Full Stack Software Developer

Code4lib; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution is looking for a Full Stack Software Developer to join their development team. The role involves building impactful software solutions in a collaborative and agile environment. Candidates should have experience with web applications, Ruby on Rails, and Git. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. The position also encourages professional growth through training and contributions to open-source communities.

Qualifications

• Experience building web applications using Ruby on Rails or a similar web framework.
• Experience with distributed version control systems such as Git.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teammates to design and deploy sustainable software solutions.
• Contribute to full-stack development using clean and maintainable code.
• Engage with open-source communities, contributing positively.

Skills

Ruby on Rails

Git

Unix/Linux environments

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Learning new technologies

Education

Degree in a related field

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

React

Bootstrap

Hotwire

Webpack

Solr

Elasticsearch

Job description

Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Full Stack Software Developer to join the development team at the Penn State University Libraries. This is an opportunity to work on impactful projects as part of a high‑performing, agile team.

Penn State is a leading R1 research institution, and the University Libraries play a central role in supporting the university’s research enterprise. In this role you will collaborate with innovative developers to build and maintain sustainable discovery and repository services that enable researchers to discover, manage, share, and preserve scholarship and data. These platforms support the mission of discovery, access, and preservation for a world‑class research library with a global reach.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teammates to design, develop, and deploy sustainable software solutions
• Contribute to full‑stack development using clean, maintainable, and well‑tested code
• Work across the full project lifecycle, balancing technical requirements and stakeholder needs
• Share knowledge and contribute positively to a collaborative development culture
• Engage with open‑source communities such as the Rails and Blacklight ecosystems
• Grow professionally through training, code sprints, and conference participation

Qualifications

Required

• Experience building web applications using Ruby on Rails or a similar web framework
• Experience with distributed version control systems such as Git
• Experience working in Unix/Linux environments and command‑line interfaces
• Familiarity with web accessibility standards and guidelines
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team and open‑source communities
• Interest in learning new technologies and expanding technical skills

Preferred

• Degree in a related field such as computer science, information systems, etc.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines
• Exposure to frontend frameworks such as React, Bootstrap, or Hotwire
• Experience with development and deployments in containerized environments
• Experience with package management tools and asset bundlers (e.g., Webpack)
• Solid understanding of MVC design patterns
• Experience with digital repository platforms, including Blacklight
• Experience with agile development practices
• Familiarity with library systems and metadata formats
• Experience with search and indexing platforms such as Solr or Elasticsearch

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Applications Developer - Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree. No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None. If filled as Applications Developer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree, 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.