National
| Median wages (2008) |
$44.44 hourly, $92,430 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
350,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
150,000 additional employees |
15-1032.00 - Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software
Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
Sample of reported job titles:
Software Engineer, Software Developer, Systems Engineer, Network Engineer, Developer, Publishing Systems Analyst, Application Developer, Averaged HEND (High-Energy Neutron Data) Data Product Lead (AHD Product Lead), Business Systems Analyst, Computer Consultant
Tasks
- Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
- Advise customer about, or perform, maintenance of software system.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
- Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements and resolve customer problems.
- Direct software programming and development of documentation.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Confer with data processing and project managers to obtain information on limitations and capabilities for data processing projects.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals and technical issues such as software system design and maintenance.
- Coordinate installation of software system.
- Prepare reports and correspondence concerning project specifications, activities and status.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Central processing unit CPU processors — Graphics processing unit GPU; Multi-core central processing unit CPU |
| Computer servers — Application servers |
| High end computer servers — Directory servers |
| Integrated circuit testers — In circuit emulators ICE; Logic analyzers |
| Notebook computers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base management system software — Computer Associates integrated data management system CA-IDMS; Distributed database management software; Microsoft SQL Server; MySQL software |
| Development environment software — C; Embedded systems development software; IBM Rational Rose XDE Developer D93; Microsoft Visual Basic |
| Object or component oriented development software — C++; Document Object Model DOM Scripting; Simple API for XML SAX; Sun Microsystems Java |
| Operating system software — Linux; UNIX; VxWorks software; Win CE |
| Program testing software — Defect tracking software; Fault testing software; Mercury Interactive LoadRunner; Unit testing software |
