The Senior Software Developer will join the Center for Academic Innovation Product Engineering team to design, build, and scale the Michigan Online platform for millions of learners. This is a hands-on, mentorship-oriented role with cross-functional collaboration across campus and university partners.
Responsibilities
- Engage in rapid product discovery through user research, prototyping, and experimentation to validate feasible, usable, and valuable solutions
- Deliver production quality code in Python with Django or Flask and in JavaScript with React or Vue, taking ownership of key components such as authentication, APIs, UI, data pipelines, LMS integrations, and payment integrations
- Architect and deploy scalable solutions aimed at measurable outcomes for a global learner base
- Partner with product and engineering leadership to explore opportunities for applying artificial intelligence in internal and learner-facing products
- Apply established technical standards and architectural patterns to enable rapid experimentation and continuous delivery
- Troubleshoot production issues that impact learner outcomes
- Support cross-functional squads with a focus on learner experiences and innovative learning technologies
- Mentor junior engineers, guiding code design, debugging, and core software engineering activities
- Actively participate in code reviews, upholding software engineering best practices
- Evaluate emerging technologies and prototype solutions that unlock new possibilities for learners
- Foster strong relationships across the Center for Academic Innovation and university partners based on trust and shared outcomes
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3 to 5 years of professional software engineering experience
- Enterprise-grade development with production experience using Python and Django or Flask
- Experience building and maintaining web applications at scale
- Experience mentoring technical staff
- Backend: REST APIs, microservices, database design
- Frontend: Modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular)
- HTML5/CSS and responsive design principles
- Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB)
- Production deployment experience on cloud platforms with containerization
- Experience with environment monitoring and troubleshooting using tools such as DataDog or Dynatrace
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to code quality
- Ability to collaborate in a multicultural environment and adapt to changing requirements
- Ability to learn and apply new technologies, including AI-enabled tools where appropriate and in line with university policy
Technologies
- Python, Django, Flask
- JavaScript, React, Vue.js, Angular
- HTML5, CSS
- REST APIs, microservices
- PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB
- DataDog, Dynatrace
Benefits
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume as a single file. In the cover letter, describe in two pages or less how this role aligns with your career goals and skill set. Both documents should be combined into one file due to system limitations.
About the Center for Academic Innovation
The Center for Academic Innovation advances education through curricular innovation, student success tools, and educational research. Its mission is to connect learning to opportunity, enabling learners to realize their potential throughout life. The center collaborates across the university and beyond to create equitable, lifelong learning experiences.
About the Michigan Online Product Engineering Team
The Michigan Online Product Engineering team is a dynamic, cross-functional group responsible for designing, building, and scaling the Michigan Online platform for millions of learners worldwide. The team works in squads focused on Learner Innovation and Platform, covering the full product lifecycle with a collaborative, agile approach.
What You'll Do
You will contribute as a hands-on software developer within the Product Engineering group, developing new functionality and supporting the existing platform while ensuring engineering practices scale with growth. You will help design and deliver learner-facing experiences and contribute to platform improvements that support broad accessibility and engagement.
Modes of Work
Hybrid or remote work arrangements are available at the department's discretion. Work mode agreements are reviewed annually and may change based on departmental needs.
Additional Information
- This is a five-year term-limited position with potential renewal, depending on funding. Renewal or conversion to an open-ended appointment may be possible.
- Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Hybrid work with a minimum of four in-office days per week (Monday to Thursday) and an option for remote work on Fridays; on occasion, onsite presence may be required on Fridays.
- Salary will reflect the selected candidate's education and experience.
- Support for the responsible and ethical use of AI tools in alignment with institutional policies.
- Excellent benefits are available.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job offers and may use third-party services. Checks are performed in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted for at least seven calendar days. The posting may be closed and filled at any time after the minimum period has elapsed.
Decision Making Process
Applications are reviewed as they are received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to an environment of mutual respect with equal opportunities for all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
279405
Working Title
Software Developer Senior
Location
Ann Arbor, MI (hybrid)
Salary
USD 90,000 - 100,000 per year
