Lead Developer

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario is seeking a Lead Developer to drive hands-on software development, deploy and extend the User Services Online platform, and design the facility access database and approvals workflow for NOF. The role reports to the Manager, Nuclear User Experience and requires translating program requirements into working features and providing ongoing support.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software development, systems integration, data modeling,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Manage work assignments of internal staff and schedule and monitor adherence to procedures, protocols, and standards.
• Act as an on-site project manager responsible for managing projects from inception to completion.
• Plan and establish project framework and identify project milestones to ensure the project is completed according to project specifications and within specified timelines.
• Construct complex application software code that integrates various systems of the University using multiple platforms and new methodologies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field

Job description

Education Level Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field of study.

Career Level Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field of study.

JD JD0633

Expected Start Date November 2026

Job Description

Unit/Project Description:

Nuclear at McMaster is a unique combination of commercial operations, research, and teaching facilities. The facility consists of the McMaster Nuclear Reactor along with support facilities including Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems, Small Angle Neutron Scattering, Accelerator, McMaster University Cyclotron Facility, High Level Laboratory Facility, McMaster Positron facility and 9 other cost centres within Nuclear at McMaster.

Nuclear at McMaster facilitates and enables dozens of investigators from approximately 25 Universities to conduct foundational and translational research by providing operational, analytical, technical, regulatory and project management staffing for faculty-led research initiatives, and training and support services for researchers who wish to work independently. Reporting to the Manager, Nuclear User Experience, this role will act as a Software Developer to build digital infrastructure for a new user program at McMaster Nuclear Operations and Facilities (NOF), including the Canadian Neutron Beam Laboratory (CNBL). Leading research facilities around the world rely on well-designed user programs to welcome researchers from academia, government and industry, manage fair and transparent access of proposals through peer review, and provide secure workflows for using their facilities and instrumentation. This role is responsible for making that possible at NOF.

The primary focus of the position is hands‑on software development: gathering requirements, deploying, configuring and extending the User Services Online (USO) platform, an open‑source user administration system, and designing and building the facility access database and approvals workflow that will integrate with it. The developer will translate program requirements into working features, write and maintain code, manage data models and integrations, and see these systems through from development to launch and ongoing support. As the program grows, the role will also develop and maintain other research applications and systems across the unit, contributing to a culture of service, openness and collaboration that makes Nuclear at McMaster a destination for researchers in Canada and beyond.

Job Summary:

