Learn about the important requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a software engineer job description.
Software engineers, often called software developers, conceptualize, create, test, optimize, and maintain applications, programs, and systems for computers, phones, and other devices.
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Software Engineer Job Description Template
We’re seeking a talented software engineer with experience in the full software development lifecycle and agile methodologies. You must be comfortable consulting with end users, have expert coding skills, and know how to document the development process for end users and other software engineers. To succeed in this role, you’ll need superior analytical, technical, math, interpersonal, communication, and project management skills.
Software Engineer Responsibilities
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Consulting with end users to learn about their needs and wants.
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Designing new programs, apps, and systems to solve user problems.
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Writing the code to build the software solutions.
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Testing the software to ensure it functions properly.
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Maintaining and improving existing software.
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Documenting the software development process, so users and other engineers know how the program, app, or system works.
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Mentoring junior software engineers.
Software Engineer Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline.
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5+ years of software engineering experience.
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Knowledge of the software development life cycle and agile method.
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Expertise in programming languages such as Python, Java, SQL, and C#.
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Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Software Engineer Duties And Responsibilities
Let’s dive deeper into some of the software engineer’s responsibilities.
Consult With End Users
Software engineers consult with end users at the beginning of a project as part of the requirement gathering process. That way, they can learn about the end users’ needs, wants, and goals. A software engineer must have strong communication skills to ensure they collect, understand, and apply feedback correctly.
Design New Software
Software engineers take what they learned during the requirement gathering phase and use it to design a solution for the end users’ problems. Doing so gives the end users a sneak peek into what the software will do and presents an opportunity for them to provide additional comments. A software engineer must be able to turn the end users’ vision into a practical design they can build.
Write The Code
Software engineers write the code needed to build the solution they designed. They must pay extreme attention to detail because one misplaced keystroke can break the software. A software engineer must also be able to troubleshoot problems within their own programming.
Test The Software
Software engineers test the apps, programs, and systems they develop. That way, they can ensure that their creations function as intended. A software engineer must be a keen problem solver and communicator to succeed during this project phase.
Document The Development Process
Software engineers document the entire software development process from beginning to end. Doing so helps other engineers if they need to work on the solution later and enables end users to implement and use the tool. A software engineer must be a skilled technical writer.
If you are looking to land a job as a software engineer, you may need to update your resume. Check out our guide to creating a software engineer resume.
Software Engineer Salary And Job Outlook
Here’s the current outlook for the software engineer role in the United States:
Median National Salary: $102,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 1.6+ million
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 25% (much faster than average)
The Bottom Line
After reading this guide, you should know how to write a software engineer job description. Once you’ve prepared one, go to ZipRecruiter to post your open role! Then, take a look at the best free job posting sites. That way, you can get more eyes on your job without paying another dime.
