My job description went from "software engineer" to "application developer"...

StormRider

Diamond Member
Mar 12, 2000
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... at my performance appraisal last week. I think I remember seeing a job salary site that listed "application developer" as making less than "software engineer". Oh well, I guess this means I shouldn't expect any nice salary increase next year.
 

TommyVercetti

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2003
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There is no position naming standard all companies follow. It depends on your company if Software Engineer is ranked higher than Application Develepor. Job salary stats are just to give you an idea, they shouldn't be heavily relied upon

-Praise the Lord.
 

compudog

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2001
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I had Maintenance Supervisor tacked onto my Job Title. Now I am the IT Manager/Maintenance Supervisor. Not only am I in charge of anything computer related (Servers, Workstations, Telephony, Communications, Inter-web etc) I am now also directly responsible for the staff that repairs and maintains production equipment and facilities.... With no increase in pay.:Q
 

DT4K

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2002
6,944
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Generally speaking, software engineer is a higher paid position than application developer.
Although the job descriptions going with those titles are subjective and could be the same.
But software engineer implies more responsibility for designing large scale software systems rather than just building individual applications.

My title is software application developer, but i'm pushing for a title change to software engineer.
 

MaxDepth

Diamond Member
Jun 12, 2001
8,757
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Hmm, at work here in NC, a developer makes waaaay more than an engineer. The software engineer title was exactly that, a title. Most engineers were folks who knew programming at one time but couldn't compile their way out of apaper bag now. Also, writers who topped out of the salary as an information developer and wanted more cash.

I'd work with one developer than an army of engineers any day. So over here, you've got a nice title. Stick with it!
 

DT4K

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2002
6,944
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Software Engineers are NOT usually engineers. Adding engineer makes it sound more technical and implies more emphasis on design and architecture. But in reality, the titles are often interchangeable.
And I think your employer is in the minority. Generally, the title software engineer will pay more than the title of developer.
 

Descartes

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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In my experience, developer and software "engineer" are often used interchangeably, as Shanti hinted. A developer is generally on the same level as a software engineer, but developer is a more modest title. I strongly prefer the title developer over software "engineer."

There IS a difference between a "programmer" and a "developer"/"software engineer", however.
 

BCYL

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
7,803
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My boss often calls me a Software Engineer, but my business card says I am a Software Developer... And I think it says Software Designer on my contract...

So I don't think your job title really matters that much... these buzz words are used interchangably...
 

DT4K

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2002
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Originally posted by: Descartes
In my experience, developer and software "engineer" are often used interchangeably, as Shanti hinted. A developer is generally on the same level as a software engineer, but developer is a more modest title. I strongly prefer the title developer over software "engineer."

There IS a difference between a "programmer" and a "developer"/"software engineer", however.

Programmer = Code Monkey = write code to do exactly what a developer/engineer/analyst told you it needs to do.

The only reason I prefer the term Software Engineer is for the $$$.
In reality, I'm a developer/analyst/architect/dba/engineer
 

Descartes

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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Originally posted by: Shanti
Originally posted by: Descartes
In my experience, developer and software "engineer" are often used interchangeably, as Shanti hinted. A developer is generally on the same level as a software engineer, but developer is a more modest title. I strongly prefer the title developer over software "engineer."

There IS a difference between a "programmer" and a "developer"/"software engineer", however.

Programmer = Code Monkey = write code to do exactly what a developer/engineer/analyst told you it needs to do.

The only reason I prefer the term Software Engineer is for the $$$.
In reality, I'm a developer/analyst/architect/dba/engineer

Agree completely. I now work in a smaller company where compensation isn't based on title, but I remember the days of Software Developer/Programmer/Engineer I, II, III, etc. I'm glad those days are gone :)
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
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i think people get too caught up in titles. just do your work and be good at it, the money will come if you are worth it. being a software engineer or app. developer or whatever isn't the point.
 

P.O.W.

Senior member
Feb 8, 2000
359
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I was recently named a ceramic utility disinfectant specialist. I start that new position next week. I really pissed off the boss but really kissed ass and think he was actually impressed. Hopefully this job will mean a raise soon.
 

bernse

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2000
3,229
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0
Originally posted by: Shanti
Software Engineers are NOT usually engineers. Adding engineer makes it sound more technical and implies more emphasis on design and architecture. But in reality, the titles are often interchangeable.

What he said. There are actually law suits going around by Engineering bodies reagarding the frivolous usage of the term with regards to occupations. In many places, you cannot be called (with a couple of exceptions) an "Engineer" unless you are a professional, licensed Engineer.

