Software Engineer Job Description

To write a Software Engineer’s job description, you first need to be able to answer “what is a Software Engineer?” Luckily, we can help you here. A Software Engineer is a computer-science expert who utilises their specialised knowledge to create, test, enhance and repair computer systems, software and applications.

Scroll down for our free Software Engineer job ad template.

What is in a Software Engineer’s job description?

A Software Engineer is a highly-skilled individual with extensive knowledge in computer science, an excellent level of mathematical ability and rapid problem-solving skills. They’ll use these talents to help create computer systems and software or applications in various industries, from gaming to virtual reality. They’ll often test code written by other developers, and use their expert understanding of coding to troubleshoot and repair any issues.

Essential parts of a Software Engineer’s job description:

Software Engineers often have a focus on one of two specialities, applications or systems, although some may split their time between both areas.
Depending on their area of focus, Software Engineers may work with Designers, Web Developers, System Analysts and other job roles.
Software Engineers will need to be rapid problem solvers, with a huge level of attention to detail, as even the smallest flaw in their work can have a huge impact.
Software Engineers can work in a huge variety of businesses, such as gaming companies, transportation companies and government departments to name a few. Tech companies are typical employers, too!

Interview questions available

Also see our Software Engineer interview questions

Software Engineer Job Description Example

Be clear in your description. Know the tasks of the role and ideally who the candidate should be.
This means you won’t need to read through too many CVs to find your superstar.
You might be tempted to use bullet points in this section, but resist the urge! Tell a story, show off all the cool things they would be responsible for, and get them excited to apply.
You should be more focused on your company culture and what your mission is, instead of their daily tasks.

About the role

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Are you a trained and experienced Software Engineer with an eye for detail and a drive to constantly improve and enhance existing systems? If so, we’re looking to bring you on board at [Company Name]!

We’re looking for a Software Engineer to join our driven team of Engineers, Developers and Analysts. You’ll be responsible for creating new systems based on our user needs and feedback. Therefore, fluency in Python, Java and other languages is essential.

Alongside creating new systems, you’ll be helping to test, enhance and troubleshoot existing code written by your colleagues, making attention to detail a critical skill for you to have.

As we’re a rapidly growing company, with new users joining daily, you’ll need to thrive in a fast-paced environment without compromising on quality. In return, you’ll get the opportunity to make huge contributions and grow at the same pace as us!

Du bist ein versierter und erfahrener Softwareingenieur mit einem scharfen Blick für Details und dem Willen, bestehende Systeme ständig zu verbessern und zu erweitern? Wenn ja, dann suchen wir bei [Name des Unternehmens] dich!

Wir suchen einen Softwareingenieur (m/w/d) für unser engagiertes Team aus Ingenieuren, Entwicklern und Analysten. Du wirst für die Entwicklung neuer Systeme auf der Grundlage der Bedürfnisse unserer Nutzer und deren Feedback verantwortlich sein, setzt diese mithilfe deiner Kenntnisse in Python, Java und anderen Programmiersprachen in benutzerfreundliche und intuitive Systeme um.

Du hilfst außerdem dabei, bestehenden Code, der von deinen Kollegen geschrieben wurde, zu testen, zu verbessern und Fehler zu beheben, sodass deine Liebe zum Detail als entscheidende Kernkompetenz zum Einsatz kommt.

Da wir ein schnell wachsendes Unternehmen sind, in dem täglich neue Nutzer hinzukommen, solltest du dich in einem schnelllebigen Umfeld wohlfühlen und keine Kompromisse bei der Qualität eingehen. Im Gegenzug erhältst du die Möglichkeit, einen großen Beitrag zu leisten und mit uns zu wachsen!

This section is all about your candidate's experience and responsibilities. You should outline very clearly what they should expect from the job role, not from the company itself.
You should use language that speaks to the candidate directly, use of “you”, “we” and “our” are all positives.
Hard skills in this section are important, but don’t overlook the significance of soft skills, like communication and being a team player, these can make a huge difference to the way people work alongside each other and gel professionally.
What do you believe in, and what are your core values?

Software Engineer Responsibilities

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Our Software Engineer responsibilities are a rough guideline to help inspire your job description. Here, you really need to think “what does a Software Engineer do?” in your company and edit these points to fit this role.

