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System software developer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical system software developer skills. We ranked the top skills for system software developers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.6% of system software developer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a system software developer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 system software developer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how system software developers use python:

Developed External sorting of massive amounts of data with Elastic Map-Reduce of Amazon EC2 and Python.
Created BASH and Python scripts to automate maintenance, testing and administrative tasks.

2. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how system software developers use java:

Assisted various development teams with Java related development.
Developed, modified, tested and optimized Code written in Java, C, Pro*C, and Unix Scripts.

3. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how system software developers use software development:

Provide technical architecture and project management leadership for clients' mission-critical applications while implementing leading-edge agile software development practices.
Provided expertise in software development, systems administration for growing firm of insurance adjusters.

4. JavaScript

Here's how system software developers use javascript:

Involved in the Development of UI using HTML and JavaScript.
Utilized C++, C#, Visual Basic, JavaScript, SQL, and Microsoft Office.

5. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how system software developers use linux:

Maintained Linux servers and package updates* Performed daily backups of databases.
Target platforms are Windows 2000 and Linux, with an eye for eventually supporting the Mac platforms at a later date.

6. C

Here's how system software developers use c:

Developed a script-based authoring tool for multimedia applications using LEX, YACC, and MS C 5.0 compiler.
Developed Y2K test cases using C language and Shell Script.

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7. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how system software developers use c++:

Designed and developed energy trading and marketing systems and applications to automate financial decisions using technologies such as PowerBuilder and C++.
Developed a voice-over-internet distributed call processing system using a prototype version of C++ in their experimental distributed objects laboratory.

8. HTML

Here's how system software developers use html:

Worked on cleaning up the displayable HTML code transferred by server.
Developed various form of reports like MS Excel and HTML.

9. Jenkins

Jenkins is an open source automation server that is free to use. It aids continuous deployment and execution by automating the aspects of product creation related to building, analyzing, and deploying. It is a system based on the server that runs in servlet containers like Apache Tomcat. Jenkins is a Java-based fully accessible automation platform with plugins designed for Continuous Integration.

Here's how system software developers use jenkins:

Adhered to strict change management and security procedures including design and code reviews, Fortify vulnerability scans and Jenkins automated builds.
Worked on distributed test automation execution on different environment as part of Continuous Integration Process using Selenium Grid and Jenkins.

10. Debugging

Here's how system software developers use debugging:

Worked with development team on debugging ColdFusion Web Applications
Assist in deployment of software releases (compile and debugging) in Visual Studios.

11. API

Here's how system software developers use api:

Project included development on a prototype distributed network management package, API's and additional enhancements to network management software packages.
Developed test strategies and worked closely with developers to leverage existing published API.

12. PHP

PHP, the abbreviation for hypertext preprocessor, is a scripted language used in websites to manage content.

Here's how system software developers use php:

Worked on software for client company, WesternMessaging, LLC (PHP).
Worked with PHP and Code-Igniter.

13. Configuration Management

Configuration management is a technical system of management controls that includes decisions, actions, and approvals that are applied throughout the life cycle of a program or system and that maintain the consistency of its performance, functional and physical attributes from the conceptual phase to production and finally to post-production support.

Here's how system software developers use configuration management:

Team leader for Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Maturity Level 2 assessment of the Configuration Management key practice area.
Team practiced software configuration management using Visual Source Safe and Source-Off-Site to track changes and share code within the development team.

14. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how system software developers use troubleshoot:

Created custom programs and analyzed data base tables to troubleshoot individual client's technical support issues.
Manage and troubleshoot custom built Web-based ASP.NET Internet applications linked to company-wide SQL databases.

15. CSS

Here's how system software developers use css:

Worked on user interface design using EXT JS and CSS.
Developed application using MVC, Entity Framework, Unity, JSON, C#, HTML, CSS, JQuery.

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What skills help System Software Developers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on system software developer resumes?

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Director, Montana Engineering Education Research Center (MEERC), Montana State University

All companies are looking for some experience beyond the classrooms. This can be through internships or doing research at their universities. But students still need to show an acceptable GPA to show employers that they understand the fundamentals of their discipline.

