Software Engineer Job Description Template

A starting point for a Software Engineer job description, in a consistent structure: essential functions, qualifications, and classification. Customize it for your organization and download it as a formatted Word document or PDF.

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Software Engineer

ClassificationExempt

Reports ToEngineering Manager

DepartmentEngineering

Essential Functions

Design, build, and maintain backend services and APIs
Participate in code review and uphold engineering quality standards
Write and maintain automated tests to ensure reliability
Collaborate with product and design on feature requirements
Troubleshoot and resolve production issues in a timely manner
Contribute to technical documentation and architecture decisions

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
2+ years of professional software development experience
Proficiency in at least one modern programming language

Preferred:

Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or Azure)

Before you post it

Confirm the classification. This template is marked exempt. Whether a specific Software Engineer role is exempt depends on its actual duties and pay, so check it against the FLSA duties and salary tests (and any stricter state rules) before you finalize it.
Add pay details if your state requires them. A growing number of states require a pay range, and sometimes benefits or an application deadline, in job postings. Check a posting for free.
Tailor the essential functions. They should describe what this role does at your organization. Generic duties are harder to defend when a job description is used for accommodation, classification, or performance decisions.

Make this Software Engineer job description your own

Edit any field, add your pay range and posting state, and download a formatted Word doc or PDF.

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