Software Engineer
Software engineers apply engineering design and design management principles to the development of software to meet user needs. This includes the creation, design, production and testing of software.
They apply engineering design and management principles to create secure applications and data platforms that meet user needs. Daily responsibilities include writing and testing code, diagnosing and correcting faults and developing software features. They may also manage teams to deliver systems aligned with technical specifications, while preparing and maintaining detailed documentation ensuring reliability and compliance with industry regulatory standards.
Working conditions
In Western Australia, software engineers may work in-house looking after the IT system for a sole organisation, as consultants for a number of clients, or with sufficient experience and resourcing they may be self-employed in a startup software development company.
Software engineers in the health and medical life sciences industry design, build and maintain software and applications that diagnose, manage or treat health conditions. They may also build software that integrates with a physical medical device, or software that supports data driven projects such as clinical trials and medical research. Software engineers in this industry work across universities, research institutions, not for profit and government organisations, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology companies, and contract research organisations (CROs).
Work hours can vary depending on employers, and may include evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.
Tools and technologies
Software engineers work primarily on computers, using a variety of different programs. They use a variety of specialised programming languages, such as C++, Java and Linux. They may modify existing software applications and systems, or design and develop new ones.
Education and training
To become a software engineer a qualification in software engineering, computer science, information technology, or a closely related field is typically required.
A range of TAFE courses are available for study in this field. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA to find a registered provider near you.
Several universities in Western Australia — including Curtin University, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Murdoch University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Western Australia (UWA) — offer related courses that can broaden your knowledge and open pathways to advanced positions.
For details on course structure, entry requirements and application deadlines, please contact the educational institutions directly.
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