What does a software systems engineer do?

A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Software systems engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real software systems engineer resumes:
- Manage teams of developers through the SDLC process.
- Accomplish PHP applications migration to a newer platform in non-disruptive manner.
- Design, develop, and test applications to automate CAD/CAM operations and support.
- Lead developing the L2 Ethernet switch software for new generation wireless mobile router (WMR).
- Develop SMS software and lead all TCP/IP networking aspects for a local GSM cellular service provider and dial-up ISP.
- Manage OS security patching and intrusion detection systems.
- Implement JQuery functionalities, incorporate JSON, and consume web services from current architectures.
- Debug the issues using Target32 / JTAG.
- Debug the issues on the handset (hardware) using Trace32 / JTAG.
- Refine change requests using jira, confluence extensively.
- Work on a data communications product - Ethernet and token ring.
- Create PowerPoint demonstration to train Caltrans employees how to configure system.
- Participate on integration test teams to build customer-like test environments in VMWare cloud.
- Participate in research and development of new software upgrade techniques for the android products.
- Code rules in XML to generate JSON response which are then map to the UI.
Software systems engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Software Systems Engineers are proficient in Java, Python, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Software Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 11%
Programmed using an open source operating system running open industry standardized drivers with a rich Java application.
- Python, 10%
Implemented python tool for generating detail configuration reports on distributed scale-up and scale-out appliances.
- Software Development, 7%
Worked across complete software development life cycle by coordinating requirement analysis, technical design, coding, testing and documentation.
- Architecture, 6%
Determined the software architecture for a future wireless video conferencing, MP3 and speech recognition applications using a combination microprocessor/DSP configuration.
- Linux, 6%
Developed Linux library routines, which provided data and communications to the front-end call processing applications.
- Software Systems, 5%
Developed multiple levels of software systems documentation for a new state-of-the-art military satellite radio, working with DOD MIL-STD-188-XXX series specifications.
"java," "python," and "software development" are among the most common skills that software systems engineers use at work. You can find even more software systems engineer responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. The most essential soft skill for a software systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is creativity. This skill is important for the role because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Additionally, a software systems engineer resume shows how their duties depend on creativity: "developed various web tools such as report automation, inventory tracking system using html, asp and sql. "
Detail oriented. Many software systems engineer duties rely on detail oriented. "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.," so a software systems engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways software systems engineer responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "develop applications for ip bandwidth expansion (ipbe) project using the object-oriented programming language, java. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of software systems engineers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday software systems engineer duties, as "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "tested and delivered gis server-side web service application for the collection, visualization, and exploitation of intelligence data. "
Communication skills. A big part of what software systems engineers do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to software systems engineer responsibilities because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical software systems engineer tasks: "designed and developed software to capture communication signals and to process signal information for dod end users. "
Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in software systems engineer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what software systems engineers do. Software systems engineer responsibilities rely on this skill 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." You can also see how software systems engineer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "eliminated previously manual steps and avoided limited viability of planned solution (java application download and run locally). "
The three companies that hire the most software systems engineers are:
- VMware119 software systems engineers jobs
- Micro Focus (US), Inc.96 software systems engineers jobs
- Oracle89 software systems engineers jobs
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Software systems 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a software systems engineer are more likely to require skills like "c #," "python," "architecture," and "software systems." On the other hand, a job as a software analyst requires skills like "troubleshoot," "test data," "scrum," and "business process." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
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 systems engineers make the biggest average salary, $125,769, in the start-up industry.On average, software analysts reach similar levels of education than software systems engineers. Software analysts are 3.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Software systems engineer vs. Senior systems software engineer
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, software systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "c #," "software systems," "san," and "software applications." Meanwhile, a senior systems software engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "scrum," "code reviews," "json," and "matlab." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Senior systems software engineers may earn a higher salary than software systems engineers, but senior systems software engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $125,048. On the other hand, software systems engineers receive higher pay in the start-up industry, where they earn an average salary of $125,769.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior systems software engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than software systems engineers. In fact, they're 2.3% 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 systems engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Software systems engineer vs. Systems integration engineer
A systems integration engineer is responsible for evaluating the efficiency and performance of the control systems to support business operations and requirements. Systems integration engineers develop technical solutions from business initiatives that would maximize a team's productivity and increase target performance. They also handle the upgrades of network infrastructure and system configuration and resolve technical failures as soon as they arise. A systems integration engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in providing recommendations to improve the network's capability and prevent downtimes.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, software systems engineers are more likely to have skills like "software systems," "c," "emerging technologies," and "software design." But a systems integration engineer is more likely to have skills like "troubleshoot," "rf," "project management," and "system engineering."
Systems integration engineers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $105,674. Comparatively, software systems engineers have the highest earning potential in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $125,769.systems integration engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to software systems engineers. Specifically, they're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Software systems 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.
Types of software systems engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











