1. Core Development Roles
Frontend Engineer: Builds user-facing interfaces and web apps (HTML, CSS, JS, React, Vue).
Backend Engineer: Implements server-side logic, databases, and APIs (Python, Ruby, Java, Node.js, Go).
Full-Stack Engineer: Handles both frontend and backend development.
Mobile Engineer: Specializes in iOS (Swift) or Android (Kotlin/Java) app development.
Desktop Software Engineer: Builds desktop applications (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Embedded Systems Engineer: Programs devices at the hardware level (IoT, microcontrollers, firmware).
2. Infrastructure & Operations Roles
DevOps Engineer: Bridges development and operations; manages CI/CD, deployments, and system reliability.
Site Reliability Engineer (SRE): Focuses on uptime, scalability, and system monitoring.
Production Engineer: Ensures large-scale production systems run efficiently and reliably.
Cloud Engineer: Designs, deploys, and manages cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Platform Engineer: Builds internal platforms or services that other engineers use.
Network Engineer (Software-Focused): Designs and maintains software-driven networks and protocols.
DevSecOps Engineer: Combines DevOps with automated security practices.
3. Data & AI Roles
Data Engineer: Builds pipelines and architectures to collect, process, and store large datasets.
Machine Learning Engineer: Implements ML algorithms and integrates AI models into applications.
Data Scientist: Analyzes data and derives actionable insights (overlaps with ML engineering).
Analytics Engineer: Focuses on data modeling, reporting, and analytics infrastructure.
Embedded AI Engineer: Combines ML with embedded systems for smart devices.
Ethical / Responsible AI Engineer: Focuses on AI fairness, bias mitigation, and compliance.
4. Quality, Security & Performance Roles
QA / Test Engineer: Tests software for bugs, functionality, and performance; builds automated testing frameworks.
Security Engineer: Focuses on application, network, and system security; penetration testing and vulnerability management.
Performance / Scalability Engineer: Optimizes system speed, memory usage, and efficiency.
5. Specialized / Niche Roles
Process Automation Engineer: Automates repetitive workflows using scripts, APIs, or RPA tools.
Game Engineer: Builds games, engines, graphics, physics, and gameplay systems.
Simulation / Physics Engine Engineer: Creates scientific simulations or real-world modeling software.
Blockchain / Web3 Engineer: Develops blockchain apps, smart contracts, and decentralized systems.
Tooling Engineer: Builds developer tools, CLIs, dashboards, and productivity platforms.
IoT Engineer: Designs software for Internet-of-Things devices and networks.
AR/VR Engineer: Builds immersive augmented and virtual reality applications.
Voice / Conversational AI Engineer: Works on chatbots, voice assistants, and NLP systems.
Robotics Engineer: Develops software for robots, automation, and control systems.
Compiler / Systems Language Engineer: Works on programming languages, compilers, and interpreters.
Embedded Firmware Engineer: Programs low-level firmware for hardware control.
6. Leadership & Strategy Roles
Tech Lead / Engineering Manager: Leads engineering teams, ensures project completion and quality.
Software Architect: Designs high-level software structure and system architecture.
Principal / Staff Engineer: Senior technical expert driving major engineering decisions.
VP of Engineering / CTO: Oversees engineering department and technology strategy.