Software Developer

Software Developer

The Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified Software Developer to join our Product Engineering team and contribute to the Michigan Online platform serving millions of global learners. This is a hands-on role where you will develop new functionality and support the existing platform while ensuring engineering practices scale to meet ambitious growth goals. You will participate in the design and delivery of learner-facing experiences such as cohort tools, LMS integrations, and innovative learning technologies, taking ownership of outcomes rather than just code delivery. Working across our squad-based organization, you will collaborate closely with user experience designers, infrastructure engineers, product owners, and other stakeholders to deliver exceptional experiences to learners around the world. This position will report to the Director of Product Engineering.

Responsibilities

Partner in rapid product discovery through user research, prototyping, and experimentation to validate solutions that are feasible, usable, and valuable. Write production-quality code in Python/Django and JavaScript/React/Vue while owning critical platform components (authentication, APIs, UI, data pipelines, LMS integrations, payment integrations). Design and deploy scalable solutions that achieve measurable outcomes for millions of learners. Collaborate with product and engineering leadership to research, explore, and evaluate opportunities for leveraging artificial intelligence in internal- and learner-facing products. Apply technical standards and architectural patterns that enable rapid experimentation and continuous delivery. Troubleshoot production issues when they impact learner outcomes. Support cross-functional squads with primary focus on learner-facing experiences and innovative learning technologies. Actively participate in code reviews, emphasizing best practices for software engineering. Evaluate emerging technologies and prototype solutions that unlock new possibilities for learners. Build strong relationships across CAI and university partners based on trust and shared commitment to outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 1-3 years of professional software engineering experience. Enterprise development and production experience working with Python and the Django/Flask framework. Production experience building and maintaining web applications at scale. Full-stack development skills including: Backend: REST APIs, microservices, database design. Frontend: Modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular). HTML5/CSS and responsive design principles. Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB). Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Attention to detail and commitment to code quality. Ability to work well in a multicultural and collaborative environment. Ability to learn and appropriately use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant to the role, consistent with university policy and job responsibilities.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Please Note: This is a 5 year term limited position with the possibility of renewal depending on funding. The position may be renewed or converted into an open-ended base appointment. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. The mode of work for this position is Hybrid with a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday, with an option of remote work on Fridays. On occasion, you may be required and must be available to work onsite on Fridays if necessitated by our center's policy and domain leadership or by your job requirements. The salary for this position will be based upon the selected candidate's education and experience. We support the creative, responsible, and ethical use of AI tools to enhance our work, in alignment with institutional policies and best practices. Excellent benefits are available, for details, see

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Decision Making Process

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.