What do software engineers do?

Software engineers build the technology behind the apps we use, the websites we visit, and the systems that power industries like banking, health care, and e-commerce. But their work goes beyond writing code. They solve problems. They design digital experiences. And they shape how we interact with the world. 

If you’re curious about what software engineers do, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down their daily work, the skills it takes, the potential career paths, and how to get started in one of today’s most in-demand fields. 

Key points 

• Software engineers build the technology we use every day, be it mobile apps or complex cloud systems. 
• Their work goes beyond coding. Software engineers design, test, maintain, and collaborate across teams to solve real-world problems. 
• Daily tasks include coding, team standups, code reviews, and system architecture planning. 
• There are many types of engineers: front-end, back-end, full-stack, DevOps, and security. Each focuses on different layers of the tech stack. 
• Software engineering is a flexible career, with roles in nearly every industry. And it often offers room to grow as a specialist, leader, or innovator. 

What is a software engineer?

Software engineers design, build, test, and improve software systems. They work on various types of projects, including:  

• Mobile apps  
• Web platforms 
• Cloud infrastructure 
• Embedded systems  

Above all, software engineers are creative problem-solvers who combine logic, coding, and collaboration to turn ideas into working technology. 

Software engineers vs. programmers

So, how does a software engineer differ from a programmer?  

Programmers tend to focus solely on writing code, while software engineers take a bigger-picture approach. They think in terms of architecture, scale, user experience (UX), performance, and security. And they make it all happen by collaborating with designers, product managers, and other engineers. 

A software engineer’s job doesn’t stop once the software’s up and running. Great software engineers continually refine and improve their products, whether it’s a small feature or an entire platform. 

What do software engineers do daily?

What software engineers do in a typical day involves a lot more than just writing code. While coding is central, it’s just one part of a job that blends deep focus, constant problem-solving, and close collaboration. 

Most days start with a quick team meeting, often called a standup or scrum, to share progress, flag blockers, and determine priorities for the day. 

From there, engineers dive into focused work, which often includes: 

• Writing and testing code to build new features or improve existing ones 
• Fixing bugs to keep systems stable and running smoothly 
• Reviewing teammates’ code to make sure it’s clean, efficient, and ready to go live (and for shared learning) 
• Designing system architecture, with attention to scalability, security, and performance 
• Collaborating with product managers, designers, and data scientists to align on goals and build user-focused solutions 

Skills and tools software engineers use

Software engineers rely on strong programming skills. Think Java, Python, JavaScript, and C++. They design software architecture, debug issues, and manage deployments using tools like Git, Kubernetes, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). A solid understanding of system design, DevOps practices, and version control is key.  

Whether they come from a computer science degree, bootcamp, or self-taught path, coding proficiency is essential. 

Core responsibilities of software engineers

Software engineers wear many hats. Their work spans the full software development lifecycle, from conception to deployment (and beyond). While the day-to-day may vary by role or company, most engineers share a few core responsibilities.  

Here’s a closer look at what software engineers do behind the scenes to bring digital products to life. 

Designing and building software

Before a single line of code is written, software engineers work with their teams to design how a system or feature should work. This includes choosing the right technologies, mapping out how users will interact with the product, and figuring out how different components will talk to each other. 

With a plan in place, they start writing clean, functional code that turns ideas into reality. Engineers often work in sprints, releasing small, testable chunks of software to improve upon over time. They also use version control systems like Git to manage changes and collaborate effectively. 

At the heart of it, software engineers are builders. They just happen to use code instead of concrete. 

Testing and maintenance

Ensuring software works and keeps working is another important part of a software engineer’s job. They will run unit, integration, and end-to-end tests to catch bugs before they reach users. Engineers also use automated tools to speed up the process and make testing part of the daily workflow. 

Engineers regularly update systems to patch security issues, improve performance, or add new features after launch. They also monitor how software behaves in the real world and troubleshoot problems as they arise. Software maintenance might not be flashy, but it keeps apps fast, secure, and reliable long after the first release. 

Collaboration and communication

The projects software engineers work on don’t happen in silos. Building great software takes input from many voices.  

There are the product managers who shape the vision, the UX designers who champion the user, and, of course, fellow engineers who challenge ideas and bring them to life. That means a lot of collaborative problem-solving and honest feedback. 

Engineers attend design reviews, document their decisions, and sometimes even mentor junior teammates. The best engineers know that clear communication is just as critical as technical skills. In other words, software engineering is very much a team sport. 

Types of software engineers

Not all software engineers do the same kind of work. Depending on their skills and interests, they might focus on what you see on a screen, what happens behind the scenes, or how everything connects and scales.  

