Software Developer Technician

A Software Development Technician typically works as part of a software development team, to builds simple software components (whether web, mobile or desktop applications) to be used by other members of the team as part of larger software development projects. They will interpret simple design requirements for discrete components of the project under supervision. The approach will typically include implementing code, which other team members have developed, to produce the required component. . The Software Development Technician will also be engaged in testing that the specific component meets its intended functionality.

Software Development Technician, Junior Developer, Junior Web Developer, Junior Application Developer, Junior Mobile App Developer, Junior Games Developer, Junior Software Developer, Junior Application Support Analyst, Junior Programmer, Assistant Programmer and Automated Test Developer.

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include 5 GCSEs (especially English, mathematics and a science or technology subject); other relevant qualifications and experience; or an aptitude test with a focus on IT skills.

Understands the business context and market environment for software development

Understands the structure of software applications

Understands all stages of the software development lifecycle

Understands the role of configuration management and version control systems and how to apply them

Understands how to test their code (e.g. unit testing)

Recognises that there are different methodologies that can be used for software development

Understands the particular context for the development platform (whether web, mobile, or desktop applications)

Understands their role within their software development team

Understands how to implement code following a logical approach

Understands how their code integrates into the wider project

Understands how to follow a set of functional and non-functional requirements

Understands the end user context for the software development activity

Understands how to connect their code to specified data sources

Understands database normalisation

Understands why there is a need to follow good coding practices

Understands the principles of good interface design

Understands the importance of building in security to software at the development stage

Logic: writes simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards (whether for web, mobile or desktop applications)

Security: applies appropriate secure development principles to specific software components all stages of development

Development support: applies industry standard approaches for configuration management and version control to manage code during build and release

Data: makes simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified Test: functionally tests that the deliverables for that component have been met or not

Analysis: follows basic analysis models such as use cases and process maps

Development lifecycle: supports the Software Developers at the build and test stages of the software development lifecycle

Quality: follows organisational and industry good coding practices (including those for naming, commenting etc.)

Problem solving

Solves logical problems, seeking assistance when required (including appropriate mathematical application)

Responds to the business environment and business issues related to software development

Communication: clearly articulates the role and function of software components to a variety of stakeholders (including end users, supervisors etc.)

Operates appropriately in their own business’s, their customers’ and the industry’s environments

User Interface: develops user interfaces as appropriate to the organisations development standards and the type of component being developed