What soft skills should all system software developers possess?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

All the soft skills are important, but a few are absolutely critical in today's hybrid workforce. With the uncertainty of COVID delaying the return to the office, many companies are embracing hybrid work and/or 100% remote for some or all of their employees. Today's employees must be able to effectively communicate over a range of different modalities, both synchronously and asynchronously, while still being able to actively build and maintain relationships as they participate in one or more teams of coworkers, customers, and other stakeholders. Today's IT workers need to be honest with themselves on the work environments they can and cannot succeed within.

What hard/technical skills are most important for system software developers?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

Students graduating with Information Systems and related degrees usually have little problem finding employment upon graduation. However, the pandemic upended that paradigm for some. For those who recently graduated and are still looking for employment, keep the faith and develop your technical skills. Developers should show prospective employers that they are familiar with agile programming methodologies and modern DevOps stacks and processes. Data analysts should be focused on presenting their ability to work with structured and unstructured data, effectively query data using SQL & NoSQL, and, most importantly, provide actionable insight by making data accessible and relatable to decision-makers at all levels of an organization. Those interested in cloud architecture and cyber security careers have to keep current on their skills and certifications. Cloud engineers need to stay aware of the constant changes happening at the major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and, as with all other IT fields, provide tangible evidence of your skills via real projects that you have worked on. Prospective cyber security analysts should first focus on identifying their first specialization because there are too many security roles to learn them all at once, especially as beginners. Two popular entry-level cyber security jobs include information security consultant and Security Operations Center (SOC). Both of these roles require a sound foundation in networking fundamentals, vulnerability identification and mitigation, and an understanding of organizationally relevant security and privacy frameworks and regulations.

What system software developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Brian Law

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Illinois Wesleyan University

There are several areas that are "hot" right now, such as the previously-mentioned data science, artificial intelligence, and systems, but also cybersecurity and databases/data warehousing. That being said, the most important thing for a new graduate seeking employment to do is just to do anything, produce something. Tech employers don't and have never trusted computer science credentialing; that mistrust is the origin of the infamous "tech interview," used to verify whether a candidate actually has the technical skills to back up their piece of paper.

So to preemptively answer that question and get a leg up on other candidates, graduates should be sure to generate some artifact(s) that demonstrate(s) their technical and organizational skills. Show them that you can plan a project, design it, see it through in programming it, and do so in a responsible, organized manner (good coding style, readable code, well-documented, and using proper version control), and you'll have addressed your future employer's greatest worries right off the bat.

If it's a project in one of these "hot" areas or specifically tuned for the work the employer does, all the better, but anything the employer is doing is probably leagues beyond what a fresh graduate can do by themselves in a few months, so ultimately they're not going to be that impressed with your domain-specific technical knowledge. Instead treat it more as an opportunity to show off your "soft" skills, your programming maturity, and your ability to actually produce a product rather than just answer exam questions. And while you're at it, you might as well make it something fun for yourself so you'll be driven to finish it.

What type of skills will young system software developers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok Song

Associate Professor of Engineering, John Brown University

As it always has been, the ability to communicate with others would be a critical skill for college graduates. Additionally, it will be more necessary for professionals to work cross-culturally, as the U.S. is becoming more diverse.

What technical skills for a system software developer stand out to employers?

Bob Sweeney Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University of South Alabama

Strong database skills including big data and SQL are always valued by local employers hiring our IS majors. While not technical, written and verbal communications skills are always important.

Do you want to know more?

List of system software developer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a system software developer resume and required skills for a system software developer to have include:

Python
Java
Software Development
JavaScript
Linux
C
C++
HTML
Jenkins
Debugging
API
PHP
Configuration Management
Troubleshoot
CSS

Eclipse
Bash
Software Systems
Software Applications
SIT
Html Css
XML
Web Services
Web Application
Object Oriented Programming
Perl
Ruby
SQL Server
UI
Unix

User Interface
C Net
Visualization
COBOL
JQuery
SVN
OS
Test Cases
Management System
MVC
PL/SQL
QA
Data Warehouse
TCP/IP
PC

Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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