Overview
Software engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. They are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Collect and document users' requirements and develop logical and physical specifications
Research, evaluate and synthesize technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems including mobile applications
Develop data, process and network models to optimize architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs
Plan, design and coordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems including mobile applications
Assess, test, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software
May lead and coordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software and other embedded software control systems.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$70,910
$125,345
$190,520
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
5,127expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering or mathematics or Completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
A master's or doctoral degree in a related discipline may be required.
Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Software engineers and designers in B.C.
- Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Software Engineers and Designers
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Software engineers and designers in B.C.
- Certification through Canada's Association of Information Technology Professionals - Software Engineers
Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Software Engineers and Designers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a software engineer or designer in B.C., you must register with Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. Eligibility is achieved through graduation from an accredited program, 4 years of work experience as an Engineer-In-Training, and successful completion of the National Professional Practice Examination.
Certification through Canada's Association of Information Technology Professionals - Software Engineers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a software engineer in B.C., you may choose to earn certification through Canada's Association of Information Technology Professionals. Eligibility is achieved through a combination of recognized education and work experience.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.