Software Engineers (NOC 2173)
Description
Software engineers research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. They are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
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Example Titles
- computer software engineer
- embedded software engineer
- software design engineer
- software design verification engineer
- software designer
- software engineer
- software testing engineer
- systems intergration engineer - software
- telecommunications software engineer
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Computer and Information Systems Managers (0213)
- Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers) (2147)
- Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (2174)
- Database Analysts and Data Administrators (2172)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2133)
- Information Systems Analysts and Consultants (2171)
- Systems Testing Technicians (2283)
- Web Designers and Developers (2175)
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Duties
Software engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Collect and document user's requirements and develop logical and physical specifications
- Research, evaluate and synthesize technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems
- Develop data, process and network models to optimize architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs
- Plan, design and co-ordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems
- Assess, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software
- May lead and co-ordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software and other embedded software control systems.
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Skills
Computer software engineers need strong programming skills. They need the following characteristics:
- an aptitude for mathematics and science,
- inquiring and inventive minds, and an interest in research and continuous learning,
- a capacity for details,
- excellent oral and written communication skills,
- good decision-making and problem-solving skills,
- the ability to teach others,
- the ability to work with others, sometimes with specialists in scientific, engineering or business fields, and on their own,
- project management skills.
- For jobs in a business environment, employers usually want software developers and systems analysts to have business management or closely related skills, while a background in the physical sciences, applied mathematics, or engineering is preferred for work in scientifically oriented organizations.
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Employment Requirements
- Software engineers usually require a bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering or mathematics or completion of a college program in computer science.
- A master's or doctoral or degree in a related discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
- Employers may accept completion of a college diploma in electrical or electronic engineering technology combined with several years of experience, for positions not requiring a professional qualification.
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Terms & Conditions
Software engineers commonly work in an office environment. They may be susceptible to eye strain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems from spending long periods of time at a computer work-station. Most work during regular business hours, although some work longer hours, evenings and weekends in order to meet project deadlines.
All software engineers in Manitoba are salaried employees.
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Earnings
$47,900 per annum - starting
$67,600 per annum - average
$95,100 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Engineering, offers the following degree programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering -
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering B.Sc.(Eng.)
- Master of Engineering M.Eng.
- Master of Science M.Sc.
- Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D.
- The University of Manitoba Engineering Access Program is a four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree for Manitoba Aboriginal students.
- Red River College offers the following diploma programs - Computer Analyst/Programmer, Computer Analyst/Programmer Integrated, and Computer Engineering Technology.
- Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Information Technology.
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Career Paths
Computer engineers may specialize in a number of areas including analog and digital signal processing, fibre optics, integrated circuits, lasers, microprocessors, microwaves and radio astronomy.
With experience, computer engineers can become private consultants or operate their own businesses. They may also move into sales or marketing or other areas of engineering.
Experienced computer engineers may advance to supervisory positions and management positions. Training or experience in business administration is an asset.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for software engineers are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. This is a small occupational group in Manitoba, and employment in 2010 is estimated at 285.
The demand for software engineers is expected to continue strong over the forecast period. The expansion of internal corporate systems, the ever-increasing use of the internet, and the growing requirement for wireless mobile technology will continue to stimulate job opportunities. On-going software development is required to support advancements in areas such as networking, e-commerce, instrumentation, distance learning, and tele-health applications.
Concerns about the security of corporate and customer information and the requirement for secure internet transaction channels have created new software needs. Companies must continually develop and adapt their computer systems to protect against ever-changing security threats.
This small occupational group is less prone to outsourcing or cutbacks than many other IT jobs because their work often involves designing specialized solutions to unique problems and involves a high degree of consultation within the organization.
A proportionally larger share of jobs for Software Engineers are located in Winnipeg. Across industries, they work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector (54%), followed by Manufacturing (14%), Information and Cultural Industries (11%), Finance and Insurance (7%) and Public Administration (7%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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