Software Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a software engineer. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a software engineer.
Who Is a Software Engineer?
To design and create computer software, a software engineer uses mathematical analysis and computer science ideas. Software engineers are in great demand, and developers who live in high-demand cities receive numerous offers from recruiters and headhunters each month.
Software engineering is a discipline of computer science that deals with the design and implementation of computer systems and applications software. Computer systems software is made up of applications that include operating systems and computer utilities.
Software engineers apply engineering concepts to the design of software and have a deep understanding of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems.
They can construct customized systems for particular clients by applying these engineering concepts to every stage of the development process, from requirements analysis to software development. A software engineer will begin with a comprehensive assessment of requirements and work through the development process in a systematic manner, just as a civil engineer ensures that a bridge has a strong foundation.
Operating systems, computer games, middleware, commercial applications, and network control systems are just a few of the types of software that a software engineer can create. Technology advancements and new areas of specialization keep this profession moving at a breakneck speed.
They are divided into two categories:
Applications Engineers
Apps Engineers analyze the demands of the end-user to design or change applications for businesses and organizations. These applications or programs will be designed, built, installed, and maintained by them.
Systems Engineers
Systems engineers oversee the development, upkeep, and expansion of a company’s or organization’s computer systems. They organize the needs of each department, provide technical guidance, and set up any networks that connect computers to the corporation.
Types of Software Engineers
Video games Designer
A video game designer, often known as a game developer, is an expert in developing and implementing compelling and interactive gaming systems. They program whole worlds in which a game might take place using creative talents such as storytelling and world-building. Game developers code everything from the location to the objects to the characters that make up a user’s gameplay experience.
DirectX, OpenGL, Unity 3D, WebGL, C, C++, Java, Swift, JavaScript, HTML5 are some of the skills you’ll need.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A QA engineer, often known as a “software engineer,” validates the quality of an application by testing, reviewing, assessing, and writing software. These individuals develop automated tests, tools, and procedures to ensure that systems are operating as intended, catching faults, and accounting for their solutions.
Python, Ruby, and Selenium WebDriver are some of the skills you’ll need.
CRM project manager
A CRM project manager or developer works with data collection systems for users and customers, producing programs that collect valuable metrics for modifying the needs of a specific program. They may be entrusted with optimizing the tools used by customer service and salespeople in order to improve client happiness or sales.
SAP, Salesforce, SharePoint, and Enterprise Resource Planning are some of the skills you’ll need.
Software Integration Engineer
Software integration engineers use coding languages to program hardware such as consumer devices, home security alert systems, electronics, interfaces, real-time systems, and serial data transmissions in the modern era of smart devices and the internet of things.
C, C++, Assembly, Java, proprietary technologies/frameworks/toolkits are some of the skills you’ll need.
Security Engineers
Security engineers, also known as “white hat” or “ethical” hackers, develop systems, methods, and procedures for evaluating the security of software. They are mostly interested in locating and exploiting security flaws and vulnerabilities before the systems reach the end-user in order to deliver the best possible experience.
Python, Ruby, C, C++, and reverse engineering are some of the skills you’ll need.
Front-end Engineers
The development of user interface (UI) design for the user-facing side of an application or website is the specialty of a front-end engineer, also known as a web developer. This requires a detailed understanding of how people interact with and use computer programs, as well as visual design components like layout and aesthetics.
To ensure cross-browser compatibility, they must also be familiar with code that runs on many operating systems, browsers, and user devices. They also put a lot of emphasis on employing user experience (UX) design principles to improve visual display.
UX & UI frameworks, CSS, JavaScript, and HTML are some of the skills you’ll need.
Full-stack Engineer
A full-stack engineer is a software engineer who is proficient in both front-end and back-end abilities and responsibilities. These folks have all of the skills required to build a completely effective web app, from the user interface to the complicated systems that power it.
UX and UI frameworks, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Java, C, C++, Ruby, Perl, Python, Scala, Go, Kubernetes, Docker, Apache Mesos, Jenkins, HashiCorp stack, Kubernetes, Docker, Apache Mesos, Jenkins, HashiCorp stack (Terraform, Vault, Consul, Nomad) are needed skills.
3D Graphics Developer
Using specialized knowledge, a 3D graphics developer produces software for lighting, shading, shadowing, scene management, and rendering. They collaborate closely with game developers to create graphic assets for use in both gaming and video creation. Their abilities can also be applied to front-end development, where they can create visually appealing and intuitive user interfaces.
DirectX, OpenGL, Unity 3D, WebGL, C, C++, Assembly are some of the skills you’ll need.
Data Scientist
A data scientist, sometimes known as a data engineer, creates software that analyzes data. This frequently places them in charge of statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and predictive modeling, offering metrics that can help an organization determine how a product will evolve to meet the needs of the business.
