To thrive as a Remote Software Engineer without a degree, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of software development principles, and a proven portfolio of real-world projects. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and popular programming frameworks is often required, along with certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Google Associate Engineer as a plus. Excellent self-motivation, time management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively in distributed teams. These skills and qualities are vital to demonstrate competence, deliver reliable code, and succeed independently in a remote work environment.