Software Engineer\Developer - Transportation Data Systems

The TOPS Lab, based in the College of Engineering and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is a unique research organization focused on improving transportation safety and mobility through research, service, and training. This position will work within the lab's research computing group and will be responsible for full-stack development and maintenance of transportation data systems and applications used to support research, operational, and data-sharing initiatives.

Job Responsibilities
The Software Engineer/Developer I or II assists in design, development, testing, debugging, operating, and troubleshooting of software and applications to support information technology business operations.

Essential Responsibilities:
* Reviews application design specifications, codes new applications, and makes enhancements to existing applications.
* Maintains and troubleshoots applications, systems, or websites.
* Develops or modifies technical specifications using disciplined software development practices.
* Tests and debugs programs, and prepares systems test data.
* Implements data structure and systems performance strategies.
* Prepares program documentation and training requirements.

Other Duties Include:
* Assisting with design, development, and troubleshooting of large-scale computer applications supporting mission-critical research and operational requirements.
* Working with TOPS Lab staff, students, and faculty to assist in planning and requirements for systems development projects.
* Developing documentation for new systems or enhancements including architecture and design documents, and user manuals.

Remote Work Eligibility:

• This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
• The anticipated hybrid work schedule will be up to three days remote, with 2 days onsite.

• Prepares program documentation and training requirements

• Implements data structure and systems performance strategies

• Reviews application design specifications, codes new applications, and makes enhancements to existing applications

• Develops or modifies technical specifications using disciplined software development practices.

• Tests and debugs programs, and prepares systems test data

• Maintains and troubleshoots applications, systems, or websites

Department:

College of Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering - Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory (TOPS)

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $67,000, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidate must have at least 2 years of professional experience developing or supporting software applications that involve backend services, web interfaces, or spatial (GIS) data in a production environment.
• Proficiency using a modern programming language (e.g., Java, Python, C#) for building scalable APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
• Proficiency in front-end development (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) for building GIS/mapping interfaces.
• Proficiency in object-oriented design and programming.
• Experience working across the software development lifecycle including requirements, architecture, design, development, testing, documentation, and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using front-end mapping libraries such as Leaflet, OpenLayers, or Google Maps API.
• Experience with ArcGIS products (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Server) for spatial data management and visualization.
• Experience with backend frameworks such as Spring or Hibernate, especially in the context of RESTful API development.
• Experience with GIS/spatial databases (e.g., Oracle database, PostGIS).
• Experience with Git, SVN or similar version control.
• Experience writing JUnit test cases for robust application code.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Education:

Required: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Additional Information:

Applicants for this position will be considered for Software Engineer/Developer I and Software Engineer/Developer II titles. The title and compensation is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

How to Apply:

Please go to the "Apply Now" area and select your current UW Employment Status. Applicants are required to upload a resume and a cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and experience as it pertains to the required and preferred qualifications outlined in this job posting. Applicants are also required to upload a separate document answering the 4 questions below:

1. Which modern programming languages have you used to build APIs or backend services (e.g., Java, Python, C#)? Briefly describe one API you worked on and its purpose.

2. Briefly describe your experience with front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

3. Describe your hands-on experience with GIS or web-based mapping tools.
Please specify:

a. The tools or libraries used (e.g., Leaflet, OpenLayers, ArcGIS Pro/Online/Server)

b. Your role (e.g., map creation, data ingestion, visualization, API integration)

c. One brief example of how spatial data was used in an application

4. Describe your approach to testing and debugging a production or deployed application.

Please include:

a. The type of issue (e.g., functional bug, performance issue, data inconsistency)

b. The tools or techniques you used (e.g., logging, unit tests, debuggers)

c. The outcome or fix you implemented

The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Contact Information:

Steve Rau
Engineering Hall

1415 Engineering Drive
Madison, WI 53532
srau@wisc.edu

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