Software Engineer
Job description
Software engineers research, design, test, implement and maintain software systems to meet client or employer needs. They use a variety of computer programming languages and applications, working in teams with other IT professionals, or alone. Sometimes referred to as computer programmers or software developers, the type of organisation they work for includes:
IT firms or consultancies;
Major IT users;
Organisations that either harness, create or use IT, such as banks, retailers, manufacturers, telecommunications companies, the armed forces, the public sector and voluntary sector organisations.
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:
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researching, designing, writing and testing new software programmes;
developing existing systems by analysing and identifying areas for modification;
'bolting together' existing software products (getting incompatible platforms to work together and creating code to link them);
maintaining systems by monitoring, identifying and correcting software defects;
investigating new technologies;
creating technical specifications and test plans;
working with computer coding languages;
writing operational documentation with technical authors;
working closely with other staff, such as project managers, graphic artists, 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;
constantly updating technical knowledge and skills by attending in-house and/or external courses, reading manuals and accessing new applications;
problem-solving and thinking laterally as part of a team, or individually, to meet the needs of the project.