Software Validation Engineer Job Description
Whenever a company installs a computer network such as Ethernet, there are concerns over whether or not all of the software related to the network and all of the previously installed software will function properly. Companies worry also whenever a new piece of software is installed, and there are times when inevitably the computer network will become incompatible with the computer software in the company's database. In order to resolve these concerns, computer engineers known as software validation engineers are often employed.
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Function
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Software validation engineers create plans for testing computer software to ensure that it is functioning properly. Software tests cannot be performed continuously because companies usually have limited manpower, but tests need to be performed frequently enough or else problems will go undetected. Therefore, a well balanced test schedule needs to be created. Whenever a problem is detected, the software validation engineer attempts to troubleshoot the software. The software engineer also assesses whether or not the software should be updated, according to LAN Access Division. After a problem has been resolved, the software validation engineer often provides other employees with instructions on how to resolve these problems in the future.
Other Duties
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Software validation engineers must also document all tests so that companies can have a sense of which software they can rely on and can also understand how much of a budget should be allocated to software validation and testing, according to LAN Access Division. They are often responsible for predicting when the company will need to update its equipment. Since they carry with them technical knowledge beyond what other staff members have, they often act as consultants. While these engineers usually work 40 hours a week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11 percent worked 50 hours or more in 2008.
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Skills
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While software validation engineers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or another computer-related field, they must be lifelong learners since computer software is continually changing with technological advancements. Interpersonal skills are needed since the software validation engineer must work with software development engineers so that the developers can have a sense of the inherent problems with the computer software, according to LAN Access Division.
Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for computer software engineers to grow rapidly. Between 2008 and 2018, the need for computer software engineers is expected to grow by 32 percent. A lot of the demand for computer software engineers is driven both by the popularity of hand-held devices and by the increasing use of the Internet.
Earnings
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In 2008, the median earnings for computer software engineers were $85,430, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent earned more than $128,870, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,720.
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References
- Photo Credit cables 1 image by juanjo tugores from Fotolia.com