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of software engineers and what they actually do. 

Front-end engineer

Front-end engineers are responsible for what users see and engage with directly. They build the user interfaces of websites and applications, turning designs into intuitive experiences. Using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (along with frameworks like React or Vue), they bring static designs to life with animations, buttons, forms, and more. 

They also work closely with UX designers and back-end engineers to keep everything looking good and running smoothly. If you’ve ever clicked a button on a website and got exactly what you expected, you have a front-end engineer to thank. 

Back-end engineer

Back-end engineers build behind-the-scenes systems that power apps and websites. They focus on server-side logic, databases, application programming interfaces (APIs), and the overall architecture that makes everything run smoothly. While users don’t directly see their work, they rely on it whenever they log in, make a purchase, or load a page. 

Back-end engineers typically work with languages like Python, Java, Ruby, or Node.js and often design secure, scalable systems built to handle high traffic volumes. Simply put, back-end engineers make sure the tech does what it’s supposed to do quickly, reliably, and safely. 

Full-stack engineer

Full-stack engineers are the Swiss Army knives of software development. They work across the front end and back end, building the parts users interact with and the systems behind the scenes. This versatility means they can take a feature from concept to completion. They:  

• Design interfaces 
• Write server-side code 
• Connect databases 
• Deploy it all 

Full-stack engineers are fluent in a wide range of technologies and often switch between tasks, making them valuable team members on fast-moving projects. If a product needs someone who can do it all, a full-stack engineer is usually the go-to. 

DevOps engineer

DevOps engineers are the bridge between software development and IT operations. Their job is to automate, optimize, and streamline how software gets built, tested, and released. They:  

• Set up continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines 
• Manage cloud infrastructure 
• Monitor systems to keep everything running smoothly 

Instead of shipping software manually, DevOps engineers create tools and workflows that let teams release updates faster and with fewer bugs. They’re problem-solvers who approach projects practically, focusing on speed, stability, and scale. 

Security engineer

Security engineers focus on keeping software (and the people who use it) safe. They:  

• Identify vulnerabilities 
• Design security protocols 
• Build defenses that protect systems from attacks or data breaches  
• Help organizations meet compliance standards 
• Respond when something does go wrong 

From encryption to firewalls to penetration testing, security engineers work across the tech stack to ensure all components are protected. 

In a world where cybercrime is unrelenting, causing roughly $16.6 billion in losses in the US alone in 2024, security engineers are invaluable.  

Is a software engineer the same as a software developer? 

Many use the terms interchangeably, but there are a few subtle differences between a software engineer and a software developer. Some of it depends on the company or context. 

In general, software developers tend to focus more on building specific applications or features. They may work independently or as part of a team, writing code and solving problems at the product level. 

Software engineers are often expected to think more holistically. They approach challenges from a systems perspective, considering architecture, scalability, long-term maintenance, and how components interact. You’ll typically find engineers working across teams, contributing to infrastructure decisions and helping ensure everything runs smoothly from end to end. 

That said, the roles blur in many workplaces. What does a software engineer do that a developer doesn’t? That might come down to scope, process, or even individual job descriptions.  

Learn more: Want a deep dive? Check out our full guide on how software developers and software engineers compare.  

Industries and career paths for software engineers

Considering becoming a software engineer? The potential growth in the field should excite you.  

From tech startups to global finance and from health care to entertainment, software engineers are needed just about everywhere. If there’s a digital product involved, engineers are behind it. Some software engineers build secure systems for banks, and others power your favorite streaming platforms. And many more work in industries like retail, gaming, automotive, and government.  

This wide-open field is projected to see steady job growth of 17% through 2033, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

As for career paths, engineers can:  

• Specialize (such as in security or DevOps) 
• Grow into leadership roles (think tech leads or engineering managers) 
• Pivot into product roles, data science, or even entrepreneurship 

Keeping your skills current is a big part of the job. Technology changes fast, and new languages, frameworks, and tools surface constantly. Great engineers stay sharp by experimenting, attending workshops, contributing to open-source projects, or earning certifications. Many carve out time to explore new ideas or mentor others, giving them learning opportunities while strengthening the engineering community. 

Further reading: Curious where else your skills could take you? There’s a whole world of engineering paths to explore.  

Turn your passion for technology into a career

Software engineers solve real problems and build tools people rely on every day. If you’re curious and creative, there may be a place for you in this field. And there’s no better time to start than now. 

At Intuit, our engineers create products that power the prosperity of millions. We’re a mission-driven team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. If that sounds like a fit for you, explore open software engineering jobs at Intuit.