Web Developer

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University’s College of Engineering is seeking a Web Developer to design, code, test, and maintain accessible, high-performance web experiences. You will implement front-end interfaces with HTML5, CSS3 (Sass), and modern JavaScript, and write Python backend scripts to support Django and Wagtail migrations.

You’ll apply WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility, collaborate on email campaigns, and optimize pages using Google Analytics 4 and Siteimprove.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Web Design/Development, or a closely related field.
• Two years of professional web design and development experience.
• Advanced knowledge of HTML5, CSS3 (Sass), and modern JavaScript (ES6+).
• Proven experience building mobile-first websites using Bootstrap or similar frameworks.
• Strong WCAG 2.2 Level AA knowledge and semantic markup.
• Experience writing and debugging Python scripts.
• Understanding of page speed optimization, SEO, and image optimization (Adobe Photoshop).

Responsibilities

• Designs, codes, tests, and debugs high-performance, responsive web pages, sites, and applications from prototype to production.
• Builds front-end interfaces using HTML5, CSS3 (Sass), and JavaScript (ES6+).
• Writes backend scripts and templates with Python; supports migrations to Django and Wagtail.
• Implements responsive design and cross-browser compatibility; adheres to Purdue branding guidelines.
• Leverages data from backend APIs and databases; supports analytics and optimization.
• Maintains website support, content updates, and documentation; migrates legacy systems.

Skills

Front-end web development

Accessibility (WCAG)

Performance optimization

SEO best practices

HTML5/CSS3/JS

React familiarity

Django/Wagtail familiarity

Email marketing concepts

Cross-browser compatibility

Image optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Web Design/Development, or related field

Tools

Bootstrap

Python

Django

Wagtail

HTML5

CSS3 (Sass)

JavaScript (ES6+)

Google Analytics 4

Siteimprove

Adobe Photoshop

Delivra

Wrike/Jira

Job description

Department:

College of Engineering, West Lafayette, Indiana

Purpose:

The Web Developer serves as a key technical and creative member of the College of Engineering's web communications team, working under the direction of the Manager of Web Communications. This role is responsible for executing front-end and full-stack web development tasks, email marketing campaigns, and interactive digital solutions to support faculty, administration, schools, and programs across the College of Engineering.

The Web Developer will design, code, test, debug, and maintain highly accessible, performant, and brand-aligned web experiences from initial prototypes to production, ensuring WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance and mobile-first, responsive design principles.

Web Design & Development:

• Designs, codes, tests, and debugs high-performance, responsive static and dynamic web pages, sites, and applications from prototype to production
• Builds front-end interfaces using HTML5, CSS3 (including Sass), and modern JavaScript (ES6+)
• Writes clean, secure, and maintainable backend scripts, templates, and basic applications using Python
• Implements responsive design frameworks like Bootstrap, with an eye toward modern UI/UX trends and cross-browser compatibility
• Integrates data from various backend APIs, services, and databases
• Implements WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards and adheres to established Purdue brand and visual identity guidelines

Bulk Email Design & Development:

• Conceptualizes, designs, codes, and tests responsive, accessible HTML marketing emails and templates
• Collaborates with internal clients on targeted email communications for exceptional visual layout and deliverability

Website Maintenance & Client Support:

• Fulfills ongoing web support and content update requests from College of Engineering faculty, staff, and administration
• Maintains clear system, project, and workflow documentation
• Works with legacy web systems (e.g., Zope) and helps migrate legacy systems to modern environments such as Django and Wagtail

Data Collection, Analytics & Optimization:

• Leverages tools like Google Analytics 4 and Siteimprove to monitor, audit, and report on website metrics
• Identifies and resolves technical issues related to SEO, page speed, load times, and broken links

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Web Design/Development, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in web design and development
• Advanced knowledge of HTML5, CSS3 (including Sass), and modern JavaScript (ES6+)
• Proven experience building mobile-first websites using Bootstrap or similar responsive frameworks
• Strong working knowledge of WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards and semantic markup
• Practical experience writing and debugging Python scripts
• Demonstrated understanding of page speed optimization, SEO practices, and image optimization (Adobe Photoshop)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing and building complex websites in a higher education or fast-paced agency environment
• Experience working within strict corporate or institutional brand identity guidelines
• Familiarity with Django and Wagtail, or experience preparing legacy environments for CMS migrations
• Familiarity with modern JS libraries/frameworks such as React
• Experience with email marketing tools (e.g., Delivra) and project management systems (e.g., Wrike or Jira)
• Experience tracking performance using Google Analytics 4, Google Tag Manager, and Siteimprove