Software engineer job description | All you need to know

If a career in IT as a software engineer is something you are interested in pursuing, a great place to start is by making sure you fully understand the job description and responsibilities that come with the role.

Software engineering is one of the most popular fields in tech and professionals are tasked with developing and maintaining software and applications to solve issues and increase efficiency.

This field is much more than working for an IT company, though. In fact, firms across almost every industry now rely on talented software engineers to create customised products that simplify and expedite organisational processes.

What does a software engineer do?

A software engineer develops and maintains software and applications. They use programming languages, platforms and architectures to build, test and improve computer software.

These professionals are highly analytical and implement a comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles and programming languages to improve software and increase productivity for their organisations.

Alternatively, a software engineer may work as a consultant or independent contractor, while some take on positions in research-based roles in which they develop new code and help to train more junior employees.

To be a successful software engineer, you will need to be an expert in programming languages and proficient in testing, as these experts are tasked with constantly looking at ways to improve current software.

What is typical of a software engineer job description?

Software engineer jobs look different depending on the organisation, but it’s worth understanding what a typical job description will look like. This includes software engineer duties and responsibilities, your ability to work at problem solving and the qualifications that tend to be expected.

Roles and responsibilities

As a software engineer, there are many roles and responsibilities that almost any organisation will expect and, as such, include in their job description. These could be:

• Developing software and implementing scalable solutions
• Taking responsibility for the software development life cycle, including designing, testing and upgrading software
• Writing and testing code
• Meeting user requirements
• Creating scripts that transform data to meet business objectives
• Writing scripts to support the automation of processes
• Keeping up to date with the latest technologies
• Constantly seeking out new learning opportunities

Skills

Additionally, certain soft and hard skills facilitate the role of a software engineer. You can expect a typical job description to demand evidence of the following capabilities:

• Proficiency in several programming languages
• The ability to analyse large volumes of data and complex technical information
• Building software applications
• Experience in working version repository and source code management
• The ability to manage several projects simultaneously
• Excellent problem-solving skills

Qualifications and training

The engineer job description will also outline the qualifications you’ll be expected to have in order to apply. They will vary between companies, but software engineers typically need:

• A 2.1 degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subject
• A masters-level qualification for some senior software engineer jobs
• Applicants with 2.2 degrees or degrees in non-STEM subjects are sometimes accepted, as long as the rest of your CV shines
• Training in common programming languages like Java, C++, C#, MATLAB and Python

Which sectors employ software engineers?

Many sectors require software engineers, not just software development companies. Choosing one where you also need security clearance can help narrow down the field, meaning your security credentials could improve your chances of being offered an interview.

Sectors to look into include:

• Technology consultancies
• Telecommunications firms
• Banks and financial services businesses
• Public sector organisations

These industries often deal with sensitive information and confidential projects that require a high level of discretion. They do still need the skills and experience of a software engineer who can carry out their duties and responsibilities professionally.

Starting your software engineer job search in areas where you can put your security clearance to good use could make all the difference to your career. Combine this with your technical and soft skills and you’ll be a well-rounded candidate.

How much can you earn as a software engineer?

According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in the UK is £51,600. Of course, what you could actually earn will be affected by a multitude of factors, including your employer, experience and location.

For entry-level professionals, the median is closer to £41,000 per year, whilst senior software engineers with five or more years of experience can earn upwards of £60,000 per year. Some of the most seasoned engineers in the UK receive salaries spanning all the way to £200,000.

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