Software development personnel
Developing software for large corporations like Exxon Mobil is a long and complicated matter. It usually requires a large team of personnel from various fields in the software industry. The type of personnel required in such a case is given below.
Software analyst
This person is considered to be the bridge between the user and the developing team. The person would be responsible for analyzing the needs of the customer, following which the software requirements and other related specifications. Apart from programming skills, he needs other leadership skills like teamwork, problem-solving, etc.
Software architect
As the name suggests, this person will be the one who will create the shape of the product. It will include the structure, the way it will look, creating models of the software, etc. In other words, he will be in charge of the overall design of the product. Apart from technical qualifications, he should have analytical and logical skills.
Database administrator
This person will be in charge of installing the software after its development, configuring the hardware so that the software will run smoothly, see that data security systems are in place, and can also play the role of a data analyzer. He may also be involved with the project in its early stages. The person will need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Knowledge in sociology is an added advantage.
Software designers
This is essentially a problem-solving post in the process of developing the software. The team can do this by themselves or take the services of a qualified designer. The qualification, as in most other personnel, is at least a bachelor (or higher) degree in software.
Operations/support engineer
This post is related to maintenance and support services. He would also be ready to find solutions in case any problems crop up when using the software. The qualification required is the same as above.
Software programmer
This is the person who actually writes the code for the software. The qualification would depend on which software and platform are used. It would again be a bachelor/master’s degree or its equivalent.
Project manager
Like manufacturing, software development is also a project. Hence it would require a project manager for smooth implementation and completion. There are specific courses run by universities in this field. Knowledge about software programming is an additional qualification.
Project sponsor
This will be either a software company in the case of general software or the client itself in the case of proprietary software.
Quality assurance engineer
Any development activity (manufacture or software) will need to maintain quality. Apart from programming knowledge, the post will require a certification course in quality management. Knowledge of recognized certificates like ISO is also necessary.
Requirements analyst
This post is also like a bridge between client and developer. The person has to see what the client requires and what the developers deliver. Apart from technical I.T. knowledge, knowledge in financial analyses is an added qualification.
Subject matter expert (user)
This refers to a person who is knowledgeable about the subject for which the software is developed. In this case, knowledge about the oil and gas field will be required. It could include an employee of Exxon Mobil itself.
Tester
Once the prototype is ready, it has to be tested for effectiveness. The tester who is a qualified I.T. expert will do this along with the subject matter expert. The experience required for the above posts ranges from three to ten years of experience in the required field. This could be relaxed in the case of programmers (junior level), where even fresh candidates can be used.