Top 10 Most Popular Software Development Job Titles

Software development is the tenth most popular job category in the United States, according to Indeed Job Trends, with a total 145,744 job postings on the site. In this post, we break down the most popular software development job titles. Software development is a rapidly growing field. It’s important to keep up with new terms and use the appropriate title for the position that you’re hiring for. If your company is in need of software development talent, this list will also help you anticipate demand for different types of jobs.

Where We Got This Data: Indeed, the biggest online job board in the US, ranks job categories by the number of job postings published on their site. Indeed then tallies the number of clicks for job postings in each category during the current month to come up with the 10 most popular job titles in each category.

Top 10 Software Development Job Titles

1. Software Engineer (868,030 monthly clicks)

What they do

Software engineers are primarily in charge of system design. They analyze the budget and requirements of the customer and apply the principles of software engineering to come up with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of the software or application. Software engineers are often confused with programmers but the two may differ in roles. The former focuses on the design of the software, while the latter writes the code that runs the software.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The ideal candidate must have previous experience with database management tools and working in a development environment. They should be proficient in a programming language, such as Java, Python, PHP, or JavaScript, which will vary from company to company. In addition, the person must be capable of hands-on learning, debugging, and coding optimization. The software engineer should be able to analyze software requirements and user needs to determine the feasibility of design with the given timeframe and costs.

2. Developer (601,927 monthly clicks)

What they do

Also known as a software developer, programmer, software coder, or software engineer, a developer plays a key role in designing, installing, testing, and maintaining all software applications. A developer is well-versed in at least one programming language and is proficient in structuring and writing code for a software or program. This person also writes, debugs, and executes the source code of a software application. This person works closely with a project manager or designer to ensure that the final product adheres to the budget, scope, and design.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The candidate must have top-notch programming skills and in-depth knowledge of a programming language, such as HTML/CSS, Java, JSP, PHP, ASP.NET, MVC, AJAX and JavaScript. In addition, the person must have experience in automated testing of complex software and a strong understanding of unit testing, integration testing, and system testing concepts, tools, and best practices. Lastly, the developer must possess strong communication, analytical, organizational, prioritization, and problem solving skills with an eye for detail and identifying problems in a fast-paced environment.

3. Front End Developer (564,283 monthly clicks)

What they do

The front end developer is in charge of managing the complex details of the front end side of the project that requires analyzing the design requirements as well as recommending technical solutions to make the project scalable, maintainable, and efficient. They debug websites and fix mistakes in the code to make sure that they are error-free for network administrators and the end users. Front end developers have working knowledge of several programming languages and they can adapt to new software versions to bring the designer’s concept to life.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The candidate must have experience in creating high quality and user-friendly web pages using different frontend languages, such as modern HTML/CSS, PHP, ASP.NET, MVC, AJAX and JavaScript. On top of that, the front end developer must have in-depth knowledge and expertise with the latest web development techniques. Also, the person must be able to work in a fast-paced and agile development environment.

4. Product Manager (455,223 monthly clicks)

What they do

Software product managers are in charge of managing the development of software products and communicating with the relevant internal and external parties. They act as a conduit among the development team, operations team, and end users. They also work with the marketing team to accurately and effectively present software features and business plans to current and prospective customers to make sure that the software product meets their needs. Moreover, they listen to feedbacks and gather user input to prioritize software requirements, review correct implementation, help with training tasks, and attend industry meetings to stay on top of the current trends and to adapt to newer technologies.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

Ideal software managers must have solid background in understanding and handling software development and web technologies. They should also be great at written and verbal communication in a variety of different situations, from pitching the changes in the roadmap to digging into a feature with the engineering team. In addition, they must demonstrate the ability to develop products and marketing strategies and effectively communicate the recommendations to executive management.

