Software Engineering Job Market in 2025

Overview of the software engineering landscape in 2024

Given the recent advancements in artificial intelligence and the wider adoption of blockchain technology, the software engineering job market is expected to experience continuous growth through 2033.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for software engineers will rise, with the decade witnessing 140,100 job openings annually for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers. Overall, software development employment opportunities will grow 17% over the next decade, with information technology professionals experiencing demand in various industries.

Shell’s pioneering role in integrating software engineering within the energy sector

Whether migrating to cloud-based platforms

or using AI, virtual reality, and the industrial Internet of Things to make our processes safer, Shell continues to be at the forefront of the energy industry’s push to integrate software engineering into its processes.

Shell’s focus on energy efficiency, digital transformation, and operational excellence creates opportunities for software engineers to develop secure and scalable solutions that support our evolving energy landscape.

The Growing role of software engineers in the energy sector

Software engineers play an essential role in supporting the energy sector’s digital transformation. At Shell, their work enhances efficiency, strengthens operational security, and drives advancements in both traditional and emerging energy solutions.

Here’s how knowledge of emerging technologies and specialized skills can position an aspiring software developer or quality assurance analyst for a career in the industry:

Impact of digital Transformation

The energy sector is in the thick of three major information technology trends that are proving transformative to its operations and processes:

• AI: Companies are harnessing artificial intelligence and machine learning for preemptive maintenance of infrastructure components, process optimization, and more. Software engineers play a key role in Shell’s Proactive Technical Monitoring
  efforts.
• Cybersecurity: As cyberattacks on energy infrastructure increase in frequency, so will the need for solutions and safeguards against such external threats. Shell works with external suppliers (PDF, 129 kB)
  of managed IT systems to keep its data safe. Potential employees will occasionally interface with these vendors and work with the software systems they provide.
• Robotics: Robots keep oil facility workers safe by handling the most dangerous jobs and operating in the harshest environments. Shell uses robotics
  extensively in its operations, like its Sensabot, an autonomous wheeled machine that detects leaks day and night.

All the above trends translate to expanded career opportunities at Shell for individuals who keep abreast of technological advancements in the field of software development and possess relevant skills. Individuals with expertise in software development and emerging digital platforms can contribute to innovative projects that shape the future of Shell’s technology landscape.

Shell’s digital projects

Shell has numerous projects that require employees with computer science backgrounds and computer programming skills.

The most recent example is our Nyhamna Dynamic Digital Twin

project, which started in 2019. This technology acts as a visual representation of our Nyhamna asset in Norway. It integrates data, visualizations, and modeling to provide information about the asset’s physical elements and behavior throughout its lifecycle.

In addition to data scientists and other skilled professionals, the project requires software engineers with machine learning know-how and sound technical skills.

Career opportunities for software engineers at Shell

Software engineers at Shell contribute to digital innovation by developing scalable, secure applications that enhance efficiency across Shell’s global operations.

Those with expertise in software development and emerging technologies can explore roles aligned with their skills and interests.

Diverse roles and responsibilities

Here are a handful of the software engineering roles currently open at our company:

• Senior Software Engineer (ETRM): Do you have experience using the ETRM program Endur? You may be the software engineering talent Shell needs to fit this role. An understanding of DevOps methodologies is also required.
• Associate Engineer DataDoc Mgmt: We’re hiring an engineer to join our Technical Asset Operations team. Your responsibilities will include data analysis, working with CMMS (SAP) and EDMS tools, and more.

View available roles

to learn about all the software engineering jobs available at Shell.

Project highlights

Software engineers use a variety of programming languages when working on projects at Shell, including React, Golang, Python, GraphQL, MongoDB, and Kafka. Among other tasks, they develop software for renewable energy technologies that power our digital transformation efforts.

Listen to this StackOverflow podcast

featuring our Native Software Engineering and Experience Design Capability Centre Manager, Abhai Bhargava, to learn how software powers the world’s second-largest electric vehicle charging network.

Professional development and growth

Shell values its people and we offer multiple avenues for our employees to develop and grow their careers.

Training programs

Some of our initiatives for continuous learning and development include:

• Shell Energy Transition Program to Support Powering Progress: This program gives our employees the skills needed to be a part of the future of the energy sector. It teaches the technical skills required for working in our Renewables and Energy Solutions arm.
• IT Upskilling Program: Our IT Upskilling Program has helped us expand our Information and Digital Technology team while offering existing employees career development opportunities.
• LEAD for Team Leaders Programme: Thousands of team leads across Shell have gained leadership skills through this program.

Every program mentioned has won awards

for giving employees career-critical skills and advancement opportunities.

Career advancement

At Shell, career development is guided by business needs, technical expertise, and individual performance.

Software engineers have opportunities to expand their capabilities and contribute to innovative digital solutions across Shell’s IT and digital functions, including:

• Enterprise IT
• Business IT
• Information & Digital Engineering; and
• Information & Digital Services and Operations

Additionally, Shell offers a broad spectrum of career paths for software engineers. Some of them include our Agile Hub team, Native Software Engineering team, and Software-as-a-Service team. Learn more

on our site.

Work culture and environment

We are an equal-opportunity employer and pride ourselves on creating a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Here’s what to expect when working with Shell:

Team dynamics

Thanks to ever-evolving business needs and a team spanning continents, Shell employees can work on the same development team as people with a wide range of experiences and cultural perspectives. Our engineers also operate under a hyper-automation initiative that removes organizational-level bottlenecks and fosters the innovations that are characteristic of the technology sector.

Supportive culture

Shell’s values - honesty, integrity, and respect. It’s a work environment where software engineers can be their authentic selves and learn from their more experienced colleagues.

Future of software engineering at Shell

We plan to remain at the forefront of the future of technology and innovation.

Technological innovations

AI is rapidly changing the way Shell and its partners operate. We’re using this technology to support our decarbonization efforts and optimize pathways to reach net-zero emissions.

As Shell continues to advance its digital capabilities, software engineers will play a key role in driving technological innovation and optimizing digital infrastructure.

Predicting industry trends

Our Vice President for Digital Innovation and Computational Science, Dan Jeavons, has predicted

upcoming technological trends that Shell is positioning itself to ride. A few of them include:

• Sensor-based technology for data collection; and
• Augmented-reality and virtual reality technology for data visualization

Shell has already incorporated both into its operations and will continue to do so for other novel technologies in the future.

FAQs

Power progress with Shell in 2025

Software engineer job growth will only accelerate in the coming decade. The catalysts for this demand for software engineers include continuous integration with technology and the energy sector’s transition to more and cleaner energy.

Discover opportunities to apply your expertise

in a dynamic and innovative environment.