Software Engineer

Western Governors University; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 95,900 - 143,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

Discounted WGU tuition

Job summary

Western Governors University is looking for a Full-Time Software Engineer I to develop scalable backend services and APIs that support its digital ecosystem. This role focuses on backend development using Java and Python, requiring contributions to meaningful products that enhance the student experience.

The position promises extensive collaboration with other engineers and the chance to work with cloud-native technologies, all while encouraging continuous learning and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
• Professional experience developing software applications or backend services.
• Experience with Java or Python development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend services and APIs using Java and Python.
• Build and support RESTful APIs and integrations across multiple platforms.
• Collaborate with frontend engineers to deliver application features.

Skills

Java

Python

REST API

Git

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

PostgreSQL

Docker

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 406
Pay Range: $95,900.00 - $143,800.00

Job Description

At Western Governors University (WGU), technology plays a critical role in advancing our mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable education. Our engineering teams build the platforms, services, and tools that support millions of student interactions and empower employees across the university.

We are looking for a Software Engineer I who is eager to launch and grow their software engineering career while contributing to meaningful products that improve the student experience.

As a Software Engineer, you will help build scalable backend services and APIs that power modern web and mobile applications across WGU's digital ecosystem. You will primarily focus on backend development using Java and Python while collaborating closely with engineers working in Angular and Flutter. You'll gain hands‑on experience designing APIs, integrating systems, working with cloud‑native technologies, and building reliable software solutions that support learners and employees.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, enhance, and maintain backend services and APIs using Java and Python
• Build and support RESTful APIs and backend integrations across multiple platforms
• Collaborate with frontend and mobile engineers to deliver end‑to‑end application features
• Write clean, maintainable, secure, and testable code
• Troubleshoot issues, debug applications, and contribute to performance improvements
• Participate in code reviews and technical discussions to improve engineering quality
• Support CI/CD pipelines, deployments, and operational excellence initiatives
• Learn and apply cloud‑native development principles and backend engineering best practices
• Contribute to Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and team collaboration activities
• Continuously improve technical skills while contributing to team goals and product outcomes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Professional experience developing software applications or backend services
• Experience with Java or Python development
• Understanding of backend application architecture and REST API design principles
• Familiarity with relational or NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB
• Experience using Git and modern version control workflows
• Basic understanding of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and contribute within a collaborative engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing backend applications using Spring Boot, FastAPI, Flask, or Django
• Exposure to containerization technologies such as Docker
• Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and automated deployment practices
• Understanding of frontend integration patterns and API consumption
• Experience contributing to team‑based software projects in academic, internship, open‑source, or professional environments
• Exposure to Agile software development methodologies

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.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

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.