Expand mobile version menu

Systems Software Developer

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$92,110

education graphic

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Increasing

What They Do

Software Developers Career Video

About This Career

Researches, designs, and develops computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyzes user needs and develops software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Updates software or enhances existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster Programming and Software Development pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Analyzes information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
  • Analyzes user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
  • Confers with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
  • Confers with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
  • Consults with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
  • Coordinates installation of software system.
  • Designs, develops and modifies software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
  • Determines system performance standards.
  • Develops or directs software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
  • Modifies existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Developer
  • Infrastructure Engineer
  • Network Engineer — Designs and implements computer networks.
  • Software Architect
  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer — Researches, designs, and develops computer software systems in conjunction with hardware product development.
  • Systems Engineer — Analyzes technical and business problems and recommends solutions to clients and engineers. Responsible for designing and implementing improvements to hardware and software of computers.
  • Application Integration Engineer
  • Application Developer — Designs, builds, tests and implements the software code that enables computer systems to perform specific tasks.
  • Software Development Engineer