5. .NET Developer (432,872 monthly clicks)

What they do

A .NET developer writes and modifies codes to generate web pages and access databases and business logo servers. The operate within the .NET environment using .NET languages such as C# or VB.NET and .NET stacks like WinForms, ASP.NET, WPF, etc. They also test and document software for websites and work with designers and content producers.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The ideal candidate must have experience working in the .NET framework and should be proficient in one or both .NET languages . In addition, the person should be able to revise, update, refactor, and debug code to test and deploy applications and systems. Also, the .NET developer must be adaptable and possess the skills to respond to a dynamic and customer-driven software development environment.

6. Java Developer (420,127 monthly clicks)

What they do

Java Developers create complex web-based applications such as animated drop-down menus, images that change as a mouse moves around them, and sounds that play when clicked. They write code themselves or revise existing Java applications and test programs to verify if they work correctly. They often mentor and provide technical guidance and instructions to lower level IT staff. Java developers also resolve technical problems through debugging, research, and investigation.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The candidate should have strong knowledge and experience with Spring, SpringBatch, Struts, Hibernate, XML, JSP, databases, SQL, ORM, Java, JSF, Wicket, Spring MVC, and other applications using the Java EE platforms. In addition, this person should also have strong working knowledge of different web concepts and must be proficient in coding standards, agile methodology, and test driven development. The Java developer must be a high-energy individual who is capable of keeping abreast of rapidly advancing web technology and taking the initiative in leveraging and marketing this technology for in-house implementation.

7. Web Developer (399,717 monthly clicks)

What they do

Web developers build the backbone of websites. They are responsible for designing, coding, and modifying websites, from the layout to the function in accordance with the client’s specifications. Web developers have regular exposure to business stakeholders and management level employees. Since they need to build websites from the ground up, they need to pay attention to details and meet tight deadlines.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The candidate should have deep expertise and hands-on experience with web applications like REST and SOAP, as well as in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, and APIs. The person should also have high standards for quality, the passion to innovate, and self-motivation to grow. The web developer should also have experience with browser debugging tools and should possess strong organizational and reporting skills.

8. Quality Assurance Engineer (389,637 monthly clicks)

What they do

A quality assurance engineer (also called a test engineer) creates tests to find any problem with the software before the product is launched. The person identifies and analyzes bugs found during testing and documents them. The quality assurance engineer also collaborates with the software developer to find a fix and patch the program. They also liaise with the internal team to identify any system requirements. This person is also responsible for monitoring debugging process results, recommending process improvement, and tracking quality assurance metrics.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The candidate should have strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes and hands-on experience with automated testing tools. The person should also have solid knowledge of SQL, scripting, and software development. In addition, the quality assurance engineer should have experience in generating test data and preparing weekly status reports, execution status reports, defect reports, and test estimations.

9. Software Developer (356,735 monthly clicks)

What they do

Software developer is another term for developer. Both perform the same functions like development of computer applications that allow users to perform specific tasks on computers and other devices. Software developers can also develop or customize existing systems that run devices or control networks. They work closely with analysts, designers, and IT staff. They may also test the product before it goes live.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The candidate should have strong knowledge and familiarity with various computer languages such as C++, Python, Java, PHP, XML, HTML/JavaScript/CSS, and Unix Shell Scripting. The developer must also be familiar with various operating systems, such as Linux, Solaris, HPUX, BSD, Mac OS X, and Windows as well as databases like Oracle (PL/SQL) and MySQL. The person should have high level of expertise and experience in systems design, programming, programming standards, documentation, systems integration, and coding.

10. Application Developer (333,445 monthly clicks)

What they do

Application developers help companies keep up with the latest technologies and developments on the web. They create, develop, manage, and maintain new programs and software that can be used on smartphones, computers, tablets, and more. Application developers work closely with computer analysts, engineers, and IT professionals to set specifications for new applications. They write high quality source code to program complete applications and conduct functional and nonfunctional testing before launching.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate

The candidate must have the ability to program using different programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, and API’s. In addition, the person should have experience with code optimization, performance analysis, and developing implementation plans for solution deliverables. The application developer should be creative in inventing new ways of approaching problems and developing innovative applications.

Bottom Line: Most Popular Software Development Job Titles

Developer and engineer positions are popular among job seekers looking for software development work. What are your thoughts about the most software development job titles? Feel free to write your comments below.