And I think thats a good thing.
 

nebula

Golden Member
Apr 4, 2001
1,315
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Originally posted by: Shanti
Software Engineers are NOT usually engineers.

Please explain. How come I see job postings for software engineers and the minimum requirement is a EE degree? I'm working on my second Bachelor's right now, EE, so I can get the software engineer jobs. I've actually had interviews for software eng. and I was told, "if you had a EE, we've offer you the job". I suspose that could have just been a cop out to get rid of me but I've heard it a couple of times.

Tell me how to get a software eng. job without an eng. degree. I'll give you a bonus!
 

Confused

Elite Member
Nov 13, 2000
14,166
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Originally posted by: P.O.W.
I was recently named a ceramic utility disinfectant specialist. I start that new position next week. I really pissed off the boss but really kissed ass and think he was actually impressed. Hopefully this job will mean a raise soon.

:D :beer:


Confused
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
1
0
Originally posted by: nebula
Originally posted by: Shanti
Software Engineers are NOT usually engineers.

Please explain. How come I see job postings for software engineers and the minimum requirement is a EE degree? I'm working on my second Bachelor's right now, EE, so I can get the software engineer jobs. I've actually had interviews for software eng. and I was told, "if you had a EE, we've offer you the job". I suspose that could have just been a cop out to get rid of me but I've heard it a couple of times.

Tell me how to get a software eng. job without an eng. degree. I'll give you a bonus!

HAHAHA ive held a software engineer title and i have a BS in C.S. you are a chump for getting another bachelors
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
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Originally posted by: Descartes
In my experience, developer and software "engineer" are often used interchangeably, as Shanti hinted. A developer is generally on the same level as a software engineer, but developer is a more modest title. I strongly prefer the title developer over software "engineer."

There IS a difference between a "programmer" and a "developer"/"software engineer", however.
Agreed. developer, engineer, same thing to most people. Software engineer sounds a bit pretenious to me.
 

bernse

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2000
3,229
0
0
Originally posted by: nebula
Originally posted by: Shanti
Software Engineers are NOT usually engineers.

Please explain. How come I see job postings for software engineers and the minimum requirement is a EE degree? I'm working on my second Bachelor's right now, EE, so I can get the software engineer jobs. I've actually had interviews for software eng. and I was told, "if you had a EE, we've offer you the job". I suspose that could have just been a cop out to get rid of me but I've heard it a couple of times.

Tell me how to get a software eng. job without an eng. degree. I'll give you a bonus!

I don't know anyone that is has the title of Software Engineer that actually hold any engineering degree, even a Bachelor (I'll admit, I only know of a few personally). If the ads you've seen want an EE, good for them, at least they're trying to hire an Engineer... or at least someone with true Engineering background. I haven't seen many of those myself.

The problem lately is that they want people with the "title" so they sound good, but don't want to pay what an Engineer actually should make, so they don't hire actual Engineers. Maybe someone with an MCSE which isn't even close.
 

RagingBITCH

Lifer
Sep 27, 2003
17,618
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Maybe you're performance has decreased so much because you post the lamest YAGT threads on ATOT? Just a thought.
 

ManSnake

Diamond Member
Oct 26, 2000
4,749
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So should a cook be called a food engineer to make the title sounding more sophistimocated? :confused:
 

nebula

Golden Member
Apr 4, 2001
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Ameesh

Maybe I should elaborate a little. My BS now is in Mfg. Engr. Tech., it is a 4 year degree, but it seems limited. It wasn't like a ME or EE or CS type curriculum. I only had two semesters of calc., one physics, and the statics, dynamics, etc. were slightly different than ME. I have actual job experience with software/electronics but my main jobs have not had that focus, but my boss' knew I had those abilities so I got lucky. But, actually getting a job where that is the main focus has been tough. I finally came to the conclusion that getting my EE will open those doors for me. I graduated 6 years ago so I've hit this wall many times. You're in a different place than me, you have a CS degree, which should easily get you a soft. eng. position.

I thing the EE degree will give me many more options than I have now, plus my company pays for it.

bernse

Are you in Silicon valley or something? The market may be different here, MN. Any hints what I should look for, maybe not specifically a job that's titled soft. eng. but will do that type of work?

Anyone in the Minneapolis area want to offer me a job? :D
 

nebula

Golden Member
Apr 4, 2001
1,315
3
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Originally posted by: ManSnake
So should a cook be called a food engineer to make the title sounding more sophistimocated? :confused:

They do call garbage people Sanitary Engineers.