Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Applications Developer for the Smeal College of Business IT group. The role involves designing, developing, testing, supporting, documenting, and maintaining custom software applications, data integrations, and databases, while collaborating with customers and ensuring compliance with usability, accessibility, and security standards.

Highlights

Design, develop, and implement secure, responsive data-driven web applications using PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript frameworks.
Debug and enhance existing applications for performance and new requirements compliance.
Collaborate with customers to analyze requirements and evaluate new tools and technologies.
Investigate and resolve data or application problems, and maintain secure development environments.
Write specifications for automation of business processes and prepare technical documentation for code, processes, and end users.
Proficiency with PHP and PHP frameworks such as Laravel; familiarity with MVC architecture, REST API, SQL, Git, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks.
Experience with Docker, Linux/Unix environments, Composer package management, and CI/CD pipelines like GitHub Actions or Jenkins.
Familiarity with Salesforce CRM, Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Brightspace), PeopleSoft Student, SAP Financial, and Microsoft Azure services.
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
Salary range is $76,700 to $115,100 with competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Applications Developer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Smeal College of Business at Penn State is seeking an Applications Developer to serve on the Application Development Team within the IT group at Smeal. The successful candidate in this position would be responsible for designing, developing, testing, supporting, documenting, and maintaining custom software applications, data integrations and databases for the college. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Design, develop, and implement secure and responsive data-driven web applications utilizing PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript frameworks.
Debug and modify existing applications for performance improvements, feature enhancements, and compliance with new requirements.
Work with customers to analyze their requirements; evaluate new tools and technologies to enhance performance.
Investigate data and/or application problems; determine source of problem; take corrective action.
Create and maintain secure development environments; run quality checks to ensure stability and efficiency for high-level performance.
Write specifications for automation of business processes.
Document code, processes, and test plans; prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation.
Develop technical documentation and instructions for end users.
Stay current with emerging technologies and maintain familiarity with installed software standards and procedures.
Ensure compliance with standards and requirements, including usability, accessibility, and security.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Strong proficiency with PHP or other server-side programming languages.
Experience working with PHP frameworks (e.g., Laravel, Flight for PHP, or similar) to build scalable and maintainable applications.
Familiarity with MVC architecture, REST API, SQL, JavaScript frameworks, Git version control, HTML, CSS and/or other related languages and technologies.
Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Effective communication skills with users who have a wide range of technical knowledge.
Able to work collaboratively with other team members as well as cross-functionally with other teams and departments.
Proficiency with Docker or other containerization tools to support development, testing, and deployment workflows.
Experience with Linux/Unix environments, including command-line tools for application management, troubleshooting, and automation.
Knowledge of package management tools such as Composer to streamline dependency management.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, or similar) for automated testing, deployment, and release management.
Familiarity with Salesforce CRM.
Familiarity with Learning Management Systems such as Canvas and Brightspace, People Soft Student, SAP Financial, Microsoft Azure and other college and university services.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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Original Job Description