Senior Software Engineer - WGU Labs

Western Governors University; United States; On-site; USD 144,000 - 223,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Wellbeing program

Discounted tuition

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Western Governors University is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain scalable software platforms. You will collaborate with engineers, architects, and business leaders to deliver AI-enabled features that enhance the student and faculty experience.

The role emphasizes architectural influence, cross-functional leadership, and modern tooling (React, Next.js, Node.js, Python, PostgreSQL, Docker/Kubernetes, Terraform).

Qualifications

• Experience in research, design, development, testing, and implementation of software operating or application systems.
• Ability to lead complex initiatives from concept through implementation, balancing speed, quality, and maintainability.
• Proven track record of mentoring engineers and driving best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and support scalable, secure, and high-performing software solutions using modern full-stack technologies (React, Next.js, Node.js; Python with FastAPI/Flask) and PostgreSQL.
• Serve as a technical leader, influencing architecture, standards, and best practices across teams.
• Lead delivery of complex initiatives from concept through implementation, ensuring quality and maintainability.
• Mentor engineers through code reviews, design discussions, and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Identify risks and dependencies early to avoid delivery delays.
• Drive continuous improvement in software quality, observability, and operational excellence.
• Contribute to modernization efforts including cloud-native development, containers (Docker, Kubernetes), IaC (Terraform, CloudFormation), data layers, and AI-assisted features.

Skills

React

Next.js

Node.js

Python

FastAPI/Flask

PostgreSQL

SQLAlchemy

Prisma

Drizzle

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

CloudFormation

AI/ML integration

WebSockets

Y.js

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

CloudFormation

PostgreSQL

Drizzle

Prisma

SQLAlchemy

Job description

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career. Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: Grade: Technical 410 Pay Range: $143,700.00 - $222,700.00.

The Senior Software Engineer is responsible for the research, design, development, analysis, testing, and implementation of software operating or application systems. They communicate project information to client, project manager, or other design personnel working on projects. They maintain good working relationships with clients and staff. They write and maintains complete documentation. They support team members and ensures established goals and deadlines are met. They keep management informed of status and significant problems.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll play a critical role in shaping the future of our technology platforms while helping drive innovation across the organization. You'll partner with talented engineers, architects, and business leaders to solve complex technical challenges and deliver solutions that directly impact students, faculty, and the broader educational experience.

• Design, build, and support scalable, secure, and high-performing software solutions using modern full-stack technologies — including React, Next.js, and Node.js on the front end and Python (FastAPI, Flask, or similar) on the back end — that power critical business capabilities.
• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor, influencing architecture, engineering standards, and best practices across teams.
• Lead the delivery of complex initiatives from concept through implementation, balancing speed, quality, and long-term maintainability.
• Mentor and develop fellow engineers through technical guidance, code reviews, design discussions, and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to understand business objectives and translate requirements into thoughtful technical solutions.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities early, helping teams navigate challenges before they impact delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in software quality, reliability, observability, and operational excellence.
• Contribute to modernization initiatives, including cloud-native development, containerization and orchestration (Docker, ECS, Kubernetes), Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation), application integrations, and system scalability.
• Design and work with modern data layers, including PostgreSQL and ORMs such as Drizzle, Prisma, or SQLAlchemy.
• Apply AI-assisted development practices to accelerate delivery, and integrate AI/ML services into applications to create smarter, more capable platform experiences.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution efforts for complex production issues, improving service stability and customer experience.
• Champion engineering excellence through thoughtful testing strategies, automation, and data-driven decision making.
• Explore emerging technologies and innovative approaches — including real-time collaboration tools (WebSockets, Y.js) and evolving AI/ML capabilities — that can improve platform capabilities, developer productivity, and organizational outcomes.
• Foster a collaborative engineering culture where knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous learning thrive.

Why Engineers Love This Role

Architectural Influence: Help drive technical direction and shape platform strategy. Meaningful Impact: Build solutions that directly support higher education and student success. Complex Technical Challenges: Work on integrations, scalability, cloud modernization, AI/ML-powered features, and enterprise-scale systems. Modern Toolset: Build with a contemporary stack — React, Next.js, Node.js, Python, PostgreSQL, Docker/Kubernetes, and Terraform — alongside AI-assisted development tools. Leadership Without Management: Influence teams, mentor engineers, and be recognized as a technical expert. Continuous Learning: Explore new technologies, including AI/ML integrations, and contribute to engineering innovation.

Job Description Disclaimer

This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

Additional Information Disclaimer

The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.