Software Developer

Job Description and Duties

This position is being readvertised. Previous applicants are still in consideration and do not need to reapply.

The CalSTRS  BenefitConnect Division is seeking a motivated individual to work as  an Information Technology Specialist I on the  Development Team .

The BenefitConnect system, CalSTRS’ new pension administration software, was deployed in September 2025. The BenefitConnect Division was subsequently established to support CalSTRS staff who rely on the system to perform the processes essential to serving California’s public educators and their beneficiaries. The Division provides this support by assessing user needs and implementing system enhancements that address those requirements. This work requires comprehensive knowledge of pension and benefit administration practices, as well as a deep understanding of the BenefitConnect application, to effectively serve the operational needs of the Benefits and Services Branch and the Financial Services Branch.

Under the direction of the Development Supervisor, Information Technology Supervisor II (IT Sup II), the Software Developer, Information Technology Specialist l (ITS I), is responsible for CalSTRS’ technical activities following the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Development work includes analysis, design, development, testing, and production support for CalSTRS’ BenefitConnect (BC) application, associated automated regression tests (ART), and other related technical activities to support the application and environments. The incumbent will work individually and as part of a team to perform complex studies and activities related to technical aspects for the application. CalSTRS traditionally uses Waterfall but is transforming into an Agile development approach. Microsoft technologies of C#/.net and SQL Server are used. BC is based on a proprietary framework and is a modified off-the-shelf solution with numerous customizations and configurations.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Knowledge and experience in SQL/T-SQL.
• Knowledge and experience with programming languages such as C#/.net and Python.
• Knowledge of Continuous Integration. Continues Deployment (CI/CD) tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI or Azure DevOps.
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum development environments, including sprint planning and stand ups.
• Experience with reporting tools like Power BI.
• Proficiency in documenting technical specifications, code, and processes for better knowledge transfer.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights or both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex technical problems.

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.

Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the  Application Instructions  section below and apply now.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview.  When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font and address the following questions:

1. Describe your experience in software development focused on programming experience.
2. Please specify your experience using SQL/T-SQL, Python, Robot Framework, and C#/.NET (if you do not have this exact experience then describe the transferrable experience that will make you successful in this position).
3. For all experience, state your role, the organization, and the length of time you performed the work.

Exam

This position requires a current Information Technology Specialist I  examination . If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

CalSTRS Personal Trading Program

Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a  Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the  Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the  Political Reform Act , which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a  Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) .

Incompatible Activities

This position is subject to the provisions of  Government Code Section 19990 . Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.

Benefits

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Flexible work hours
• Remote work options
• Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
• More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
• More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
• Health insurance in retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Loan forgiveness under the federal 

For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR .

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.  If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: 815-640-1402-905, RPA 0797, JC-518553.
• If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
• Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
  
• Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
• Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification. 

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required. Please see the Special Requirements section of the job posting for detailed instructions.