Job profile Requirements Engineer: Interpreter between two worlds

On the one hand, the language of the developers is characterized by technical details, system architectures and codes. On the other hand, the customers' language is full of visions, business goals and specific requirements. The requirements engineer acts as a mediator between the two worlds.

Requirements engineers are in demand in almost all areas of software development. You can find all the information you need about the requirements engineer job here in our article. Would you prefer to apply straight away? Then take a look at our job vacancies!

What is a requirements engineer?

A requirements engineer, or requirements manager, takes on central tasks in IT project management. Their focus is on gathering the requirements for a system or product and maintaining and communicating the documentation. They act as an interface between the stakeholders (e.g. customers, project management, developers) in the development of software and ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the requirements. In this way, requirements engineering supports the implementation of tailor-made software solutions.

Ultimately, the requirements engineer is an indispensable player who lays the foundation for the successful implementation of IT projects and builds the bridge between vision and technical reality.

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What does a requirements engineer do?

Requirements engineers act as an interface between the IT team and the client company. There are various methods for this in requirements engineering:

Elicitation (requirements elicitation)

The most present topic for the requirements engineer is understanding the system requirements in the project. Modern requirements in the age of AI pose a particular challenge here.

The requirements engineer holds discussions with the stakeholders in the project and determines the framework conditions and requirements for the software development through workshops, interviews and surveys, for example. They carry out an analysis of business processes and user needs and derive software requirements from existing documents or systems.

The aim is to obtain as precise an idea as possible of the applications to be developed for the customer through careful analysis in order to be able to create a catalog of requirements that ensures targeted work by all those involved in implementing the software. In doing so, requirements engineers must keep an eye on technical and legal guidelines.

Documentation (Requirements Documentation)

A key task in requirements engineering is also to formulate the client's requirements clearly, precisely and comprehensibly for the team. To do this, the requirements engineer uses models such as UML diagrams, user stories or process models. They also prioritize requirements into, for example, "must-have" or "nice-to-have".

Validation and coordination (requirements validation)

In order to achieve an ideal project process, the requirements engineer ensures that the specifications determined are complete, consistent and feasible. The requirements are controlled through constant coordination with all stakeholders involved. An important part of this process is the constant collection of feedback and the joint clarification of open questions. In this way, it provides important input for the development of software tailored to the client company.

Administration (requirements management)

Changes during an ongoing project must also be recorded during requirements engineering. The requirements must be carefully versioned and documented in the course of the project in order to ensure complete traceability for the entire team throughout the entire project cycle.

Communication and mediation

Another key aspect of a requirement engineer's job is to mediate between specialist departments and the development team. Conflicts between customer requirements and the actual possibilities of implementation occur regularly and require a mutually satisfactory solution.

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What skills and qualifications does requirements engineering demand?

A good requirements engineer needs both technical and social skills.

Professional skills (hard skills)

Analytical thinking: The ability to understand and structure complex interrelationships is essential for various tasks in requirements engineering.

Methodological skills: Knowledge of analysis methods such as UML, BPMN and documentation tools such as Jira and Confluence are also required. Knowledge of management, especially practical experience in the area of requirements management, is important.

Technical understanding: A requirements engineer must have basic knowledge of IT systems, software development and databases. At best, they will have previous professional experience. Requirements engineers also have the opportunity to obtain certifications such as IREB.

Project management: The ability to embed requirements in the project context is also a core competence of requirements engineering.

Social skills (soft skills)

Strong communication skills: Clear and precise communication with a wide range of target groups is one of the strengths of a requirements engineer. They are also characterized in particular by good moderation skills.

Empathy: Understanding the needs and perspectives of stakeholders is also essential.

Mediation skills: Especially when unforeseen challenges arise or the customer's expectations cannot be met 100%, it is the job of the requirements engineer to resolve conflicts and mediate between interests.

Ability to work in a team: The requirements engineer works with a team of developers, managers, companies and other stakeholders. The ability to work in a team is a must!

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How can I become a requirements engineer?

Requirements engineers often have a degree in computer science or business informatics. However, requirements engineering cannot be studied directly or learned as an apprenticeship. Further training in consulting and the planning, coordination or architecture of software can increase the chances of professional success.

The expert level in the required specialist areas can only be achieved with professional experience in requirements management at a software manufacturer or comparable experience. Requirements engineers develop considerable expertise during their work by constantly dealing with new technologies and tools. In addition to the technical and practical variety, a job in requirements engineering also offers a good salary.

Summary: Requirements Engineer job

The requirements engineer plays a central and indispensable role in the development of complex software solutions. They act as a link between the various stakeholders, such as customers, developers and project managers, and ensure that the requirements of a project are clearly defined, systematically documented and successfully implemented.

This key player in the development process makes a significant contribution to understanding the needs of stakeholders and translating them into technically feasible specifications. This position requires not only sound technical knowledge, but also the ability to think analytically and structure complex relationships precisely. Excellent communication skills are also essential in order to mediate between those involved and create a unified vision for the project. Ideally, the requirements engineer will also already have experience in requirements management in order to master challenges effectively and design the development process efficiently.

Their work lays the foundation for the success of the project and ensures that the solutions developed meet the requirements and expectations.

Got the urge?

Are you looking for Requirements Engineer jobs? We are regularly looking for applicants, also in the field of requirements engineering! Take a look at our job advertisements. We offer exciting jobs in the IT sector on a full-time or part-time basis, with the option of working from home and an attractive salary. Perhaps we'll soon be welcoming you to #teamfida!