The Lead Developer provides technical expertise which requires a working knowledge of the technical infrastructure underpinning the applications. Plans, consults, and coordinates complex project assignments in the design, development and implementation of applications software. Works as part of a service or project team to implement complex technical solutions that meet client and business requirements. Responsible for contributing to the planning of the work programs and the review, development, and modification of best practices and technical solutions. Provides supervision to a team of Developer.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage work assignments of internal staff and schedule and monitor adherence to procedures, protocols, and standards.
• Act as an on‑site project manager responsible for managing projects from inception to completion.
• Plan and establish project framework and identify project milestones to ensure the project is completed according to project specifications and within specified timelines.
• Manage work assignments of internal staff and schedule and monitor adherence to procedures, protocols, and standards.
• Construct complex application software code that integrates various systems of the University using multiple platforms and new methodologies.
• Accountable for the clarification, rationalization and documentation of project requests.
• Approve production migrations according to project involvement.
• Partner with the Project Team to maintain the information technology issues database, create new issues and track the status of open issues.
• Participate in the development of capital project charters and cost justifications.
• Responsible for integration and release management.
• Develop new application software specifications that encompass functional, programming, and system process flows.
• Conduct business analysis, determine and implement a course of action, set priorities, and recognize and take into account changing events and conditions during projects.
• Solve diverse and unusual problems by analyzing information where considerable interpretation of processes is required.
• Provide walkthroughs of systems and their interconnectivity with other applications in the organization.
• Ensure the detailed client specifications for all system components are valid and meet a defined set of requirements.
• Interview clients, review business rules, and determine business process flows.
• Act as a mentor to junior staff in the technical implementation aspects of projects.
• Estimate and plan project timelines and deliverables and adjust to unplanned changes and the impact on project schedules and resources.
• Negotiate with customers to set priorities, establish the fee‑for‑services, and discuss contingencies should a delivery date not be achievable or if the delivered product is not to the expectations of the client.
• Complete cost‑benefit analyses to ensure that the client will see value and return on investment in resources such as, time savings, financial savings, and improved service.
• Develop and install new and modified University administrative applications systems using project management and application life cycle best practices.
• Complete the technical design, detailed specifications, programming system components, and system and integration testing for new applications.
• Contribute to project management documents for tracking project steps and process flow.
• Document the logical flow of processes and data in reports and flowcharts.
• Coordinate various tasks, resources, and people required to carry out problem solutions including the identification and sequencing of database administrator functions, and setting security authorizations.
• Create project plans which include task lists, test plans, client training plans, and analysis and documentation of project implications on other functional areas.
• Write and document business requirements for projects.
• Define, develop, and perform application testing procedures.
• Adapt techniques and interpret or modify procedures to achieve objectives where any changes are within the agreed project scope and deliverables.
• Gather information from customers to determine business, auditing, and system requirements.
• Facilitate meetings with customers and interpret, assess, and evaluate customer business requirements in order to establish project scope and design criteria for systems.
• Write complex programs using various computing and scripting languages.
• Debug computer program code.
• Develop and modify interfaces for existing applications and systems while maintaining the integrity of data and processes.
• Develop components for new multi‑faceted computer systems and revise existing systems comprised of numerous application components.
• Work with and understand complex data models and databases for the most effective and efficient organization of data based on processing requirements.
• Contribute to the review, development, and modification of best practices and technical solutions.
• Communicate project, issue, and system status to project leads and managers.
• Perform load and stress testing to anticipate the impact of application usage on the production service environment.
• Complete calculations used to estimate various capacity requirements such as database size.
• Search and gather information from a variety of sources including computer applications, internet, and legislative documentation and consolidate relevant information to complete environmental scans.
• Develop time and cost estimates for project assignments.
• Work cooperatively with others to effectively determine information and understand business requirements of a complex nature.
• Deliver presentations to team members as it relates to project work.
• Exchange technical information with colleagues during the application development process.
• Explain and exchange technical concepts and information to clients in a non technical manner to ensure that the customer comprehends the issue.
• Provide advice to customers on alternative and recommended approaches to computing system solutions for meeting their business requirements.
• Provide production service implementation training to clients.
• Provide expertise and working knowledge of application components such as internet, intranet, mainframe, personal computer, and database structures.
• Interpret complicated technical program specification documents, translate, and develop into application code.
• Prepare and review operations documentation, training materials, and timelines.
• Provide Level III post implementation support to users regarding technical issues.
• Take ownership of technical issues by identifying underlying problems, analyzing potential solutions and implementing system resolutions, including workarounds.
• Apply and enforce department change control policies and procedures.
• Participate in all phases of testing including, but not limited to, system, integration, acceptance, regression, and performance.
• Manage defects identified during all phases of a project.
• Resolve problems in the test, production implementation, and post implementation phases in coordination with other technical and business groups.
• Communicate testing results to others.
• Maintain information technology process flow, methodology, and control documentation.
• Update and maintain knowledge of application components such as, internet, intranet, personal computer, and database structures.
• Remain current with relevant development and project methodologies.
• Remain current with frequent updates and changes to technology. Work with project leads and managers to prioritize and schedule issues resolution.
• Remain current with security policies and procedures and work with System Administrators to implement security changes.
• Facilitate effective dialog between technical staff.
• Read and understand complex Business Process Diagrams and develop basic (Level II) models.
• Read and understand a complex project plan and develop simple project plans.
• Understand the different levels of testing and develop simple use cases and test scripts.
• Follow a test script and document defects.
• Acquire and maintain a basic understanding of Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing principles.
• Provide recommendations to supervisor.
• Perform a range of varied work activities in a variety of structured environments.
• Understand and use appropriate methods, tools, and applications to complete work tasks.
• Demonstrate a rational and organized approach to work and identify development opportunities.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor own work within short time horizons.
• Absorb technical information when it is presented systematically and apply it effectively.
• Organize time, work and resources to accomplish objectives in the most effective and efficient way.
• Use measurement methods to monitor progress toward goal attainment, tenaciously working to meet or exceed those goals, while deriving satisfaction from the process of goal achievement and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that the internal and external customer perspective is a driving force behind decisions and activities.
• Follow service practices that meet customers’ and University needs.
• Interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the University.
• Work collaboratively with others to achieve departmental and institutional goals. Actively participate as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.

Supervision:

Supervise and direct the activities of 1 to 4 continuing employees.

Additional Information:

Nuclear Operations Security Provisions Security clearances and background checks are necessary due to the sensitive nature of the nuclear facility’s operations and regulatory licensing (Nuclear Safety Control Act) requirements. As a condition of employment for this Appointment, you must successfully complete the appropriate and necessary security screenings / clearances (documentation will follow in a separate email). You will be advised in writing by the University whether this condition has been met upon the University’s receipt of the results. If you are unsuccessful in these processes, you will not be able to meet the job requirements and therefore any offer of employment will be rescinded or will result in your employment with the University will be terminated. Being a Nuclear Energy Worker You will be declared a Nuclear Energy Worker. Given the nature of the work environment where you will be performing your duties, which includes entering and working in radiological hazardous environments, the University requires the use of protective equipment such as respirators, protective clothing, and gloves, as necessary to enter these areas. The University is committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self‑identification in relation to equity‑seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

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