript, JQuery for user interactions in pages.
  • Analyze captured data with customer provide statistical S/W tools, MatLab.
  • Maintain TFS for version control of the project files and work allocation.
  • Coordinate with UNIX administrators to plan upgrades to NetBackup and prospective client backups.
  • Establish UI``look and feel"and code patterns online style guide.
  • Register test agents with the TFS test controllers, mainly for automate testers.
  • Test software on every system for every release of application or OS software.
  • Support web application written in JavaScript & XML originally design by retire NASA engineers.
  • Design, develop, troubleshoot and analyze MATLAB scripts to process and interpret micro-seismic geophysical data.

Software engineering specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 20% of Software Engineering Specialists are proficient in Java, Software Development, and Python. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Software Engineering Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 20%

    Designed and developed an automated testing Java based application using Selenium framework.

  • Software Development, 12%

    Performed services including software development process consulting, architecture/design consulting, tool integration, and product and technology training.

  • Python, 7%

    Developed python scripts to provide seamless automation between multiple operating systems and tested them to minimize scripts related failures during testing.

  • Windows, 5%

    Developed a real-time artificial intelligent system using Level 5 Object expert system running under the 16-bit Microsoft Windows 3.1.

  • API, 5%

    Implemented new changes to payment API for company-wide deployment and integration with third parties.

  • C, 4%

    Coded Embedded 8088 C code for RS232 serial port initialization routines and the interrupt service routines for character sends and receives.

"java," "software development," and "python" are among the most common skills that software engineering specialists use at work. You can find even more software engineering specialist responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a software engineering specialist to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what software engineering specialists do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a software engineering specialist resume shows how software engineering specialists use analytical skills: "designed system in java, to replicate changes to legacy c-isam data files into microsoft sql server database. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling software engineering specialist duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." According to a software engineering specialist resume, here's how software engineering specialists can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "designed, coded, developed and integrated the c software package for the communications of an/alr-67e radar warning receiver system. "

Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of software engineering specialists is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday software engineering specialist duties, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "verified data integrity from application front end to billing system and inventory fulfillment systems. "

Detail oriented. A big part of what software engineering specialists do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to software engineering specialist responsibilities 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." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical software engineering specialist tasks: "devised aop flow framework for xml message process, taking advantages offered by the best breed of aspect-oriented technology. "

Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for software engineering specialist responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of software engineering specialists all the time, as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." An excerpt from a real software engineering specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a software engineering specialist does: "worked with gui and hardware design teams to develop robust solutions for specific requirements. "

Most common software engineering specialist skills

Compare different software engineering specialists

Software engineering specialist vs. Specialist

Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to. The actions or tasks they work on are related to their educational background or work experiences. They are usually highly skilled in specializations related to the work they are assigned to. Specialists are also highly trained on the competencies that are required of their specialty. As such, they are focused on the skills and competencies that are needed to enhance their experience in their specific field further.

The annual salary of specialists is $46,806 lower than the average salary of software engineering specialists.Even though software engineering specialists and specialists are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require windows, oracle pl sql, and qa in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, software engineering specialist responsibilities require skills like "java," "software development," "python," and "api." Meanwhile a typical specialist has skills in areas such as "patients," "customer service," "work ethic," and "patient care." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

On average, specialists reach lower levels of education than software engineering specialists. Specialists are 7.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Software engineering specialist 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 developer positions earn lower pay than software engineering specialist roles. They earn a $17,298 lower salary than software engineering specialists per year.A few skills overlap for software engineering specialists and software developers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "software development," and "python. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that software engineering specialist responsibilities requires skills like "windows," "c," "software products," and "software applications." But a software developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "javascript," "database," "git," and "jenkins."

Software developers may earn a lower salary than software engineering specialists, but software developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $96,138. On the other hand, software engineering specialists receive higher pay in the media industry, where they earn an average salary of $110,865.In general, software developers achieve similar levels of education than software engineering specialists. They're 4.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for software engineering specialists 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.

Software engineering specialist 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.

On average scale, senior software development engineers bring in higher salaries than software engineering specialists. In fact, they earn a $12,107 higher salary per year.By looking over several software engineering specialists and senior software development engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "software development," and "python." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from software engineering specialist resumes include skills like "software products," "user interface," "software applications," and "configuration management," whereas a senior software development engineer is more likely to list skills in "web services," "git," "scrum," and "database. "

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 engineering specialists have the highest earning potential in the media industry, with an average salary of $110,865.senior software development engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to software engineering specialists. Specifically, they're 7.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Software engineering specialist vs. Software tester

The responsibility of software testers involves the quality assurance of software development and deployment. Software testers conduct manual and automated tests to make sure that the software is developed for its purpose. They remove the issues and bugs within a product before deployment to users. Their responsibilities include software and systems analysis, risk mitigation, and software-related issue prevention. They should have skills in automation, programming, social networking, logical thinking, and mobile and web technology.

Software testers tend to earn a lower pay than software engineering specialists by an average of $26,239 per year.While their salaries may vary, software engineering specialists and software testers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "c++," and "linux. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "software development," "python," "windows," and "api" are skills that commonly show up on software engineering specialist resumes. On the other hand, software testers use skills like test results, jira, manual test cases, and scrum on their resumes.The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for software testers, with average annual pay of $85,662. Comparatively, the highest software engineering specialist annual salary comes from the media industry.The average resume of software testers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to software engineering specialists. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.

Types of software engineering specialist

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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