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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for ABAP Developer

💰 $85,000 - $130,000

SAPABAPDeveloperERPSoftware Engineering

🎯 Role Definition

An ABAP Developer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining SAP applications using the ABAP programming language. This role ensures that enterprise-level business processes are efficiently automated and optimized through high-quality SAP customizations, reports, interfaces, enhancements, and forms. The ABAP Developer works closely with functional consultants and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions that support digital transformation initiatives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior SAP Developer
  • IT Analyst or Programmer
  • SAP Technical Intern

Advancement To:

  • Senior ABAP Developer
  • SAP Technical Lead
  • SAP Solution Architect
  • SAP Development Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • SAP Fiori/UI5 Developer
  • SAP Integration Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Design, develop, and implement SAP applications using ABAP (Reports, Interfaces, Conversions, Enhancements, and Forms – RICEF objects).
  2. Customize SAP standard modules according to business requirements while maintaining upgrade compatibility.
  3. Develop and maintain ABAP objects including function modules, classes, methods, and user exits.
  4. Create and optimize performance of complex SAP reports (ALV, Classical, Interactive, and OO ALV).
  5. Develop and enhance SAP workflows, BAPIs, BADIs, and enhancement spots.
  6. Collaborate with SAP functional consultants to translate business needs into technical designs.
  7. Perform code reviews and ensure compliance with SAP development standards and best practices.
  8. Debug, troubleshoot, and resolve issues in existing ABAP programs and SAP integrations.
  9. Develop and maintain SAP SmartForms, SAPscript, and Adobe Forms for business documents.
  10. Integrate SAP modules using RFCs, IDocs, and web services.
  11. Conduct unit testing and participate in user acceptance testing (UAT) support.
  12. Manage version control, transport requests, and deployment through SAP transport management system (TMS).
  13. Participate in end-to-end implementation and system upgrade projects.
  14. Create technical documentation, including design specs, test plans, and code documentation.
  15. Optimize SQL queries and ABAP code for performance improvement.
  16. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on SAP S/4HANA migrations and conversions.
  17. Maintain data integrity and ensure secure handling of SAP data.
  18. Stay updated on new SAP technologies (ABAP RESTful Programming Model, CDS Views, OData, and Fiori integration).
  19. Provide production support, bug fixes, and continuous improvement of SAP applications.
  20. Mentor junior developers and participate in peer knowledge-sharing sessions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the development team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Strong proficiency in ABAP/4, Object-Oriented ABAP, and SAP S/4HANA.
  • Hands-on experience with RICEF objects (Reports, Interfaces, Conversions, Enhancements, Forms).
  • Knowledge of SAP Fiori, CDS Views, and OData Services.
  • Expertise in SmartForms, SAPscript, and Adobe Forms.
  • Familiarity with SAP HANA database and performance optimization techniques.
  • Experience with integration technologies such as IDocs, BAPIs, and RFCs.
  • Proficiency in SAP Transport Management System (TMS) and version control tools.
  • Understanding of RESTful ABAP Programming Model (RAP) and Core Data Services (CDS).
  • Experience in debugging, unit testing, and code optimization.
  • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and DevOps pipelines in SAP environments.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on code quality and performance.
  • Adaptability to new SAP technologies and frameworks.
  • Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
  • Proactive attitude towards continuous learning and innovation.
  • Strong documentation and time management skills.
  • Ability to mentor and guide junior team members.
  • Commitment to delivering scalable, maintainable code.
  • Customer-oriented mindset with a focus on business outcomes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Information Systems, or Business Informatics.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Business Information Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3 to 8 years of hands-on SAP ABAP development experience.

Preferred:

  • Experience in SAP S/4HANA implementation or migration projects.
  • Exposure to SAP Fiori, OData, and RESTful ABAP Programming Model (RAP).
  • Prior experience working in Agile project environments.
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