Western Governors University (WGU) is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to design, develop, test, and deploy enterprise-grade applications that support its mission of expanding access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs.
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.
- Experience with tools like IntelliJ/VS Code, JIRA, and Git.
Responsibilities
- Lead and Mentor: Serve as a technical expert and guide for junior engineers — raising the bar for code quality, performance, and innovation.
- Design and Build: Research, architect, and implement scalable applications and services that power WGU’s digital ecosystem.
- Improve Systems: Eliminate redundant or low-value processes and prioritize work that improves reliability, software delivery speed, and the student experience.
- Champion Resilience: Advocate for distributed-system best practices by including graceful degradation, stateless design, and fault tolerance.
- Enhance Reliability: Guide teams in defining and achieving SLIs/SLOs and managing error budgets to balance speed and stability.
- Collaborate Effectively: Partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges, identify risks early, and deliver sustainable solutions.
- Innovate for Impact: Identify emerging technologies and creative solutions that advance WGU’s mission, improve platform performance, and scale educational access.
Other
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of experience in software development, with a track record of technical leadership and innovation.
- Must be able to work full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours).
- Must be eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
- Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.
