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What does a software systems engineer lead do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
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Software systems engineer lead responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real software systems engineer lead resumes:

  • Manage OS security patching and intrusion detection systems.
  • Used Java server technologies (Jini and RMI) to develop robust services.
  • Facilitate the creation and oversight of a database change management solution; moving application deployment closer toward automation and continues integration.
  • Administer DHCP and DNS servers by updating scopes, setting reservations, and any DISA specific blacklists.
  • Create user accounts, modify host files, modify DNS files, modify file permissions on directories and files.
  • Perform network testing on the new interface to ensure the TCP/IP, telnet, ftp, rlogin.
  • Demonstrate technology superiority through prototyping, porting and optimizing legacy applications to IBM technology.

Software systems engineer lead skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Software Systems Engineers Lead are proficient in Java, Software Development, and Python. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Creativity, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Software Systems Engineers Lead that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 12%

    Led a 5-person team to develop User Interface software using Java and Swing for Xerox production printer products.

  • Software Development, 8%

    Delegated the application development activities within the software development team.

  • Python, 6%

    Designed and implemented embedded Linux server-side python application for processing of command/control/response of RF serial detection and compass serial devices.

  • Cloud, 6%

    Compared the Army Cloud Architecture software stacks (RedDisk) against the Navy Tactical Cloud Reference Architecture (NTC-RI).

  • GIT, 6%

    Controlled and deployed system changes using several version control software packages (Clearcase, SVN, and GIT).

  • Linux, 5%

    Provided technical support of campus-wide Linux, NetWare, and Windows servers.

Most software systems engineers lead use their skills in "java," "software development," and "python" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential software systems engineer lead responsibilities here:

Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a software systems engineer lead to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role 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." Additionally, a software systems engineer lead resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "recommended architecture options for that satellite program in a detailed report. "

Creativity. Many software systems engineer lead duties rely on creativity. "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software.," so a software systems engineer lead will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways software systems engineer lead responsibilities rely on creativity: "lead systems engineer for upgrade of inventory, auto- activation, provisioning, reporting, monitoring, trouble ticketing. "

Problem-solving skills. software systems engineers lead are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to software systems engineer lead 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 systems engineer lead resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "trade studies, evaluating the vendor rfi and rfp for the best technical solution for product development. "

Analytical skills. A big part of what software systems engineers lead do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to software systems engineer lead 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 systems engineer lead tasks: "integrated a database interface using oracle, mysql, hibernate, and j2ee. "

Communication skills. Another common skill required for software systems engineer lead responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of software systems engineers lead all the time, as "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." An excerpt from a real software systems engineer lead resume shows how this skill is central to what a software systems engineer lead does: "created c, c++, and java modules for codesign next generation communication microprocessor. "

See the full list of software systems engineer lead skills

Compare different software systems engineers lead

Software systems engineer lead vs. Lead engineer

A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.

If we compare the average software systems engineer lead annual salary with that of a lead engineer, we find that lead engineers typically earn a $35,246 lower salary than software systems engineers lead make annually.Even though software systems engineers lead and lead engineers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, python, and git in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, software systems engineer lead responsibilities require skills like "software development," "cloud," "systems engineering," and "system design." Meanwhile a typical lead engineer has skills in areas such as "architecture," "javascript," "database," and "azure." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Lead engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $110,872. On the other hand, software systems engineers lead are paid more in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $139,762.lead engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than software systems engineers lead. In fact, lead engineers are 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Software systems engineer lead vs. Senior engineer

A senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.

Senior engineer positions earn lower pay than software systems engineer lead roles. They earn a $11,430 lower salary than software systems engineers lead per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both software systems engineers lead and senior engineers have skills such as "java," "python," and "git. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that software systems engineer lead responsibilities requires skills like "software development," "cloud," "systems engineering," and "code reviews." But a senior engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "architecture," "javascript," "windows," and "sr."

Senior engineers earn a lower average salary than software systems engineers lead. But senior engineers earn the highest pay in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $125,167. Additionally, software systems engineers lead earn the highest salaries in the hospitality with average pay of $139,762 annually.In general, senior engineers achieve similar levels of education than software systems engineers lead. They're 0.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for software systems engineer leads 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 systems engineer lead 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.

On average, senior systems software engineers earn higher salaries than software systems engineers lead, with a $2,102 difference per year.software systems engineers lead and senior systems software engineers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "software development," and "python," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, software systems engineers lead are more likely to have skills like "cloud," "git," "systems engineering," and "application development." But a senior systems software engineer is more likely to have skills like "architecture," "scrum," "database," and "json."

Senior systems software engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $125,048. Comparatively, software systems engineers lead have the highest earning potential in the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $139,762.When it comes to education, senior systems software engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to software systems engineers lead. In fact, they're 0.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Software systems engineer lead 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.

Systems integration engineers typically earn lower pay than software systems engineers lead. On average, systems integration engineers earn a $14,108 lower salary per year.According to resumes from software systems engineers lead and systems integration engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "java," "software development," and "python. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between software systems engineers lead and systems integration engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a software systems engineer lead might have more use for skills like "cloud," "git," "systems engineering," and "ui." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of systems integration engineers require skills like "architecture," "troubleshoot," "project management," and "database. "

Systems integration engineers enjoy the best pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $105,674. For comparison, software systems engineers lead earn the highest salary in the hospitality industry.In general, systems integration engineers hold similar degree levels compared to software systems engineers lead. Systems integration engineers are 3.5% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of software systems engineer lead

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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