Software Engineer
Builds and maintains the software applications and systems that businesses and consumers rely on, working across the full development lifecycle from design to deployment.
Builds the user-facing part of websites and applications — the layouts, interactions, and visuals people directly see and use.
Also known as: UI Developer, Web Developer
Compare with another careerTurns design mockups into working interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks, and makes sure pages work well across browsers and screen sizes. Works closely with designers to match visual intent and with backend developers to connect interfaces to data. Pays close attention to performance, accessibility, and how an interface feels to use.
Desk-based work, often remote or hybrid, on a product or web team alongside designers and backend developers.
Typical entry point
Junior frontend developer or web developer at a product company, agency, or startup
Core
Also relevant
Core
Also relevant
These are useful, relevant skills to build over time — not a checklist you need to already have.
These are common routes in, not the only path — and not a university or course recommendation.
General tendencies for this career, not a guarantee — actual roles vary by employer and location.
Builds and maintains the software applications and systems that businesses and consumers rely on, working across the full development lifecycle from design to deployment.
Works across both the frontend and backend of applications, able to build a feature end-to-end from database to user interface.
Builds the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power applications, handling the data and processing users don't directly see.
Designs, builds, and maintains the networks that connect computers, servers, and devices within and across organizations.
Designs, builds, and hardens the security systems and controls that protect an organization's networks, applications, and data.
Monitors an organization's systems and networks for security threats, investigates incidents, and helps close vulnerabilities before they're exploited.