Software Developers, Systems Software
Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
How AI Impacts Each Task
19 tasks analyzed
Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware, or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures.
Direct software programming and development of documentation.
Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements, or resolve customer problems.
Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.
Design or develop software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
Advise customer about or perform maintenance of software system.
Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Coordinate installation of software system.
Train users to use new or modified equipment.
Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, or need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
Use microcontrollers to develop control signals, implement control algorithms, or measure process variables, such as temperatures, pressures, or positions.
Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware, or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance. | 60.05Observed | 51.0% | 18% | |
| Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 4% | |
| Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures. | 52.92Observed | 48.2% | 10% | |
| Direct software programming and development of documentation. | 61.4Observed | 39.6% | 8% | |
| Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance. | 65.05Observed | 41.0% | 8% | |
| Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system. | 54.47Observed | 48.8% | 7% | |
| Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements, or resolve customer problems. | 62.5Observed | 40.0% | 6% | |
| Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 4% | |
| Design or develop software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design. | 69.5Observed | 54.8% | 8% | |
| Advise customer about or perform maintenance of software system. | 52.5Observed | 36.0% | 4% | |
| Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status. | 49.25Observed | 68.9% | 4% | |
| Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 4% | |
| Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements. | 41.77Observed | 65.9% | 3% | |
| Coordinate installation of software system. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 2% | |
| Train users to use new or modified equipment. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 2% | |
| Specify power supply requirements and configuration. | 64.65Observed | 52.9% | 2% | |
| Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, or need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration. | 54.52Observed | 48.8% | 2% | |
| Use microcontrollers to develop control signals, implement control algorithms, or measure process variables, such as temperatures, pressures, or positions. | 45Estimated | 45.0% | 2% | |
| Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation. | 72Estimated | 78.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis