Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

The Work

There are several different areas of work within the Localisation area:

Quality Assurance Engineer (Tester) A quality Assurance Engineer liaises with the Localisation Engineer to resolve any software problems. The Quality Assurance Engineer develops a testing strategy for each product/business solution and is responsible for testing the software throughout its development. They also identify, categorise and prioritise bugs, and report on these bugs.

Localisation Engineer He/she is responsible for debugging and fixing software localisation problems, building software and making changes to strings, resources and dialogs. They also support and liaise with the translation specialists and the in-house quality assurance team, to handle queries, as well as creating the translation toolkit for the software/business solution.

Help Engineer The help engineer is responsible for building and testing of the on-line help for localised products. They liaise with in-house quality assurance specialists with regard to bug fixing; they provide support to the translation specialists and create the translation toolkit for the help option.

Localisation Project Manager A Localisation Project Manager is responsible for overall project co-ordination of one or more projects involving one or more languages. They set schedules for projects with Localisation Engineers and Language Specialists. They liaise with the Localisation Supervisor, Translation Automation Co-ordinator, Help Engineer and DTP specialists to ensure that internal resources for the project are available. A Localisation Project Manager may also source translation agencies and agree prices. Project Manager's also dispatch the translation toolkit i.e. source files, English product, glossaries, and translation tools, for each project.

Localisation Project Manager A Localisation Project Manager is responsible for overall project co-ordination of one or more projects involving one or more languages. They set schedules for projects with Localisation Engineers and Language Specialists. They liaise with the Localisation Supervisor, Translation Automation Co-ordinator, Help Engineer and DTP specialists to ensure that internal resources for the project are available. A Localisation Project Manager may also source translation agencies and agree prices. Project Manager's also dispatch the translation toolkit i.e. source files, English product, glossaries, and translation tools, for each project.

Language Co-ordinator This person is responsible for the improvement of the overall language quality of translations both from agencies and machine translation output. They are responsible for the management of the production of glossaries, liaising with external revisers, and the translation of strings for in-house Help and Localisation Engineers when required.

Translation Automation Specialist He/she is responsible for assessing translation tools (machine translation, translation memory, terminology stems) on the market and the implementation of these tools when required. The Translation Automation Specialist advises the Localisation Co-ordinator what translation tools are to be used in a project, and liaises with the Language Specialists with regard to the maintenance of translation tools.

Desktop Publishing Specialist He/she is responsible for handling the collection of documentation files from Technical Writers. Pre-Desk Top Publishing and Style Sheet management for documentation prior to translation is also the responsibility of the DTP Specialist. They also give final approval on printed material, and provide cost management on the output of the film required for printing.

The ideal candidate needs to have a combination of qualifications, such as a languages degree with computer science or business or, alternatively, technical experience or a postgraduate conversion course in the IT area, or technical writing and a translation qualification.

Knowledge of software localisation tools is useful, although training in localisation tools is often provided. Other skills sought include excellent written and verbal communication skills, well-developed organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines. The ability to work effectively as part of a team, a willingness to learn, problem-solving skills and initiative are also important.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
• Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
• Identify, analyse, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
• Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
• Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
• Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
• Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
• Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
• Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
• Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

For entry-level positions with multinational software companies, generally people with a language background can master the technical skills by means of on-the-job training.

Solid localisation experience together with strong technical aptitude is necessary for specialist or small companies involved in the localisation of software products. Staff usually have experience of both the computer system being used and the particular geographical target area.

Key skills related to software localisation are:

Content research the ability to locate and select relevant information for the communication needs.
Information design: good organisation of the flow of information in a presentation
Asset administration: the ability to keep track of the software assets created for use in the software production, as well as knowledge of copyright material when using other sources and the permissible use of copyright material.

Last Updated: March, 2024

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €95k

Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Azon/ Archer/ Brightwater/ Clark/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment has grown strongly for this occupation each year over the five-year period, particularly between 2020 and 2021, where it grew by over 9,000 persons. Those employed are primarily male (83%), working full-time (98%), and 85% were aged 25-54 years (exceeding the national average of 69%). Four-fifths were employed in the ICT sector, with the remainder spread across many sectors. Recent job hires in 2022 exceeded any employment growth indicating that job churn is a factor for this occupation. Almost two-fifths (39%) were non-Irish citizens (compared to a national average of 19%). At over 4,300, the number of employment permits issued in 2022 was almost equivalent to the increase in employment over the same time period. Although the number of new employment permits issued in the first five months of 2023 have slowed, they remained above 2021 levels. Most employment permits were issued for the ICT sector, for software engineering/development roles, although permits were also issued across many sectors of the economy.

There was a high volume of difficult-to-fill mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey (various developer roles) and vacancies for software engineers were the most frequently cited occupation in the Skills for Growth data as being difficult to fill, with demand occurring across a range of sectors including manufacturing (e.g. med tech), fintech, ICT, and professional services; the most commonly sought technical skills included scrum/agile and SQL, while transversal skills such as data analysis, data management, communication and problem solving were also in demand. After other engineering professionals, this occupation had the highest number of job postings advertised online in 2022, although the number declined by 6% compared to 2021. 

While shortages are likely to have eased somewhat compared to earlier years, demand for software developers remains high and shortages are likely to persist economy-wide, including in the industry, finance, education, health, and wholesale/retail sectors. 

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