Software engineer
Create, maintain, test and improve information systems to meet the needs of a business.
About the job
What it's like
Software engineers create, maintain, test and improve information systems to meet the needs of a business. In this job, you could work in a digital or technical team, developing and building computer system software and programs.
You’ll need a good knowledge of programming languages, computer operating systems and software development.
You’ll need to be aware of potential cyber security risks and take steps to guard against them. It’s important that you understand cryptography, network security and incident response protocols.
You could work with computer games, fintech (financial technology) operating systems, websites or business applications. If you like to aim for the stars, you could even write code for rockets and spacecraft.
Working with clients, you'll find out what their needs are to make a plan. Then you'll design, develop and test the software to make sure it meets those needs. You'll collaborate with others in a team to see a plan through from start to finish.
Your tasks might include:
coming up with solutions to fix or improve software
considering cyber security precautions by implementing secure coding practices, scanning for vulnerabilities and doing penetration testing
deploying new or update existing programs
maintaining and supporting systems after deployment
writing or modifying computer code
attending technical design progress meetings
developing quality assurance procedures
producing and updating records of development processes and changes
carrying out system testing and quality checks before launching new or updated systems
"The best part is seeing people using something you’ve made. Technology is everywhere and it’s great to be a part of that. I also really enjoy coding and the feeling of accomplishment when you solve a difficult problem."
Emma James
Software Engineer, Google
Hours
Working hours can vary, but full-time hours will usually be Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Project deadlines and testing stage might mean you'll have to work longer hours or at weekends, but this depends on the circumstances and the organisation.
Environment
You'll usually be office-based but remote-working is also common.
You might work alone or within small teams.
Travel
You might work as a contractor, which could mean you might move from job to job a lot.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Healthcare Financial and professional services Engineering and manufacturing Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- software engineering
- software development
- c# (programming language)
- java (programming language)
- react.js (javascript library)
- javascript libraries
- microsoft framework
- asp.net razor
- webassembly
- msc software
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- creative
- written communication
- working with technology
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You can develop the necessary skills for this role through a variety of routes.
Many software engineers will have a Higher National Diploma (HND) or degree in the following subjects:
information technology
computing – software development
software engineering
computer science
applied computing
Employers will consider graduates from non-computing subjects if they are able to demonstrate essential technical knowledge. There are also postgraduate IT conversion courses available to graduates who need to strengthen their technical skills.
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant (usually work based) experience that demonstrates a range of transferable skills.
You would also need to demonstrate an up to date knowledge of software and programming developments.
Membership of an industry organisation can also be a valuable way to build contacts and land a suitable role. Industry membership for the Scottish tech industry is Scotland IS. You can join the Institute of Analysts and Programmers that aim to help improve software for society.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Software engineer'
