Job Description

Job Summary
At Merit Network, we believe technology has the power to connect people, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. For more than 60 years, our nonprofit organization has supported education, research, healthcare, government, libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofits through innovative technology and connectivity solutions. Join a team of passionate professionals who are committed to making an impact and helping create a future where communities have the tools and connections they need to thrive.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/

Reporting to the Software Development Manager, you will be an essential member of Merit Network's software development team. You will create web applications, software tools, and integrations that support large-scale network, community, and operational services for the higher education and public sector community. Examples include Merit RADb, Merit's NetSuite ERP, and the Merit Member Portal.

The team develops applications that enhance Merit's service offerings and improve internal operational efficiency. Working with internal customers, you will help scope, develop, release, support, and continuously improve technology solutions, while keeping Merit aligned with current and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities*
As the Software Developer, your main responsibilities will include the following:

Application Design, Development & Engineering
Evaluate requirements for new web applications, system integrations, dashboards, and enhancements to existing applications
Design, develop, test, document, and maintain modern web-based applications and supporting back-end services
Develop front-end application features using technologies such as JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML5, CSS, and modern frameworks or libraries
Develop and maintain server-side application functionality using Python, Django, Django REST Framework, or similar technologies
Build and enhance application integrations using APIs, web services, relational databases, and other data sources
Develop database-driven application features, including SQL queries for application functionality, reporting, and operational analysis
Implement and support authentication and authorization integrations, including Single Sign-On, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, or related identity technologies
Translate business requirements, user feedback, and operational needs into functional application enhancements
Use modern development and deployment tooling, such as Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes, version control, CI/CD pipelines, and related technologies to support consistent application development, testing, deployment, and maintenance
Application Support
Respond to, troubleshoot, and resolve application support requests, production issues, and trouble tickets
Monitor, analyze, and improve application performance, reliability, and operational visibility
Process Improvement & Professional Development
Remain current on modern programming languages, frameworks, development practices, accessibility standards, and latest software technologies
Collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders to gather requirements, refine priorities, and solve problems in a team setting
Engage and collaborate with staff from other Merit teams, such as Information Security, Merit Support Center and Network Operations, to cross-train and jointly develop certain applications
Active planning and problem-solving in a team setting; frequently in-person
Participate in Agile, Scrum, or iterative planning activities, including estimation, prioritization, and continuous improvement discussions
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
3+ years of professional software development experience building and maintaining web applications and services.
Experience with modern web development technologies, including JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML5, CSS, and front-end frameworks such as HTMX, React, Vue, Angular, or similar.
Experience with Python, Django, Django REST Framework, or comparable server-side technologies.
Experience developing integrations using RESTful APIs, relational databases, and SQL.
Experience using Git or similar version control systems.
Experience with authentication and authorization technologies such as SSO, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, or similar platforms.
Understanding of responsive web design, usability, accessibility, and user-centered design principles.
Experience translating business requirements and user feedback into functional application enhancements.
Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.