SQL, R, and Python are some of the skills you’ll need.
Mobile Developer
Mobile developers create code for apps that are meant to operate on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
iOS and Android operating platforms, Java, Swift, and Objective-C are some of the skills required.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers use methods and methodologies to streamline product creation, enhancement, and maintenance while also facilitating communication between development and operations teams.
Their work necessitates experience with back-end development procedures for building, deploying, and integrating technologies such as cloud computing services. Cloud storage applications such as OneDrive, GitHub, and Amazon Web Services are familiar to these engineers (AWS).
Kubernetes, Docker, Apache Mesos, Jenkins, and the HashiCorp stack are some of the skills you’ll need (Terraform, Vault, Consul, Nomad)
Back-end Engineer
A back-end engineer, also known as a back-end developer, works on the basic logic, design, implementation, scalability, and performance of a system in order to establish smooth functions behind the user interface. Using Application Programming Interfaces, they primarily develop and administer databases, as well as integrate data systems, log systems, and cache systems (APIs).
Java, C, C++, Ruby, Perl, Python, Scala, and Go are some of the programming languages available.
Software Engineer Job Description
Below are the software engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Examine the user’s requirements.
- Design computer programs and ensure that software is as functional and robust as the client or customer requires.
- Use an analytical, engineering-focused approach and expert understanding of programming languages.
- Upgrades to existing systems and programs are recommended.
- Create different software parts that perform nicely together as a whole.
- Create a variety of diagrams, flowcharts, and models to demonstrate the many types of code required by programmers.
- Ensure a program’s continuing operation during software maintenance and testing. As a reference for future updates and maintenance document every feature of a system or application.
- Fix issues or resolve client or customer concerns by revisiting the development process.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar discipline is required.
- 5–7 years of experience in software engineering or development, preferably in a related sector.
- Hands-on experience with relevant programming languages.
- Working knowledge of relevant tool suites.
- Communication skills, both verbal and written, are crucial.
- Problem-solving abilities that are innovative.
- Management of the software development lifecycle is a plus.
- The capacity to set priorities and complete projects on time and on budget.
- It is advantageous to work with clients and business partners.
- A thorough understanding of computer science topics is required.
- Outstanding coding abilities.
- Knowledge of agile methodologies at a high level.
- Ability to work well with others in a group setting.
- The ability to travel whenever it is required.
- Worked with technologies like Hadoop, Hive, Pig, Oozie, Map Reduce, Spark, Sqoop, Kafka, Flume, and others.
- Strong DevOps emphasis and experience installing infrastructure using cloud deployment technologies such as Ansible, chef, puppet, and others.
Essential Skills For a Software Engineer
Hard Skills
Hard skills are the practical, teachable abilities that an individual needs to acquire in order to be qualified for a specific role. Learning to code in programming languages such as Java, SQL, and Python are examples of hard skills for software engineers.
JavaScript: Most web pages include JavaScript, a scripting programming language that allows users to do complicated tasks. Users can change material, animate graphics, manage multimedia, and store variables using this language. One of the three key technologies on the web is JavaScript.
Java: Java is a programming language that allows you to create software that runs on various systems without having to recompile it. The code is compatible with almost every operating system, including Mac OS and Windows. Java is written in the C and C++ programming languages. Users can interact with the GUI and objects more easily using browser-based programs.
SQL: SQL (Structured Query Language) is a query language that updates, alters, deletes, and inserts data. SQL employs a series of commands to accomplish this. This programming language is used to manipulate data and maintain relational databases. Professionals use SQL to manage structured data with variables and entities that have relationships.
C++: C++ is an object-oriented, general-purpose programming language that combines low-level and high-level constructs.C++ is a programming language that is found on almost every computer, therefore computer software engineers must be familiar with it. Most C programs can be converted to C++ without changing the source code line. Text, numbers, and other computer-capable operations are generally handled by C++.
C#: Originally created for Microsoft, this extremely expressive programming language is simpler than other languages while still incorporating elements of C++ and Java. Generic types and methods add to the safety and performance of the system. Professionals may also design iteration behavior in C#, which also supports encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance.
Python: This high-level programming language connects existing components with dynamic semantics, structures, binding, and typing; nonetheless, the Python syntax is simple to learn and does not require a compilation stage, which reduces program maintenance and increases productivity. Python also allows engineers to use modules and packages, allowing them to use the language for a variety of tasks.
Soft Skills:
Software engineers should also think about the soft skills they’ll need to get the job. Individual preferences and personality qualities that reflect how an employee executes their job and fits within a team are referred to as soft skills. These include:
Analytical abilities: Developers must first assess consumers’ requirements before designing software to meet those requirements.
Communication abilities: Developers must be able to communicate clearly with people who are working on a project. They must also explain how the program works to their consumers and answer any queries they may have.
