What does a system software developer do?
A System Software Developer is an information technology expert who is in charge of developing software and application systems in a company. They are responsible for conducting research and preparing detailed plans according to project requirements and guidelines, establishing test structures, troubleshooting errors, performing upgrades, and creating systems instructions for technical support. They must also assess existing systems to determine their strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a System Software Developer works in a team environment, which requires coordination and an active communication line.
System software developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real system software developer resumes:
- Manage Unix server providing Telefonica implementation support for new billing process.
- Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
- Develop client request validations and processing using JavaScript and HTML.
- Improve existing code (php, html, asterix), design and implement new features.
- Design and develop a tier Internet banking system using Linux and Perl interfacing to legacy core system.
- Work on cleaning up the displayable HTML code transfer by server.
- Demonstrate very good technical skills, especially in UI relate development.
- Convert JSF base UI panels to new dojo base widgets and views.
- Work on software for client company, WesternMessaging, LLC (PHP).
- Scale an application to handle over 500k XML documents being post to the queue daily.
- Create file retention manager in Java used to purge old data from file servers and databases.
- Implement file sharing, firewall, router, and Internet services using Linux for many diverse clients.
- Facilitate design and development of corporate ecommerce website using CSS base design to create secure and readable web site.
- Support issues range from SQL database maintenance/table updates, debugging system code, to explaining system functionality to end users.
- Develop ETL procedures, store procedures, functions, and queries in support of these and other relate corporate initiatives.
System software developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of System Software Developers are proficient in Python, Java, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of System Software Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 11%
Developed External sorting of massive amounts of data with Elastic Map-Reduce of Amazon EC2 and Python.
- Java, 9%
Assisted various development teams with Java related development.
- Software Development, 9%
Provide technical architecture and project management leadership for clients' mission-critical applications while implementing leading-edge agile software development practices.
- JavaScript, 6%
Involved in the Development of UI using HTML and JavaScript.
- Linux, 5%
Maintained Linux servers and package updates* Performed daily backups of databases.
- C, 4%
Developed a script-based authoring tool for multimedia applications using LEX, YACC, and MS C 5.0 compiler.
"python," "java," and "software development" are among the most common skills that system software developers use at work. You can find even more system software developer responsibilities below, including:
Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a system software developer 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 system software developer resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "developed numerous java programs for object - oriented product for the bellsouth bocris system. "
Problem-solving skills. Another essential skill to perform system software developer duties is problem-solving skills. System software developers responsibilities require that "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." System software developers also use problem-solving skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "created custom xpath parsers and namespace resolution logic for each custom client xml xsd. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of system software developers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday system software developer 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: "used lamp, matlab and r. developed visualization and analysis tools that helped researchers publish original work in alzheimer's disease. "
Communication skills. For certain system software developer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a system software developer rely on this skill, as "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what system software developers do: "planned and executed communication strategy for a common production environment to enhance the hpc linux clusters use across sites. "
Creativity. A commonly-found skill in system software developer job descriptions, "creativity" is essential to what system software developers do. System software developer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." You can also see how system software developer duties rely on creativity in this resume example: "maintain and finish the development of our laboratory inventory management system (mysql + java). "
The three companies that hire the most system software developers are:
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Compare different system software developers
System software developer 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between system software developers and software analyst. For instance, system software developer responsibilities require skills such as "python," "javascript," "c," and "debugging." Whereas a software analyst is skilled in "test data," "scrum," "business process," and "jira." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Software analysts really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $86,986. Comparatively, system software developers tend to make the most money in the professional industry with an average salary of $125,086.software analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than system software developers. In fact, software analysts are 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.System software developer vs. Software systems engineer
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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that system software developer responsibilities requires skills like "javascript," "troubleshoot," "bash," and "sit." But a software systems engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "c #," "architecture," "emerging technologies," and "database."
Software systems engineers earn a lower average salary than system software developers. But software systems engineers earn the highest pay in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $125,769. Additionally, system software developers earn the highest salaries in the professional with average pay of $125,086 annually.software systems engineers earn similar levels of education than system software developers in general. They're 3.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for system software developers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
System software developer vs. Android developer
An android developer is responsible for creating digital applications for the Android system market. Android developers design applications depending on their clients' specifications, business needs, or personal use. They analyze the current trends, developing an application that meets the users' demands and public interests. An android developer should have strong knowledge of software systems, computer codes, and programming languages, ensuring the smooth navigation of the application, boosting its optimal performance, and identifying inconsistencies through running multiple diagnostic tests.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, system software developers are more likely to have skills like "python," "software development," "linux," and "c." But a android developer is more likely to have skills like "kotlin," "android studio," "android sdk," and "git."
Android developers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $104,110. System software developers earn the highest pay from the professional industry, with an average salary of $125,086.When it comes to education, android developers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to system software developers. In fact, they're 6.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.System software developer vs. Net developer
A NET developer specializes in crafting and producing various software and information systems through extensive computer and information technology knowledge. A NET developer's responsibilities range from designing and developing applications, generating codes and building a secure database, implementing regulations, and providing continuous support and maintenance. A NET developer must also have an active line of communication and coordination as there are instances when one's work revolves in a team setting or meets particular demands or specifications from a client.
Types of system software developer
Updated January 8, 2025
