Software engineer : Job description

A software engineer is responsible for the design and implementation of a variety of software solutions. They might be involved in the design and testing of anything from computers games and business applications, to operating systems and advanced software for the control of highly technical hardware and equipment. Once the system had been fully designed software engineers then test, debug, and maintain the systems.

The work undertaken by software engineers is generally of a highly complex and technical nature, and involves the application of computer science and mathematics in an environment which is constantly evolving as a result of technological advances.

Depending on the type of organisation, software engineers can become either systems or applications specialists.

They increasingly need to have knowledge of a variety of computer programming languages and applications; this is due to the wide variety of work that they can be involved in.

Software engineering is one of the most popular professions in IT in terms of the numbers employed.

Typical work activities

Typical work activities will usually include some or all of the following:

• analysing user requirements;
• researching, designing and writing new software programs;
• testing new programs and fault finding;
• evaluating the software and systems that make computers and hardware work;
• developing existing programs by analysing and identifying areas for modification;
• integrating existing software products and getting incompatible platforms to work together;
• investigating new technologies;
• creating technical specifications and test plans;
• working with computer coding languages;
• writing operational documentation with technical authors;
• maintaining systems by monitoring and correcting software defects;
• working closely with other staff, such as project managers, graphic artists, designers, developers, systems analysts, and sales and marketing professionals;
• consulting clients/colleagues concerning the maintenance and performance of software systems and asking questions to obtain information, clarify details and implement information;
• continually updating technical knowledge and skills by attending in-house and/or external courses, reading manuals and accessing new applications.