Multitasking: When working on a deadline or fulfilling team needs, software engineers may be required to split their focus across different modules of the same project or transition effortlessly between projects.
Creativity: Developers are the people who come up with new computer software.
Must be a meticulous person: Developers must be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail because they often work on multiple aspects of an application or system at the same time.
Interpersonal abilities: Software developers must be able to collaborate effectively with those who are involved in the design, development, and programming of successful software.
Problem-solving abilities: Developers must be able to tackle problems that arise during the design process because they are in charge of software from start to finish.
How to Become a Software Engineer
If you want to become a software engineer, here are some measures you can take to get there:
A bachelor’s degree is required.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a related field is required. For a job as a software developer, this is a must-have skill.
Internship Experience
This is a great chance to learn more about the work and get some hands-on experience. You’ll make relationships with professionals in the sector, which will help you find work after graduation.
Make an effort to obtain a master’s degree.
A master’s degree is required by several businesses. A master’s degree will also allow you to expand your software engineering knowledge.
Obtain the appropriate certificates.
Software engineers and software developers can get a variety of professional certificates. While just a few employers demand certifications, obtaining appropriate ones can indicate your ability to learn and enhance your skills.
Attend conferences if possible.
Every year, a slew of software conferences take place around the world. Not only will they keep you up to date on the newest technological advancements, but they will also provide you with opportunities to network with other software professionals.
Where to Work as a Software Engineer
Junior Web Developer
With little to no computer programming expertise, this is a starting or entry-level position that someone fresh out of college or an accelerated course may get. With a working grasp of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery, one can begin applying for job openings as a junior web developer. These programming languages are taught in a variety of online coding schools, in-person programs, and dev boot camps.
Understanding the intended application lifecycle and being able to develop simple scripts, and having a rudimentary understanding of database and application services, such as caching and queues, are all requirements for a novice web developer.
Sr. Software Web Developer
A software web developer, also known as a senior software web developer, is a programmer with several years of professional programming experience, the ability to write complex code, in-depth knowledge of databases, application services, and application lifecycle development, and the ability to create complete applications. Several years as a senior web developer will be a significant part of a software engineer’s professional path.
People who dislike the thought of managing and would rather stick to creating code can work as a senior web developer for many years, if not their entire career. This position, on the other hand, can serve as a wonderful springboard for a career as a software engineer or management, such as lead software engineer or CTO (chief technology officer) of a startup.
Technical Architect, Lead Software Engineer
Someone who wants more responsibility and a challenge but isn’t interested in team management can be a good fit for a lead software engineer or architect position.
Other engineers and programmers turn to lead engineers for guidance and direction, and the job is classified as a middle management post. Lead engineers continue to produce code, but they also communicate with others on workflow priorities and put their judgments into action. They have years of programming experience, subject matter expertise, and the ability to conceptualize, organize, and construct appropriate software to tackle complex issues.
Architects do write code on occasion, but they are primarily responsible for designing complicated systems that will be implemented by other web developers. The role of an architect is primarily technical, and it is not usually viewed as a stepping stone to something more. It is frequently regarded as the highest technical position.
Software Development Manager, Development Team Lead
Management is the next stage in a software engineer’s career path, and it can include a variety of foci and responsibilities. Managing developer teams, managing large-scale projects, and hiring and discharging developers are just a few examples.
Mid-level managers (such as lead software engineers) oversee the department’s productivity and workflow, as well as report to a senior executive. The project leader’s requirements are coordinated with the development team by a senior manager, which necessitates good people skills and the ability to effectively settle disputes. The senior manager’s work also includes adding or terminating team members as needed, which can be difficult at first but is a great leadership talent if mastered.
Vice President, Director, and Chief Technology Officer
The CEO or the board of directors receive reports from senior management (which might include titles such as director, vice president, or chief technology officer). They supervise the work of other managers and are frequently involved in formulating strategic and corporate goals. Creating objectives and initiatives, formulating long-term plans, and holding diverse departments accountable for specified measurable objectives are examples of executive tasks. Senior executives are also in charge of monitoring, hiring, and terminating mid-level executives.
If managing people isn’t your thing, a career as a software engineer still pays well enough that you may be a team player while still having a meaningful career.
Software Engineer Salary Scale
As of October 29, 2021, the average compensation for a Software Engineer in the United States is between $63,460 and $170,860. Salary ranges vary greatly based on the type of Software Engineer employment you seek.
In Nigeria, a Software Engineer can expect to make about 333,000 NGN each month. Salaries range from 170,000 NGN to 513,000 NGN (lowest to highest) (highest).
This is the average monthly pay, which takes into account accommodation, transportation, and other perks. Software engineers’ pay varies a lot based on their experience, skills, and location.