Everything you need to know about the software engineer job description

Published on: 15 Dec 2023

If a career in IT as a software engineer is something you are interested in pursuing, a great place to start is by making sure you fully understand the job description and responsibilities that come with the role.

Software engineering is one of the most popular fields in tech and professionals are tasked with developing and maintaining software and applications to solve issues and increase efficiency.

This field is much more than working for an IT company, though. In fact, firms across almost every industry now rely on talented software engineers to create customised products that simplify and expedite organisational processes.

What is a software engineer?

The primary role of a software engineer is to develop and maintain software and applications. These professionals are highly analytical and implement a comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles and programming languages to improve software and increase productivity for their organisations.

Alternatively, a software engineer may work as a consultant or independent contractor, while some take on positions in research-based roles in which they develop new code and help to train more junior employees.

To be a successful software engineer, you will need to be an expert in programming languages and proficient in testing, as these experts are tasked with constantly looking at ways to improve current software.


What is typical of a software engineer job description?

As a software engineer, there are many roles and responsibilities that almost any organisation will expect and, as such, include in their job description. These could include:

  • Developing software and implementing scalable solutions
  • Taking responsibility for the software development life cycle, including designing, testing and upgrading software
  • Creating scripts that transform data to meet business objectives
  • Writing scripts to support the automation of processes
  • Keeping up to date with the latest technologies
  • Constantly seeking out new learning opportunities

Additionally, certain soft and hard skills facilitate the role of a software engineer. You can expect a typical job description to demand evidence of the following capabilities:

  • Proficiency in several programming languages
  • The ability to analyse large volumes of data and complex technical information
  • Building software applications
  • Experience in working version repository and source code management
  • The ability to manage several projects simultaneously
  • Excellent problem-solving skills

How much can you earn as a software engineer?

According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in the UK is £51,600. Of course, what you could actually earn will be affected by a multitude of factors, including your employer, experience and location.

For entry-level professionals, the median is closer to £41,000 per year, whilst senior software engineers with five or more years of experience can earn upwards of £60,000 per year. Some of the most seasoned engineers in the UK receive salaries spanning all the way to £200,000.

Ready to find the perfect software engineer job for your career? Take a look at our latest vacancies today.