What does a Senior Software Engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted Expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a Senior Software Engineer do

Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.

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Senior software engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior software engineer resumes:

  • Work with Microsoft TFS to manage work items and source control.
  • Lead team in development of a custom reservoir simulation data mining and visualization tool.
  • Used and written maven scripts to manage dependencies and to build and deploy the application locally and in DEV environments.
  • Develop Unix scripts for cross cap system integration system, enhance the existing Unix scripts to achieve better performance and throughput.
  • Configure and manage Debian Linux kernel security and networking components.
  • Collaborate with project manager in tracking and managing project development process following SDLC and RBPM methodologies.
  • Well verse with design and development of presentation layer for web applications using technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Create more modular code by moving custom share packages into private git repositories to use between similar front end projects.
  • Create a cloud base micro-service framework for rapid application development with standardize UI.
  • Mentore junior developers; develop and maintain requirements and UI documentation; perform code reviews.
  • Utilize Microservices architecture to provide application/business logic functionality as services to other external and internal applications.
  • Design and implement site testing application, creating an API for a cross-domain large-upstream-payload JavaScript communication mechanism.
  • Develop the company's ERP framework.
  • Work are praised within DoD and OMB accept the requirements.
  • Design and implement interfaces and wrappers to mortgage servicing ERP package.

Senior software engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Senior Software Engineers are proficient in Java, Python, and JavaScript. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Senior Software Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 13%

    Coded, tested and implemented applications using Java/J2EE technologies following industry and enterprise standards.

  • Python, 6%

    Developed numerous Regulatory and custom reports in Python and delivered over FTP/email to clients/vendors/Regulatory agencies.

  • JavaScript, 5%

    Implemented various Validation Controls and also created Custom Validation Controls using JavaScript to perform Client Side Validation.

  • Architecture, 5%

    Coded graphical user interface screens and the bare-bone architecture with the use of off-the-shelf components in combination with customized software modules/classes.

  • Database, 4%

    Enhanced database schema and developed database objects like tables, views and materialized views to support extended business functionality.

  • GIT, 3%

    Configured and managed source code using Git and resolved code merging conflicts in collaboration with application developers.

Most senior software engineers use their skills in "java," "python," and "javascript" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior software engineer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior software engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Senior software engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "design and develop java applications to post process simulation test data for analysis. "

Communication skills. Many senior software engineer duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a senior software engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior software engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "team participant for creating java / javascript / html set of web products performing collaboration, communication and security features. "

Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior software engineers is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday senior software engineer duties, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "reinvented the internal java test harness, reducing test development overhead by leveraging newer open source frameworks. "

Detail oriented. A big part of what senior software engineers do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to senior software engineer responsibilities because "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical senior software engineer tasks: "object oriented and functional software developer using c, c++, and java. "

Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in senior software engineer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what senior software engineers do. Senior software engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." You can also see how senior software engineer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "lead requirements gathering sessions to ease financial bookkeeping for paper buyer accounts and then implemented java solution"

Most common senior software engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most senior software engineers are:

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Compare different senior software engineers

Senior software engineer vs. Software developer

A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.

We looked at the average senior software engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a software developer. Generally speaking, software developers are paid $26,973 lower than senior software engineers per year.Even though senior software engineers and software developers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, python, and javascript in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior software engineer are more likely to require skills like "architecture," "code reviews," "sql server," and "c." On the other hand, a job as a software developer requires skills like "software development," "html5," "web forms," and "microsoft sql server." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Software developers earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $96,138. On the other hand, senior software engineers are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $128,740.The education levels that software developers earn slightly differ from senior software engineers. In particular, software developers are 4.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior software engineer. Additionally, they're 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software engineer vs. Lead engineer

A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.

On average, lead engineers earn a $29,567 lower salary than senior software engineers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Senior software engineers and lead engineers both require similar skills like "java," "python," and "javascript" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior software engineer resumes. While senior software engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "scrum," "code reviews," "front end," and "net core," lead engineers use skills like "c #," "project management," "troubleshoot," and "windows."

Lead engineers earn a lower average salary than senior software engineers. But lead engineers earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $110,872. Additionally, senior software engineers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $128,740 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Lead engineers tend to reach lower levels of education than senior software engineers. In fact, they're 5.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Software Engineers in the next 3-5 years?

F

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Senior software engineer vs. Lead software developer

A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.

On average, lead software developers earn higher salaries than senior software engineers, with a $578 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on senior software engineers and lead software developers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "java," "python," and "javascript.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior software engineer resumes include skills like "database," "git," "front end," and "digital transformation," whereas a lead software developer is more likely to list skills in "software development," "project management," "windows," and "hr. "

Lead software developers earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $115,917. Senior software engineers earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $128,740.When it comes to education, lead software developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior software engineers. In fact, they're 2.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior software engineer vs. Senior applications engineer

A senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Senior applications engineers tend to earn a lower pay than senior software engineers by an average of $6,505 per year.While both senior software engineers and senior applications engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, javascript, and database, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between senior software engineers and senior applications engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a senior software engineer might have more use for skills like "python," "architecture," "git," and "scrum." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior applications engineers require skills like "c #," "technical support," "help support," and "sr."

In general, senior applications engineers earn the most working in the insurance industry, with an average salary of $111,125. The highest-paying industry for a senior software engineer is the retail industry.The average resume of senior applications engineers showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to senior software engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 5.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.0%.

Types of senior software engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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