• Use your expert knowledge to craft and create new systems.
• Use customer research and analytics to shape new systems.
• Test and troubleshoot existing code.
• Enhance existing systems with new code.
• Communicate with stakeholders on how to proceed with system building.
• Rapidly troubleshooting any issues that impact client experience, helping to bring systems back online.
• Integrating existing systems.
• Attending workshops or training sessions in order to stay up to date on industry changes.
• Performing deep dives or investigations into new technologies that may be relevant to our business.

Unsere Aufgabenbereiche für Softwareingenieure sind ein grober Leitfaden, der Sie bei der Erstellung Ihrer Stellenanzeige inspirieren soll. Hier müssen Sie wirklich darüber nachdenken, was er in Ihrem Unternehmen leisten soll, und die Punkte so bearbeiten, dass sie zu dieser Rolle passen.

• Du nutzt dein Fachwissen, um neue Systeme zu entwickeln und zu erstellen.
• Du entwickelst auf der Grundlage von Kundenforschung und Analysen neue Systeme.
• Du testest bestehenden Code und behebst Fehler.
• Du verbesserst bestehende Systeme mit neuem Code und entwickelst sie stetig weiter.
• Du fungierst als Kommunikationsschnittstelle für alle Stakeholder, um das weitere Vorgehen bei der Systementwicklung abzustimmen.
• Du behebst Probleme, die die Benutzerfreundlichkeit beeinträchtigen, und hilfst dabei, die Systeme wieder online zu bringen.
• Du integrierst bestehende Systeme.
• Du nimmst an Workshops und Schulungen teil, um dich über Veränderungen in der Branche auf dem Laufenden zu halten.
• Du führst Deep Dives und Nachforschungen zu neuen Technologien durch, die für unser Geschäft relevant sein könnten.

This section is essential to finding the candidate with the skills and qualifications that will help them in their job role.
This should be clear and concise and set boundaries for submissions.
The more information you add to your skills section, the less candidates you’ll have to sift through to find the right one.
This would waste both your time and the potential candidate so avoid being wordy as much as possible. Think about what would be an essential part of this role, and what would the applicant need to be successful in the job?

Software Engineer Requirements

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Please note, our Software Engineer requirements are a guideline. It is crucial that you edit the following points to properly fit your company’s needs!

• A degree in Computer Science or a similar field of study (or equivalent qualification).
• Proven experience in a Software Engineering role.
• Experience creating and maintaining computer systems.
• Fluency in Java, Python and additional programming languages.
• Knowledge of agile methodologies.
• History of working with developers and analysts.
• High level of mathematical ability.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Software Engineering tools.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass unsere Anforderungen für Softwareingenieure nur ein Orientierungsrahmen sind. Es ist wichtig, dass Sie die folgenden Punkte so bearbeiten, dass sie den Anforderungen Ihres Unternehmens entsprechen!

• Du kannst ein abgeschlossenes Studium der Informatik oder einer ähnlichen Fachrichtung vorweisen (oder eine gleichwertige Qualifikation).
• Du bringst Erfahrung aus dem Bereich Softwareentwicklung mit.
• Du bist erfahren in der Entwicklung und Wartung von Computersystemen.
• Du beherrschst Java, Python und weitere Programmiersprachen fließend.
• Du bist mit agilen Methoden vertraut.
• Du hast bereits in der Vergangenheit mit Entwicklern und Analytikern zusammengearbeitet.
• Du bringst fundierte mathematische Fähigkeiten mit.
• Du fühlst dich in einem schnelllebigen Umfeld zu Hause.
• Du kennst dich mit gängigen Software-Engineering-Tools aus.

Need inspiration?

Your job description will not attract talent all on its own. So when putting together your job post, be sure to show what it's like working at your company not just textually but visually!

Remember, attracting a candidate is just as much about your company culture as the job role itself. Make sure to include points that make you seem desirable too!
Add photos that show off your office space, team events and your team having a great time.
Maybe you could include a video of some team members explaining why they love coming to work, or why they like their role.
Include a grid of attractive perks with some nice illustrations. Maybe you have unlimited holidays, or you have an attractive parental leave cover - show off!
Why not embed your company's Instagram feed to give a IRL overview of the day-to-day.