Software Engineer

Job Role: Create and implement software applications for rail operations

Job insights

Skills required to be a Software Engineer

  • Analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to assess and plan
  • Strong communication skills
  • Problem solving
  • Ability to work well in a team
  • Ability to work independently
  • Eye for detail
  • Work under pressure

Job role

Identify and manage risks, Digital, data and systems management, Interpret and evaluate technical information, Inspecting, testing and monitoring

Software Engineer talking with a client
Overview

The role

Software Engineers work in teams to design, implement, monitor and enhance software systems for rail operations. This includes sophisticated signalling, train control and customer information systems.

Tasks include:
• meeting with customers/teams to understand their needs
• investigating, responding to and resolving complex system issues
• implementing software changes across large interdependent systems
• monitoring and maintaining the software across its lifecycle.
Software Engineer talking with a client
Skills required

Skills required to be a Software Engineer

  • Software development
  • Logical thinking and problem solving
  • Ability to communicate technical information
  • Good team working and collaboration skills
Entry pathways

Previous experience

Software engineers may come from a background in other IT roles such as data scientists.

Minimum requirements

Typically, people entering the rail industry as a Software Engineer have completed an undergraduate degree in areas such as software engineering, computer science or information technology.

However, software engineering bootcamps or being self-taught (and able to demonstrate a portfolio of past work to employers) may be suitable alternative forms of education.

Career progression
Flow chart showing potential career progression for a Software Engineer.
What do I do next?

What do I do next?

For more information on becoming a Software Engineer:

  • find out more about Software Engineers on the Work in Rail website
  • talk to your careers adviser 
  • check out programs available at your local TAFE or university
  • if you already work in rail, talk to your employer.