What does a senior software engineer do?

I'm super interested in coding and tech. Can anyone explain what a senior software engineer does exactly? I'm thinking about what potential career paths in tech might look like after college.

A Senior Software Engineer plays a significant role in the tech industry, recognized for both their deep knowledge of software development and their ability to guide projects and teams.

Firstly, they design, code, and debug software. This includes both front-end and back-end development. They're typically pretty fluent in various programming languages, like Java, Python, or Ruby, and have a strong understanding of databases and system engineering.

In addition, Senior Software Engineers are often responsible for making major design decisions and for the architecture of a system. They can design complex systems and guide the path of a project, as they understand how each part connects to others. They might decide which software and systems best fit specific projects and take into account factors like scalability, performance, security, and reliability.

Moreover, they take on leadership roles in software projects. They can lead teams, delegate tasks, and mentor junior software engineers and other team members. They guide the workflow, manage risks, and oversee code quality.

A point to remember is that the specific duties can vary widely depending on the size and nature of the company. In a startup, a Senior Software Engineer might be involved in a multitude of tasks, from designing software to coding to testing performance to debugging. In a larger company, they could be focused more on specific applications or systems and have a more bureaucratic role.

Starting off as a software engineer, with experience and success in the field, you can move up to a senior software engineer, then potentially progress to roles like lead engineer, software architect, or even CTO. Overall, the tech field offers a lot of potential for growth and variety in job roles.