SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER

JOB ANALYSIS

Job Description
A researches, designs and develops software systems to meet with clients requirements. Once the
system had been fully designed software engineers then test, debug, and maintain the systems.

They increasingly need to have knowledge of a variety of computer programming languages and
applications; this is due to the wide variety of work that they can be involved in.

Software engineers are sometimes referred to as computer programmers or software developers.

Depending on the type of organization, software engineers can become specialists in either
systems or applications.

Software engineering is one of the most popular professions in IT in terms of the numbers
employed.

Essential Functions
Typical work activities will usually include some or all of the following:

• Researching, designing and writing new software programs;

• Testing new programs and fault finding;
• Developing existing programs by analyzing and identifying areas for modification;
• Bolting together’ existing software products and getting incompatible platforms to work
together;
• Investigating new technologies;
• Creating technical specifications and test plans;
• Working with computer coding languages;
• Writing operational documentation with technical authors;
• Maintaining systems by monitoring and correcting software defects;
• Working closely with other staff, such as project managers, graphic artists, systems
analysts, and sales and marketing professionals;
 • Consulting clients/colleagues concerning the maintenance and performance of software
systems and asking questions to obtain information, clarify details and implement
information;
• Constantly updating technical knowledge and skills by attending in-house and/or external
courses, reading manuals and accessing new applications;
• Problem-solving and thinking laterally as part of a team, or individually, to meet the
needs of the project.

Working Environment
• Working hours are typically nine to five, however longer hours are necessary towards the
end of projects and as deadlines approach. Software engineers are often required to be on
call to deal with problems. This can involve evening and weekend work in a shift pattern.
Allowances may be available in these cases.
• Work is typically office-based or in computer laboratories. Travel may be required to
meet clients, install and implement work and attend external training courses.
• Freelance opportunities, self-employment and part-time work all exist within the IT
sector. There is a lot of work advertised on short-term contracts/projects. A few years'
experience would be advantageous in this area.
• Jobs are available in most areas of the country, but the majority are in major population
centres.
• Career breaks are difficult due to the need to keep technical knowledge up to date in a
rapidly changing environment.
• There are currently considerably more men than women in the role.
• The work environment and dress code tend to be informal, although this will depend on
the amount of client contact.

Entry requirements
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in a computer-related or business
discipline may improve your chances, for example:
 Computer science/software engineering;
 Electrical or electronic engineering;
  Mathematics;
 Physics;
 Business management/studies.
Many of the larger graduate recruiters are happy to take trainees from any discipline, a minimum
of a 2.1 is usually expected, although, on occasion, a 2.2 may be accepted if accompanied by
exceptional A-level grades. Most employers, particularly smaller employers, generally favour
degrees of a computing, scientific or numerate nature. Work experience would be an added
bonus.

Mental Demands
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
• Technical competency;
• Knowledge of various applications;
• Enthusiasm and knowledge of project lifecycles;
• Analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Attention to detail, even in pressurised situations as deadlines approach;
• A logical mind;
• Numeracy (aptitude tests are an integral part of the application process);
• Knowledge of the sector that you would like work in e.g. finance or business;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and senior management;
• Ability to learn new skills and technologies fast;
• Career motivation and a willingness to continue to further your knowledge and skills;
• An awareness of current issues affecting the industry and its technologies.

Physical Demands
• A high level of commitment is expected because of the high costs of projects and tight
deadlines. Stress increases with the approach of a deadline and the expectation will be for
staff to put in the hours of work necessary to complete the project.
 • Long hours spent in front of a monitor can have health implications, such as eye strain,
back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems. Regular breaks from the screen are
encouraged to minimise these effects.
• Travel within a working day is often a feature of the job. Regular absence from home at
night is uncommon.
• International travel is sometimes an option.
• The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Trainings
Large graduate employers provide training in the form of a structured programme, where you
will gain experience in a number of team-related projects in different work areas. Most
companies will offer ongoing training, whether it is in-house or through external providers. If
you are self-employed, or employed by a smaller employer, training might not be available, and
you will need to consider the cost and time implications of taking responsibility for your own
training opportunities.

