Senior Application Developer

Position Summary:

The Sr. Application Developer (PeopleSoft) at Vanderbilt University IT (VUIT) leads the design and development of sophisticated custom applications and integrations. They bring extensive technical expertise to architect robust, scalable solutions and drive strategic initiatives. Responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, ensuring code quality, and integrating emerging technologies. Senior developers provide high-level guidance to the development team, resolve complex issues, and play a crucial role in shaping the technological landscape of the university.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Architecting and Developing Solutions:

• Lead the design and development of complex custom applications and integrations.

• Architect robust and scalable software solutions, ensuring they meet the university’s requirements and standards.

• Integrate emerging technologies to enhance application performance and functionality.

Project Management:

• Oversee project timelines and ensure the timely delivery of software solutions.

• Coordinate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.

• Monitor project progress and make adjustments as necessary to meet deadlines and budget constraints.

Code Quality and Technical Guidance:

• Ensure code quality through rigorous code reviews and adherence to best practices.

• Provide high-level technical guidance and mentorship to the development team.

• Resolve complex technical issues and challenges, ensuring optimal solutions are implemented.

Strategic Initiatives and Innovation:

• Drive strategic initiatives that align with the university’s technological goals.

• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and advancements, proposing innovative solutions to improve existing systems.

• Play a key role in shaping the technological landscape of the university by influencing decisions on technology adoption and implementation.

On-call Responsibilities:

The position includes rotating on-call duties for after-hours incident response and requests.

On-site Requirements:

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, combining on‑campus and remote work. Employees are expected to work on site for designated days or activities that require in‑person presence, such as team collaboration, service delivery, or campus events. Specific on‑site expectations are determined in coordination with the supervisor and must align with departmental needs and institutional policy. The department may adjust on-site requirements at any time.

Supervisory Relationships:

This is an individual contributor position that reports administratively and functionally to the Application Development Manager. 

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, related experience is necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or related field is preferred. 

Experience and Skills:

• 5-7 years of relevant experience in PeopleSoft application development is necessary.

• Strong understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC), PeopleSoft upgrade processes, patching, and change management practices is necessary.

• Experience in PeopleTools, PeopleCode, SQR, and COBOL development is necessary.

• Strong experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (preferred), including modules such as Student Records, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Financials, is strongly preferred.

• Hands-on experience with Application Engine, Component Interfaces, Integration Broker, and Fluid UI is necessary.

• Proficiency in SQL and experience working with Oracle databases is necessary.

• Experience with web services (REST/SOAP), file-based integrations, and middleware technologies is necessary.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail are necessary.

• Ability to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality results is necessary.

• Demonstrated commitment to VUIT’s guiding principles is necessary.

Information Technology’s Guiding Principles:

• Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, where all members feel valued and supported. We prioritize honesty, dignity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand. 

• Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity, accountability, and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.

• Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional about including our colleagues and preventing silos. 

• Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive, self-starter, take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key part of the creative process.

• Communicate- Communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), within and outside VUIT, is open, thoughtful, welcoming, clear, proactive, concise yet complete, always honest, and delivered kindly.

• Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the university. 

• Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels of the organization.

• Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity. Capacity drives innovation.