In the world of software design and development, a software engineer plays a key role. The engineer is typically the person who helps to develop the ways that software functions created by a software design team will work. The software engineer will work with designers to help consolidate disparate program functions into a unified whole. The engineer also works with programmers and coders to help map out various programming tasks and smaller functions, which are then combined into larger, functioning programs or new features for existing software.

The engineer will typically work in both design and development stages of the software creation. During the design phase, dedicated designers or design teams will work with the engineer to help work out the basic things the program or update will be expected to perform. The engineer will typically help to plot out the various aspects of the automated tasks that will be necessary, usually using design documentation and flowcharts to help illustrate the process.

To work as a software engineer, a person must normally have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or a related field. Many companies will prefer candidates for this job who can show practical experience in programming and coding. Most software engineers work in an office or computer lab environment during regular work hours of the business week. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Software Engineer Tasks

• Test and document software for client applications.
• Write, modify, and debug software for client applications.
• Write code to create single-threaded or user interface event driven applications, either stand-alone and those which access servers or services.
• Use source debuggers and visual development environments.