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What does a Staff Software Engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted Expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a Staff Software Engineer do

A Staff Software Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and repairing company software for maximum efficiency and usability. They instruct and mentor their team members in software development techniques and cloud development.

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Staff software engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real staff software engineer resumes:

  • Manage source code and integration for team with git, svn and Jenkins.
  • Utilize JavaScript, AJAX and HTML markup to create, edit and manage filters.
  • Lead the functional verification test team for the security component of IBM z/OS WebSphere.
  • Lead the development of QDSS windows driver and tool chain to use QDSS features for windows platform.
  • Lead a 5-person development team for the BCRS customer recovery solution system in Maximo 7.1 and J2EE.
  • Work with QA for different eBay modules to review and automate tests for testing new functionality on site.
  • Develop sound knowledge of USB protocol, SPI and I2C technology.
  • Develop UI guidelines for all sample web pages, and create centralized CSS.
  • Produce HTML / PDF output from DITA source files.
  • Used JSON for server and client communication.
  • Implement SPI driver for Wi-Fi module communication.
  • Interpret received data from Mobileye through UART.
  • Add diagnostic tools and automate testing using python scripts.
  • Sole owner/developer of subsystem driver and diagnostic GUI tool.
  • Port legacy codes to dual PPC and VxWorks base platform.

Staff software engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 18% of Staff Software Engineers are proficient in Java, Python, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

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

  • Java, 18%

    Developed and maintained java web and batch application software critical to operation of Microelectronics manufacturing lines in Burlington, Vermont.

  • Python, 8%

    Delivered server-and-client based application framework using Python to enable designers to create user interface using markup languages.

  • Software Development, 7%

    Developed Real-Time IP network monitoring and visualization software to compute and display network-wide topology map in full software development left cycle.

  • Architecture, 6%

    Designed architecture, framework and developed tools for system level end-to-end testing for all communication related software.

  • Object Oriented Programming, 3%

    Performed Object Oriented programming for setup and tuning of the PET scanner.

  • Linux, 3%

    Enhanced communications between test teams and developers by providing test reports to external Linux developers and internal development teams.

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

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a staff software engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what staff software engineers do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a staff software engineer resume shows how staff software engineers use analytical skills: "analyzed simulation performance with custom visualization software. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling staff software engineer 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 staff software engineer resume, here's how staff software engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "designed and implemented communication application programs in python and c. designed and implemented supercomputer ethernet test and fpga test. "

Creativity. staff software engineers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to staff software engineer responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A staff software engineer resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "maintained inventory data model and acted as development database administrator. "

Detail oriented. A big part of what staff software engineers do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to staff software engineer 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 staff software engineer tasks: "participated in detailed application design and code reviews. "

Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for staff software engineer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of staff software engineers 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 staff software engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what a staff software engineer does: "worked in r&d; developing new java based client for an enterprise monitoring solution. "

See the full list of staff software engineer skills

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Compare different staff software engineers

Staff 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.

The annual salary of software analysts is $58,253 lower than the average salary of staff software engineers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both staff software engineer and software analyst positions are skilled in java, software development, and object oriented programming.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, staff software engineer responsibilities require skills like "python," "c #," "architecture," and "git." Meanwhile a typical software analyst has skills in areas such as "troubleshoot," "test data," "business process," and "data analysis." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Software analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $86,986. On the other hand, staff software engineers are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $160,201.software analysts tend to reach lower levels of education than staff software engineers. In fact, software analysts are 12.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Staff software engineer vs. Test engineer

Test engineers are professionals who observe and record the quality of products, which includes functionality, durability, speed, and safety. They are responsible for checking the materials and procedures thoroughly throughout the production cycle. It is their duty to run tests on different criteria to identify and fix technical issues. They analyze reactions to determine the causes of malfunctions and recommend potential improvements. Moreover, they test products before they are launched to ensure customers get high-quality and functional products.

A career as a test engineer brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a staff software engineer. In fact, test engineers salary is $56,821 lower than the salary of staff software engineers per year.A few skills overlap for staff software engineers and test engineers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "python," and "c #. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, staff software engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "software development," "architecture," "git," and "database." Meanwhile, a test engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "test results," "test procedures," "test equipment," and "test data." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Test engineers earn a lower average salary than staff software engineers. But test engineers earn the highest pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $88,414. Additionally, staff software engineers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $160,201 annually.test engineers earn lower levels of education than staff software engineers in general. They're 12.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Staff Software Engineers 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.

Staff software engineer 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.

On average, lead engineers earn lower salaries than staff software engineers, with a $51,726 difference per year.staff software engineers and lead engineers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "python," and "c #," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, staff software engineers are more likely to have skills like "software development," "scrum," "c," and "software design." But a lead engineer is more likely to have skills like "javascript," "project management," "troubleshoot," and "emerging technologies."

Lead engineers make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $110,872. On the other hand, staff software engineers are paid the highest salary in the retail industry, with average annual pay of $160,201.Most lead engineers achieve a lower degree level compared to staff software engineers. For example, they're 8.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Staff software engineer 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 developers typically earn lower pay than staff software engineers. On average, software developers earn a $49,132 lower salary per year.While their salaries may vary, staff software engineers and software developers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "python," and "software development. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "c #," "architecture," "c," and "software design" are skills that commonly show up on staff software engineer resumes. On the other hand, software developers use skills like javascript, c # .net, version control, and php on their resumes.In general, software developers earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,138. The highest-paying industry for a staff software engineer is the retail industry.In general, software developers hold lower degree levels compared to staff software engineers. Software developers are 6.7% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of staff software engineer

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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