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Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software

Description
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.

Experience
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks
  • Analyzes software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
  • Analyzes information to determine, recommend, and plan layout for type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications to existing systems.
  • Evaluates factors, such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions, to determine hardware configuration.
  • Consults with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
  • Trains users to use new or modified equipment.
  • Recommends purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
  • Enters data into computer terminal to store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Specifies power supply requirements and configuration.
  • Consults with customer concerning maintenance of software system.
  • Monitors functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
  • Coordinates installation of software system.
  • Develops and directs software system testing procedures, programming, and documentation.
  • Confers with data-processing and project managers to obtain information on limitations and capabilities for data-processing projects.
  • Formulates and designs software system, using scientific analysis and mathematical models, to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
National Average Salary
$74,490.00/year

Average Salary in Maryland
$78,810.00/year

Important Abilities
   1. Written Comprehension
   2. Oral Expression
   3. Oral Comprehension
   4. Inductive Reasoning
   5. Mathematical Reasoning

General Work Activities
   1. Interacting With Computers
   2. Updating & Using Job-Relevant Knowledge
   3. Provide Consultation & Advice to Others
   4. Thinking Creatively
   5. Analyzing Data or Information

Important Skills
   1. Programming
   2. Troubleshooting
   3. Operations Analysis
   4. Mathematics
   5. Active Learning

Frequent Work Context
   1. Degree of Automation
   2. Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
   3. Job-Required Social Interaction
   4. Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
   5. Consequence of Error

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The majors and institutions listed here are based on the current information in our database. Please be aware this information may be subject to change. We strongly encourage you to consult with your career counselor.




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