Software engineering jobs

What does a software engineer do?

As a software engineer at Oracle, you will play a critical role in designing, building, and delivering innovative software solutions that have a global impact. Your primary responsibilities will include writing code, completing programming projects, and testing and debugging. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deliver software solutions that meet real-world needs.

Our wide range of products and services give software engineers multiple ways to develop their careers. Our people work everywhere from Bengaluru to Silicon Valley, on projects that affect every part of modern life. That includes everything from the cloud infrastructure driving the artificial intelligence revolution to platform engineering and product development.

You’ll have the option to specialize in diverse areas like API integration, machine learning, app and web development, frontend development, DevOps, continuous delivery and deployment, database technologies, and more.

With experience, you’ll also provide technical leadership to other software developers and guide the development of software applications or operating systems. This involves specifying, designing, and implementing changes to existing software architecture to meet changing needs in a collaborative environment through Agile methodology.

As you become more senior, you may also lead the development and management of software solutions, define and meet delivery procedures, and collaborate with stakeholders to meet organizational goals.

What skills do software engineers need?

Hard skills matter in software engineering roles. Entry-level engineers should be able to complete coding projects in one or more programming languages like Java, C++, C#, JavaScript, and Go without assistance. You should also demonstrate experience on at least one main development platform, operating system, or framework, and be comfortable with integrated development environments (IDEs).

Senior software developers should be able to demonstrate all of this across multiple languages up to full stack developer level and be able to show some project management skills, including the development of software for network operating systems and related infrastructure.


Coding languages

Python, C/C++, Java, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, SQL, Scala, and similar are the most used languages within Oracle. The exact requirements will vary by role, but it never hurts to have broad, up-to-date knowledge while also developing new language skills as needed.

System design

While not essential at entry level, system design skills are crucial for senior engineers. This is where you define the architecture, components, and interactions of a software system to meet specific requirements and constraints. Data analysis and data engineering may be part of this. Once experienced enough, you should be capable of creating a detailed plan and blueprint for the construction of a software system, considering functionality, performance, scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

DevOps practices

DevOps practices are essential to bridging the gap between development and operations teams through collaboration, automation, and continuous delivery. This might involve continuous integration (CI), continuous delivery (CD), continuous monitoring, infrastructure as code (IaC)—or Oracle-specific practices like Container Engine for Kubernetes, CI/CD pipeline automation, and following coding guidelines and standards for the development of secure software.

Code reviews

Code reviews are crucial to ensuring that code meets quality, security, and maintainability standards. Your actions here have far-reaching effects, from improving code quality and reducing bugs to enhancing security, ensuring compliance, and even knowledge-sharing.

Problem-solving, collaboration, communication

Coding and technical abilities are valuable, but so are soft skills like collaboration and an ego-free attitude to problem-solving. Teams thrive when they work well together, and it comes across in more efficient solutions and better products.

What academic qualifications do software engineers need?

The best software engineers balance academic knowledge with hands-on project experience. You should have a computer science degree or related qualification with a focus on areas like object oriented programming, algorithms, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence—although there may be flexibility given your depth of experience and the needs of the role.

Oracle development often favors programming skills in Master SQL, PL/SQL, Java, or Python. Database knowledge is also valuable, especially around normalization, indexing, and Oracle Database architecture. Extra professional certifications in areas like QL, PL, and SQL will also give you an edge.

What kind of people work in software development?

Innovation is in our DNA. Our engineers thrive on autonomy, flexibility, and the freedom to question our products and processes. It leads to better solutions and means that we attract the boldest, brightest engineers from around the world. In welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities, our culture creates incredible outcomes and a more equitable workplace for everyone.


Grow your career from the start

“Working on Oracle Cloud has been a very refreshing experience. We’re building a great product.” Mantas joined the team straight out of college and is now a leading engineer with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

Read 6 reasons why software engineers should join Oracle


Rise to the challenge

“I was drawn to the Oracle R&D Center because of its reputation for innovation and research, as well as its commitment to inclusion.” Meryem pushed her full stack programming skills to new heights as a senior member of our Morocco research team.

Read about working at Oracle's R&D center


Succeed by being yourself

“We’re constantly learning and seizing opportunities to grow. We challenge each other to stretch beyond our past to build our future. I hope I stay here because I love what I do.” Rimantas mixes his love of cybersecurity and Iron Maiden in a career where he can be himself every day.

Read about life as a software engineer in cybersecurity at Oracle


Join a global engineering community

“We’re always looking for people, no matter where they are in the organization to help us figure out how to move forward—a willingness to raise your hand and say: ‘I'll try that out.’” Colin seized the power of community to unite Oracle engineers around the world.

Read how our Engineering Community inspires career success

How do I get hired as a software engineer?

We don’t believe that there’s one fixed path to a career in tech and our people come from all kinds of professional backgrounds. Some started out in software development bootcamps, while others took the academic route or upskilled and pivoted from related sectors.

How to get hired at Oracle

Junior software engineers

Software development internships can be one of the fastest routes into tech for newcomers. Joining a structured program gives you access to valuable experience and mentorship. They can also grow into full-time job opportunities for the right candidates.

How to make the most of graduate programs

Accelerate your career with an Oracle internship


Experienced software engineers

Once you’ve proven yourself, finding and landing the best opportunities depends on a whole other set of skills outside of software engineering. Networking, interview skills, and technical preparation can make all the difference when you and other candidates are evenly matched.

Application tips for engineers and developers

See what makes a great software developer

How to ace your technical interview