Career development
As a software engineer, your immediate prospects (including opportunities for travel, training
and extra responsibilities) will depend on the size and type of the organisation for which you
work.
Experienced software engineers may move into more senior roles as senior software
engineers/lead software engineers overseeing teams of other software engineers. They may also
move into project manager roles, supervising the completion of projects by multidisciplinary
teams within a specific timeframe and to budget. Those with experience will also have more
opportunities to work abroad, overseeing projects.
Software engineers often move into IT consultancy roles. The more experience you have, the
easier it usually is to move into this kind of work. Consultancy will require mobility but is
generally better paid and gives you more flexibility to work on a variety of projects. Consultants
can become a partner or own their own consultancy business.
Experienced software engineers with industry and consultancy experience, published work, and
appropriate academic credentials (PhD) can go into research, teaching and lecturing. Gaining
assistant professorship, professorship, then associate professorship is the usual route. (Academic
salaries in the USA are comparatively better than those in the UK.)
 WORKER FORMATTING TOOL ON COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM
JOB ANALYSIS

Job Description
Designs single- or multiple-edged machine cutting tools, such as broaches, milling-machine
cutters, and drills, and related jigs, dies, and fixtures: Studies specifications, engineering
blueprints, tool orders, and shop data and confers with engineering and shop personnel to
resolve design problems related to material characteristics, dimensional tolerances, service
requirements, manufacturing procedures, and cost. Applies algebraic and geometric
formulas and standard tool engineering data to develop tool configuration. Selects standard
items, such as bushings and tool bits, to incorporate into tool design. Draws preliminary
sketches and prepares layout and detail drawings, using standard drafting tools and
equipment or computer-assisted design/drafting equipment and software. Modifies tool
designs according to trial or production service data to improve tool life or performance.

Function
Responsibilities include;
• Design of cutting tool products (bevel gear products, hobs, shaper cutters, milling cutters,
or plated products) and the related manufacturing tooling. Candidate will be trained in
gear geometry, manufacturing methods, and to use the custom software for the design of
these tools. Previous experience in bevel and/or cylindrical gear design and
manufacturing would be beneficial.
• Teamwork and effective communication with a design team and the sales and
manufacturing departments, and our customers is required. Participation in continual
improvement and use of lean concepts is required.
• Travel to customer locations may be required for technical presentations, tool testing, and
application problem solving.
• Ability to design the products and tools effectively and efficiently per part and process
requirement.
• Assignments vary between part modeling, tool designing, drafting, and NC programming.
• Understands the manufacturing processes, metal working behavior of materials, and the
release system of engineering documents.
 • Provides support for the immediate need to shop floor request, and participate in problem
solving.
• Works closely with engineering and manufacturing personnel to develop and encourage
team -work.
• Able to work over time on an as needed basis.
• Support company policy, procedures, and safety policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skill Requirements
Experience with Pro-E Cad and AutoCAD systems, and Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint,
is required. Familiarity with SAP is beneficial. A strong mathematical background including
algebra, trig and geometry is needed.

Working Environment
• Working hours are typically nine to five, however longer hours are necessary towards the
end of projects and as deadlines approach. Software engineers are often required to be on
call to deal with problems. This can involve evening and weekend work in a shift pattern.
Allowances may be available in these cases.
• Work is typically office-based or in computer laboratories. Travel may be required to
meet clients, install and implement work and attend external training courses.
• Jobs are available in most areas of the country, but the majority is in major industrial
centres.
• Career breaks are difficult due to the need to keep technical knowledge up to date in a
rapidly changing environment.
• There are currently considerably more men than women in the role.

Mental Demands
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
• Technical competency;
• Knowledge of various drawings;
• Analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Attention to detail, even in pressurized situations as deadlines approach;
 • A logical mind;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and senior management;
• Ability to learn new skills and technologies fast;
• Career motivation and a willingness to continue to further your knowledge and skills;

Physical Demands
• A high level of commitment is expected because of the high costs of projects and tight
deadlines. Stress increases with the approach of a deadline and the expectation will be for
staff to put in the hours of work necessary to complete the project.
• Long hours spent in front of a monitor can have health implications, such as eye strain,
back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems. Regular breaks from the screen are
encouraged to minimise these effects.
• Travel within a working day is often a feature of the job. Regular absence from home at
night is uncommon.
• The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).