Applications Software Engineer

Applications software developers design computer applications, such as word processors and games, for consumers.

Example Job Titles as an Applications Software Engineer

Software Engineer, Application Integration Engineer, Programmer Analyst, Software Development Engineer, Computer Consultant, Software Architect, Software Developer, Technical Consultant, Applications Developer, Business Systems Analyst

Summary

Application software developers may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public. Some applications software developers create complex databases for organizations. They also create programs that people use over the Internet and within a company's intranet.

Software developers are in charge of the entire development process for a software program. They begin by understanding how the customer plans to use the software. They design the program and then give instructions to programmers, who write computer code and test it. If the program does not work as expected or people find it to difficult to use, software developers go back to the design process to fix the problems or improve the program. After the program is released to the customer, a developer may perform upgrades and maintenance.

Tasks

Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.

Educational Requirements

Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. A degree in mathematics is also acceptable. Computer science degree programs are the most common, because they tend to cover a broad range of topics. Students should focus on classes related to building software in order to better prepare themselves for work in the occupation.

Salary Information 2022

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an Applications Software Engineer in 2022 was $124,200.

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Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics: Software Developers, O*NET Online: Software Developers and U.S. News Best Jobs: Software Developer.