Computer software engineers

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Computer software engineers apply the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing and evaluation of the software and systems that enable computers to perform their many applications.

Software engineers working in applications or systems development analyze users' needs and design, create and modify general computer applications software or systems. Software engineers can be involved in the design and development of many types of software including software for operating systems, network distribution and compilers, which convert programs for faster processing. In programming, or coding, software engineers instruct a computer, line by line, how to perform a function. They also solve technical problems that arise. Software engineers must possess strong programming skills, but are more concerned with developing algorithms and analyzing and solving programming problems than with actually writing code.

Computer applications software engineers analyze users' needs and design, create and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Different programming languages are used, depending on the purpose of the program. The programming languages most often used are C, C++ and Java.

Computer systems software engineers coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company's computer systems and plan their future growth. Working with a company, they coordinate each department's computer needs — ordering, inventory, billing and payroll recordkeeping, for example — and make suggestions about its technical direction. They also might set up the company's intranets, networks that link computers within the organization and ease communication.

Computer software engineers often work as part of a team that designs new hardware, software and systems. A core team may comprise engineering, marketing, manufacturing and design people who work together until the product is released.

Most software engineers work at least 40 hours a week, but because of the project-oriented nature of the work, they also may have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected technical problems. And like other workers who sit for hours at a computer typing on a keyboard, software engineers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Training and qualifications

Most employers prefer to hire persons who have at least a bachelor's degree and broad knowledge and experience with computer systems and technologies. Usual degree concentrations for applications software engineers are computer science or software engineering; for systems software engineers, usual concentrations are computer science or computer information systems. Graduate degrees are preferred for some of the more complex jobs.

For systems engineering jobs that place less emphasis on workers having a computer-related degree, computer training programs are offered by systems software vendors, including Microsoft, Novell and Oracle. Many training authorities feel that program certification alone is not sufficient for most software engineering jobs.

Computer software engineers must have strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as be able to communicate with team members, other staff and the customers they meet. They also must be able to concentrate and pay close attention to detail.

Job outlook

Computer software engineers are projected to be the fastest growing occupation from 2000 to 2010. Very rapid employment growth in the computer and data processing services industry, which employs the greatest numbers of computer software engineers, should result in very favorable opportunities for those college graduates with at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science and practical experience working with computers. Employers will continue to seek computer professionals with strong programming, systems analysis, interpersonal and business skills.

Earnings

Computer software engineers held about 697,000 jobs in 2000. About 380,000 were computer software engineers, applications, and about 317,000 were computer software engineers, systems software. Median annual earnings of computer software engineers, applications, who worked full time in 2000 were about $67,670. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer applications software engineers in 2000 were:

Computer and office equipment $74,300
Computer and data processing services $69,520
Engineering and architectural services $68,790
Professional and commercial equipment $64,920
Management and public relations $62,660

Median annual earnings of computer software engineers, systems software, who worked full time in 2000 were about $69,530. The middle 50 percent earned between $54,460 and $86,520. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer systems software engineers in 2000 were:

Computer and office equipment $74,600
Computer and data processing services $70,150
Telephone communication $68,930
Engineering and architectural services $68,030
Commercial banks $65,620