WGU is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to shape the future of online education by architecting resilient, modern systems and mentoring the next generation of engineering talent. The goal is to create scalable, reliable, and high-performing platforms that make education more accessible.
Requirements
- Deep understanding of modern software development practices, including design patterns, system decomposition, fault tolerance, and secure coding.
- Strong proficiency with object-oriented or functional design principles and methodologies (e.g., OO design, data-centered design).
- Proven experience in full SDLC processes — planning, coding, testing, and release management — with a focus on quality and scalability.
- Ability to design for cloud-native environments and understand implications of SaaS architectures, including cost, scalability, and reliability.
- Hands-on experience developing web-based applications and RESTful services using technologies such as Java, ServiceNow, and web integrations.
- Strong knowledge of databases, API integrations, and enterprise software architecture.
- Proficiency with Java EE / J2EE, JavaScript, SQL, and frameworks such as Hibernate, Seam, or Banner.
Responsibilities
- Research, architect, and implement scalable applications and services that power WGU’s digital ecosystem.
- Eliminate redundant or low-value processes and prioritize work that improves reliability, software delivery speed, and the student experience.
- Advocate for distributed-system best practices by including graceful degradation, stateless design, and fault tolerance.
- Guide teams in defining and achieving SLIs/SLOs and managing error budgets to balance speed and stability.
- Contribute to incident resolution, system monitoring, and proactive enhancements that minimize downtime and optimize service restoration.
- Use modern tools and strategies to balance quality assurance and delivery efficiency by finding the “sweet spot” between speed and stability.
- Design, develop, testing, and deploying enterprise-grade applications that support our mission.
Other
- Serve as a technical expert and guide for junior engineers — raising the bar for code quality, performance, and innovation.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges, identify risks early, and deliver sustainable solutions.
- Foster a culture of accountability, empathy, and technical excellence through collaboration, feedback, and shared success.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align teams without formal authority.
- A mindset of urgency, ownership, and curiosity — eager to solve problems and elevate both systems and people.
