Software engineers work with a variety of programming languages, such as C++ and Java. They might be hired to modify existing software applications or work to create new ones from scratch. Other duties of a software engineer may also include setting up and maintaining computer networks. Fortunately there are a variety of opportunities available once you’ve earned your degree in software engineering. Below are 11 job titles you should keep your eyes peeled for while searching for your next career move.
Software engineer
Depending on the function of software, software engineers can play different roles. They may design the user interfaces that customers interact with, or create automated scripts and programs for internal use only. Employers may be publishers, educational companies, credit unions, or even search engine giants. Many companies, including Yahoo!, Microsoft, and Amazon hire strong candidates at the bachelor’s level for a range of positions. Typically, senior projects and internships provide students with the ability to solve real-world problems and often lead to job offers after graduation.
On average, software engineers make $79,357 per year.
Embedded software engineer
Software keeps the machines we interact with and rely on running smoothly on a daily basis. These range from vending machines that dispense snacks to the automated teller machines that grant us access to our money, all the way up to the defense systems that protect our national government. At GE, for example, an embedded software engineer might help create the lighting systems, while at Toshiba Medical Research Institute, this engineer might work on medical imaging programs. There’s much flexibility, and the median salary pays $81,702 per year.
Software architect
Known to be in charge of the “big picture,” the focus of a software architect is to transform a plan and a set of requirements into something that’s programmable and achievable. Those in this role are concerned primarily with the early stages of the software development cycle, including requirements and design, and oftentimes, a little bit of programming. A bachelor’s degree is seen as the beginning, though it can take years to reach the full software architect level of responsibility.
On average, software architects rake in about $116,131 a year.
Chief technology officer
Chief technology officers (CTO), being top executives in their industry, are responsible for the technical divisions of corporations or businesses in which they work. CTOs oversee the technical staff, including software engineers and computer and information systems managers. Employers tend to prefer candidates who have followed up their technical educations with graduate work in business with a concentration in the technological side of business administration. Long hours and travel are typically required, but CTOs are among the highest paid workers in the U.S., with a median salary of $228,261.
Computer and information systems manager
Usually computer and information systems managers start off as software engineers and advance to the managerial level through a combination of education and experience. They’re typically responsible for constructing their company’s technology plans, and must oversee the planning, design, and execution of all computer-related activities. Long hours are often required, and in addition to an undergraduate degree, many hold graduate degrees in management or business.
The average salary is $123,122.
Cyber security manager
Cyber security managers entrust software with passwords, financial transactions, and personal correspondences. They may write security programs or act in an expert role, selecting programs and educating the development team about best practices. One a typical day, they write code that checks for inputs and rejects code that doesn’t follow the typical format.
The average salary is about $129,000.
Sales engineer
Coming from a background in engineering, sales engineers can use their technical knowledge to sell products and services. They’re responsible for accurately explaining and demonstrating their products, and because many software companies rely on upgrade cycles to generate repeat business, many sales engineers develop close relationships with clients. By giving those clients the opportunity to suggest features and by granting them previews of new releases, sales engineers can make a huge impact on a company’s success. Keep in mind that many sales engineers work on commission instead of salary, and the job requires long hours and lots of travel.
The median salary for this role is $70,961 per year.
Video game designer
In the past few years, video game companies have been earning more from sales of software than many major motion picture studios have earned at the box office. Video game developers are in demand, and their jobs often focus in one portion of a team’s mammoth-sized task. For example, a team member may spend his or her time developing game logic, while another programs backdrops and atmospheric elements. Before new video games hit store shelves, they must pass through another team of software engineers who oversee the testing of the games by sampling new titles. These testing engineers note flaws and issues in game design and make suggestions for revisions to the design team. While developing, testing engineers and the design team may pass dozens of revisions back and forth between each other. The result of this is a piece of software that entertains and engages an audience without technical issues.
The average salary of a video game designer is $58,253.
User interface designer
User interface designers build custom interfaces for common tasks and dedicated appliances. For example, an Internet-connected refrigerator that alerts you to replenish groceries requires specialized controls that function in a kitchen environment. With the ever-increasing use of mobile phones, digital assistants, and tablets, user interface designers strive to build controls that are effortless for the user.
The average salary for this role is $62,678.
Network engineer
A network engineer creates computer networks to connect all employees within a company. Network engineers may work together or may be individually employed by companies to supervise and perform regular maintenance on company networks in addition to fixing technological problems that arise with those networks. These engineers usually possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in software engineering, computer science, or other related fields with years of experience working with computers and software.
Network engineers may earn over $80,000 annually, based on education and experience levels.
Software publisher
Software publishers produce computer software programs that help businesses stay organized. Computer software is essential to the functioning of computers, so any business that relies on computer systems and specific applications like databases and word processors would not be as successful if software publishers did not exist. Software publishers often help in developing forms of computer software distribution, and most employers prefer applicants for software publisher positions to possess bachelor degrees in software engineering, computer science, and other related topics with strong knowledge in mathematics.
Software publishers may earn around $44,000 annually, based on education and experience levels.
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