Job Description

Responsibilities*
Partner in rapid product discovery through user research, prototyping, and experimentation to validate solutions that are feasible, usable, and valuable
Write production-quality code in Python/Django and JavaScript/React/Vue while owning critical platform components (authentication, APIs, UI, data pipelines, LMS integrations, payment integrations)
Design and deploy scalable solutions that achieve measurable outcomes for millions of learners
Collaborate with product and engineering leadership to research, explore, and evaluate opportunities for leveraging artificial intelligence in internal- and learner-facing products
Apply technical standards and architectural patterns that enable rapid experimentation and continuous delivery
Troubleshoot production issues when they impact learner outcomes
Support cross-functional squads with primary focus on learner-facing experiences and innovative learning technologies
Actively participate in code reviews, emphasizing best practices for software engineering
Evaluate emerging technologies and prototype solutions that unlock new possibilities for learners
Build strong relationships across CAI and university partners based on trust and shared commitment to outcomes
What You'll Do
The Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified Software Developer to join our Product Engineering team and contribute to the Michigan Online platform serving millions of global learners. This is a hands-on role where you will develop new functionality and support the existing platform while ensuring engineering practices scale to meet ambitious growth goals. You will participate in the design and delivery of learner-facing experiences such as cohort tools, LMS integrations, and innovative learning technologies, taking ownership of outcomes rather than just code delivery. Working across our squad-based organization, you will collaborate closely with user experience designers, infrastructure engineers, product owners, and other stakeholders to deliver exceptional experiences to learners around the world. This position will report to the Director of Product Engineering.

Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
1-3 years of professional software engineering experience
Enterprise development and production experience working with Python and the Django/Flask framework
Production experience building and maintaining web applications at scale
Full-stack development skills including:
Backend: REST APIs, microservices, database design
Frontend: Modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular)
HTML5/CSS and responsive design principles
Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB)
Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Attention to detail and commitment to code quality
Ability to work well in a multicultural and collaborative environment
Ability to learn and appropriately use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant to the role, consistent with university policy and job responsibilities.