Job Responsibilities
A senior software engineer defines the test benches for the software libraries as well as validates project plan, makes test benches to do hardware verification and reviews test plans. He or she is accountable for investigating bug report, apply and test bug writing. A senior software engineer also fixes, revises and monitors the entire installation, support documentation, configuration and makes sure that it is updated regularly. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the senior software engineer to take into account, that all the tasks are adequately defined, as well as implemented within time.
As a senior software engineer, you might also be liable to check whether the codes are integrated, tested and written in accordance with the project code base plus version control system. A software manager further analyzes system specifications and translates its various requirements, to job specifications for the junior programmers.
He or she is responsible for analyzing the present programs like diagnosis, trouble shooting, performance of the problem programs and providing solutions for the problematic programming. Apart from all these, it is the task of a software engineer to develop fresh programs and do the editing/proofing of program, for the development of required alterations to ensure production of quality product.
There are host of duties that a senior software engineer is entitled to do. He or she is responsible for comprehending, reading and making use of all parts, as well as assembly prints, spreadsheets, forms, specification sheets, materials bills along with technical references. Also, utilizing the equipments and tools included in the performance of necessary functions of the programming, like measuring instruments is done by a senior software engineer.
Set Skills
For becoming a good senior software engineer, it is necessary for the candidate to possess certain set skills. A software engineer must be familiar with server sides like, Java, OM protocols, WSDL, XML, HTML, Unix/ Linux, SOAP web technologies, Internet systems, Internet protocols, OOAD, UML, defect tracking system, version control along with anti virus and anti spam technologies.
A software engineer should have the ability to solve problems, completely and quickly. The aptitude of identifying the task that requires automation is of vital importance for succeeding as a good software engineer. Good understanding of distributed and networking, computing environment theories, along with a thorough familiarity of client and server, routing programming is necessary to become senior software engineer.
The job of senior engineer for software further requires the candidate to have outstanding communication skills, both of verbal and written nature. Ability for multi tasking and staying organized, within the dynamic work environment is required. Most essentially, the candidate should always remain positive and think out of the box.
Along with all these skills, the senior software engineer must have an expertise in data structures, computer languages, computer programming designing methods and techniques, database vendor versions, compile versions, flow-charting and computer logic. Having sufficient knowledge about statistical, mathematical formulas and principles would be an added advantage.
Academics
When it comes to academics for becoming a senior software engineer, a bachelor's degree, especially in information technology or computer science is needed. Though, employers prefer candidates with the possession of master's degree within the technical area.
Training
For this position, having training in the domain is extremely important. Training in various other relevant areas, might also be beneficial to land a position as a senior software engineer.
Prior Experience
Prior experience is essential for becoming a senior software manager. About five years of programming experience and approximately three years of web application development experience is mostly a mandatory requirement. In addition, knowledge about Perl, Internet technologies and *nix is required as well. For the post of senior software engineer, you are also required to possess an experience in developing different kinds of programming languages, as well as environments. There are companies who ask for experience in Flash/Flex, JDBC/ ODBC, XML and action script.
Career Outlook
A career as a senior software engineer can be really exciting, as you get to work on different projects and there are no limitations to salary too.
Salary
The salary of a senior software engineer can range between $79,600 to $141,667 on the dependence of the industry, company, experience and qualification.
Conclusion
In present market, jobs including web services are extremely common, since the business continues to influence the capabilities of Internet. Object oriented design and analysis is a general necessity for the majority of the businesses' applications designs. This is the reason the opportunities for senior software engineer would never diminish.
