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What does a Senior Systems Software Engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted Expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a Senior Systems Software Engineer do

A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.

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Senior systems software engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior systems software engineer resumes:

  • Reduce company costs by developing Unix shell and Perl scripts to integrate and automate various applications and systems management solutions.
  • Maintain mature java-base web application design to automate highly detail engineering requests for the DoD.
  • Analyze front end application, report potential design error and bugs, create issue in JIRA.
  • Implement python scripts that extract silicon data and compare it with data construct by the timing group.
  • Analyze the use of XML processes across multiple networks for validation of data and integration into platform data warehouse.
  • Define requirements for software API's allowing integration of 3rd party and COTS/GOTS software in the overarching application framework.
  • Test and deliver GIS server-side web service application for the collection, visualization, and exploitation of intelligence data.
  • Enhance debugging capability in the firmware which greatly improve the problem analysis and serviceability by using out of box ideas.
  • Help with the creation of the team specific process flow in JIRA to move tasks from one activity to another.
  • Develop scheduled batch processes in PHP and SQL to load data to the data mart from application database every night.
  • Work as part of a team to develop, execute auto generate test plans and reports for the QA testing procedures.
  • Perform MATLAB simulations for design and optimization.
  • Implement Java base server for a distribute computing environment.
  • Develop departmental debugging, asset synchronization, and software release/archive tools.
  • Develop client-server applications used in real-time data capture and 3D visualization.

Senior systems software engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Senior Systems Software Engineers are proficient in Python, Java, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Senior Systems Software Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 11%

    Developed, tested and verified Python scripts for the satellite communications (SATCOM) and encryption for the ARC210 radio.

  • Java, 10%

    Improved Java Bayes Network Simulator and proposed improvements to Mixture Model Classification and Clustering Algorithms to better infer.

  • Software Development, 7%

    Developed and documented an extensible C# library to reduce the software development effort required to implement Azure authentication.

  • Architecture, 7%

    Authored System Design documentation and architecture diagrams, conducted peer reviews, managed/mentored remote staff for test automation project support.

  • Linux, 5%

    Designed/implemented marine vessel data recording system using embedded Linux module.

  • C, 4%

    Designed and developed large C program for SCO UNIX that ran a dozen different Computer Telephone Integration (CTI) applications.

"python," "java," and "software development" are among the most common skills that senior systems software engineers use at work. You can find even more senior systems software engineer responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior systems software engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Senior systems software engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed client-server applications used in real-time data capture and 3d visualization. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior systems software engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." According to a senior systems software engineer resume, here's how senior systems software engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "introduced gemfire development code to configure communication between java virtual machines. "

Creativity. senior systems software engineers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to senior systems software engineer responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A senior systems software engineer resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "designed and developed a prototype asp.net app to convert existing desktop client/server lims (log inventory management system). "

Detail oriented. For certain senior systems software engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a senior systems software engineer rely on this skill, as "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what senior systems software engineers do: "applied object-oriented programming (oop) techniques and utilized the java 1.4 sdk. "

Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for a senior systems software engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what senior systems software engineers relies on this skill, since "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." How this skill relates to senior systems software engineer duties can be seen in an example from a senior systems software engineer resume snippet: "involved in design reviews, code reviews, defect resolution and technical and functional walkthrough to various teams on the application. "

See the full list of senior systems software engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most senior systems software engineers are:

Choose from 10+ customizable senior systems software engineer resume templates

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Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
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Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume
Senior Systems Software Engineer Resume

Compare different senior systems software engineers

Senior systems software engineer vs. Lead engineer

A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.

If we compare the average senior systems software engineer annual salary with that of a lead engineer, we find that lead engineers typically earn a $37,348 lower salary than senior systems software engineers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both senior systems software engineer and lead engineer positions are skilled in python, java, and architecture.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior systems software engineers and lead engineer. For instance, senior systems software engineer responsibilities require skills such as "software development," "c," "scrum," and "code reviews." Whereas a lead engineer is skilled in "c #," "javascript," "git," and "project management." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Lead engineers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $110,872. Comparatively, senior systems software engineers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $125,048.The education levels that lead engineers earn slightly differ from senior systems software engineers. In particular, lead engineers are 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior systems software engineer. Additionally, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior systems software engineer vs. Senior applications engineer

A senior applications engineer specializes in designing and developing a variety of applications and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing feedback and client needs when making decisions, creating test structures for applications, performing installment and repairs, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks and upgrades. Furthermore, as a senior applications engineer, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

On average, senior applications engineers earn a $14,286 lower salary than senior systems software engineers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both senior systems software engineers and senior applications engineers have skills such as "java," "linux," and "c++. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior systems software engineer responsibilities requires skills like "python," "software development," "architecture," and "c." But a senior applications engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "c #," "javascript," "application development," and "help support."

Senior applications engineers earn a lower average salary than senior systems software engineers. But senior applications engineers earn the highest pay in the insurance industry, with an average salary of $111,125. Additionally, senior systems software engineers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $125,048 annually.In general, senior applications engineers achieve similar levels of education than senior systems software engineers. They're 0.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Systems Software Engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Senior systems software engineer vs. Software engineer-consultant

A software engineer consultant develops and recommends strategies to optimize a company's software engineering operations. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting extensive research and analysis to find new opportunities, performing software evaluations and risk assessments, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes, and developing solutions against problem areas. Through the findings of their research, a software engineer consultant draws conclusions and recommendations that will help the company to reach their short and long-term goals and resolve issues or concerns.

An average software engineer-consultant eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of senior systems software engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to software engineers-consultant earning a $8,288 lower average salary than senior systems software engineers.Using the responsibilities included on senior systems software engineers and software engineers-consultant resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "python," "java," and "software development.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior systems software engineer is likely to be skilled in "code reviews," "software design," "matlab," and "dod," while a typical software engineer-consultant is skilled in "web application," "application development," "git," and "junit."

Software engineers-consultant earn the highest salary when working in the insurance industry, where they receive an average salary of $118,185. Comparatively, senior systems software engineers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $125,048.When it comes to education, software engineers-consultant tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior systems software engineers. In fact, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior systems software engineer vs. Senior systems analyst

A senior systems analyst is responsible for analyzing IT systems and networks, modifying existing systems for better optimization, and designing efficient technology systems from clients' specifications and business needs. Senior systems analysts regularly inspect the performance of the system networks, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy to support daily operations. They perform troubleshooting, upgrade network infrastructures, and maintain the highest security of the database. A senior systems analyst must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry and a strong command of system languages to mitigate system complexities and improve network processes.

Senior systems analysts typically earn lower pay than senior systems software engineers. On average, senior systems analysts earn a $39,558 lower salary per year.According to resumes from senior systems software engineers and senior systems analysts, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "java," "linux," and "c++. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A senior systems software engineer uses "python," "software development," "architecture," and "c." senior systems analysts are more likely to have duties that require skills in "project management," "c #," "data analysis," and "troubleshoot. "The health care industry tends to pay the highest salaries for senior systems analysts, with average annual pay of $108,296. Comparatively, the highest senior systems software engineer annual salary comes from the technology industry.In general, senior systems analysts hold similar degree levels compared to senior systems software engineers. Senior systems analysts are 1.9% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior systems software engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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