How to Become a Software Engineer: Skills, Roles, Timeline

Updated Nov. 19, 2025 by Kasey Broekema, editor at LinkedIn News

TL;DR: Software engineering involves designing, building and maintaining the systems that power software. Engineers work across specialties, from front-end and back-end to security and data, requiring technical expertise, problem-solving and strong collaboration skills. Becoming an engineer typically involves continuous learning, building communication skills and gaining hands-on experience. Demand remains high, with strong salaries and fast job growth projected through 2034. 

Who builds the software we use on our computers, phones and other devices, and who ensures these programs work the way they are supposed to? Software development depends on many roles working together. Project managers keep timelines on track, programmers write the code and quality assurance teams test for bugs. 

Within that process, software engineers play a distinct role. They understand the infrastructure that supports developers and ensure systems function reliably. They are central to how software is designed, maintained and improved. 

1. What Is a Software Engineer?

Computer software engineers develop programs and operating systems (OS) for computers and similar devices. Their work requires close collaboration with project managers, programmers, analysts and engineers. 

AI Engineer Fiodar Sazanavets wrote on LinkedIn, “Senior engineers focus on delivering scalable, efficient and maintainable code while considering the broader system and business needs.”

He added, “They also collaborate with stakeholders to align technical solutions with organizational goals and often serve as technical leaders or subject matter experts within their teams.” 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Designing systems: Defining outlines for applications and products. 

• Writing documentation: Preparing guides that help users understand new software. 

• Maintaining software functionality: Updating existing tools, fixing bugs and ensuring systems meet current standards. 

• Troubleshooting: Solving technical issues as they arise. 

• Ensuring compliance: Updating products to match industry and company requirements.

Software engineers and software developers often perform overlapping tasks. Many organizations use the titles interchangeably, as they involve coding, partnering with project managers and solving business challenges with code. 

However, Codecademy noted engineers tend to approach problems from a system-wide perspective, and often contribute more to testing and infrastructure.

2. Common Software Engineering Roles

Software engineers focus on different tasks depending on their expertise or career goals.

Front-End Engineer

Front-end engineers are software developers who build visual user interfaces (UI) that users interact with. They partner with designers to translate designs into reality using code. Front-end engineers typically test, edit and oversee the development process. They may modify existing websites and software to improve performance and add functions.

Front-end engineers should know front-end languages (such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript) and back-end programming languages (such as Java, Python and C++). A good front-end engineer knows their way around building scalable deployment pipelines. 

Back-End Engineer

Back-end software engineers focus on building the pieces that power software, apps and websites. Consider an app that allows a user to input and edit data. The app’s front end displays the data and features editing functionality. The back end handles decisions about what a person can edit and how the app stores that data.

Back-end engineers need experience with specific coding languages like PHP, Java, Python or Ruby. They must have a good grasp of databases and server-side frameworks. As more platforms move online, cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform are a priority, too.

Security Engineer

Security engineers work within organizations to develop secure technical systems. In addition to safeguarding organizations’ software systems from hackers and other cyber attackers, they also design systems that can withstand outages caused by natural disasters or other issues.

Security engineers wear several hats depending on the type of company they work for and the organization's needs. They may develop firewalls, systems to monitor network traffic, troubleshooting guidelines and other tools.

Data Engineer

Data engineers design and build the systems companies use for data collection and storage. Organizations that hire data engineers do so because they need to scale their acquisition and use of information.

A data engineer typically builds algorithms to access raw data and the dashboards necessary for non-technical users to interpret it. This highly technical role requires experience and knowledge in several disciplines, including programming, math and computer science. 

Effective data engineers also have strong communication skills to translate technical information into usable details for other organizational stakeholders.

Full-Stack Engineer

Although often called “jack of all trades,” full-stack engineers and developers must also master skills in both front- and back-end software as well as application and web development. They often understand and work with multiple coding languages and frameworks that make back-end development processes possible.

Many full-stack engineers have a mixture of technical, project management and soft skills that allow them to manage tasks.

3. Career Growth as a Software Engineer

Sazanavets said communication and being proactive are key to moving into senior roles. 

“The key to thriving in tech is to embrace continuous learning. Stay curious, explore new technologies and invest time in upskilling,” said Temidayo Adefioye, founder of Talenvo, which trains tech talent and connects them to employers.

He added, “The point is, nurturing a growth mindset will unlock endless possibilities and open doors to exciting opportunities.”

Adefioye highlighted problem-solving as a core engineering skill. 

“As software engineers, our superpower lies in our ability to solve complex problems. Cultivate this by approaching challenges with a systematic and analytical mindset,” he said. “Each problem solved is a testament to your capabilities.” 

He encouraged teamwork, strong relationships, diverse perspectives and celebrating progress along the way. 

4. How Long Does It Take to Become a Software Engineer?

“The time it takes to become a senior software engineer varies,” Sazanavets said. “Some make it in less than five years. Some make it in more than 10.”

Salary data for engineers can be hard to isolate since companies often group engineers and developers together. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual salary of $131,450 for software developers. 

The outlook remains strong, with employment projected to grow by 15 percent annually through  2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

Career coach Anna Miller advised on LinkedIn that success in the current market depends on using the platform effectively. 

“Applying for jobs in 2025 as a software engineer is all about how well you use LinkedIn,” she said. “Stop relying on your resume, start building relationships. Stop thinking you need to get noticed and help people notice you. Learn the basics of LinkedIn, networking, relationship building.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Software Engineer

• How do you become a software engineer? Build technical skills through continuous learning, strengthen communication abilities and develop a proactive mindset. Be skilled in solving complex problems, embracing new technologies and collaborating effectively with teams. 
• How long does it take to become a software engineer? Timelines vary widely. Some can achieve senior roles in under five years, while others take more than ten. Progress depends on experience, skill development and organizational opportunities. 
• What skills do you need to become a software engineer? Key skills include coding, system design, debugging, documentation and collaboration. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills and ongoing upskilling are essential for advancement.