Senior Application Developer

Position Summary:

The Senior Application Developer 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.

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 required.

• 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 software development, specifically in Java.

• Proven expertise in Java programming along with proficiency in frameworks such as Spring and MyBatis/JPA/Hibernate.

• Strong experience with modern web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, HTMX) and databases (SQL, NoSQL).

• Extensive knowledge of unit testing frameworks (e.g., JUnit, TestNG) and integration testing tools (e.g., Mockito, Postman).

• Knowledge in cloud computing with AWS, including services such as EC2, S3, RDS, and Lambda.

• Hands-on experience with containerization technologies, specifically Docker, and orchestration tools like Kubernetes, AWS ECS and Rancher. 

• Experience with creating and consuming SOAP and REST APIs.

• Deep understanding of software development life cycles, best practices, design patterns, and architectural principles with a strong commitment to Agile development processes.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.

• Demonstrated commitment to best practices and VUIT’s guiding principles.

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.