Computer Software Engineer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A computer software engineer could...

Overview Listen to this section

Are you interested in developing cool video game software for computers? Would you like to learn how to make software run faster and more reliably on different kinds of computers and operating systems? Do you like to apply your computer science skills to solve problems? If so, then you might be interested in the career of a computer software engineer.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Computer Software Engineer?

1. Programming: ? Writing computer programs for various purposes.
2. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
3. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
4. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
5. Original Thinking: ? Seeking new and creative ways to solve problems or invent solutions.

6. User Needs Focus: ? Applying an understanding of what people want from their computers.
7. Mathematics: ? Using mathematics to solve problems.
8. Quality Control Analysis: ? Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Computer Software Engineer might do:

• Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
• Coordinate installation of software system.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
• Determine system performance standards.
• Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
• Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
• Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
• Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, or security needs to determine hardware configuration.
• Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
• Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.
• Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
• Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.
• Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
• Train users to use new or modified equipment.