Software Engineer
Also known as: Software Development Engineer · Application Engineer
Designs, builds and tests software, accounting not only for working functionality but also for maintainability, testability and behaviour under load.
The software engineer is a developer who substantiates the design of their own solution and takes the consequences for operations and further development into account. Unlike the software developer, this role is not handed the design, and unlike the architect it keeps building. Selections go wrong because the title is used as a synonym for developer: build speed gets tested, while the role requires making trade-offs explicit and defending those choices afterwards.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract and figural reasoning | N4 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Discovers the underlying rule in unfamiliar material with several changing features and uses it to explain deviations. |
| Accuracy and attention to detail Competency (50-framework): Accuracy | N4 | Big Fifty, 360 Feedback | Personality questionnaire | Builds check moments into the own process, keeps track of errors and prevents repetition by adjusting the method. |
| Working independently Competency (50-framework): Independence | N3 | Big Fifty, 15PF, Competency Check | Personality questionnaire | Determines own approach for a full work package, consults colleagues purposefully when unclear and delivers on time without reminders. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Problem analysis | N4 | 5 | yes | Assessment centre |
| V | Programming | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Software design and architecture | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Software testing and quality assurance | N4 | 5 | no | Work sample test |
| A | Abstract and figural reasoning | N4 | 4 | no | Cognitive ability test |
| V | Systems thinking | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Modelling and abstraction | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| G | Accuracy and attention to detail | N4 | 4 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| T | Version control and collaboration workflow | N4 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | API integration | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
See all 25 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
Structured interview
Behavioral interview with a fixed structure
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Communication Styles
Preferred communication style
Comparable jobs
25 skills in the profile · medior
Frontend Developer25 skills in the profile · medior
Backend Developer25 skills in the profile · medior
Full Stack Developer25 skills in the profile · medior
Mobile Developer24 skills in the profile · medior
Lead Developer27 skills in the profile · lead
Software Architect27 skills in the profile · lead
Technical Application Manager25 skills in the profile · medior