Systems Software Engineer - Computing Services

The Computing Services central IT department provides services that have a strategic impact on university goals. We make service decisions based on interaction and valuable input from colleagues engaged in the education, research, and administration efforts of the university. We are a learning organization and approach successes and mistakes as a learning experience to continually cultivate a culture of intelligent risk taking. We want to hire versatile team members who are inspired and passionate about their work. Join us and be part of a team committed to excellence, innovation, diversity, team and individual growth.

The Systems Software Engineer will designs, develops, tests and maintains applications or systems programs. Gathers and provides input on functional specifications and requirements. Supports business user questions/issues regarding applications and/or systems issues and availability. Develops and maintains technical documentation. May perform other related technical support for the department or college.

Work Experience Requirements:

• 1 - 3 years of experience in software development, systems analysis, or application support
• Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining applications or systems
• Experience working with functional specifications, requirements gathering, and user needs analysis
• Hands-on experience supporting production applications, troubleshooting system issues, and resolving user-reported problems
• Experience in creating and maintaining technical documentation (e.g., system design docs, user guides, SOPs)
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment, including cross-functional coordination with business stakeholders
• Familiarity with software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies (Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall)
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Gitlab, Github)
• Experience in higher education, research administration systems, or academic IT environments

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Computing Services. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Required Minimum Experience: 1-3 Years

• Programming in languages such as C#, JavaScript, Python or Java
• Developing web applications with HTML, JavaScript and CSS
• Creating efficient queries in a relational database using SQL Experience with cloud-native data management system to connect and transfer data from diverse sources (databases, SaaS apps, IoT) into data warehouses or lakes. (e.g., Informatica, Snowflake)
• Debugging and optimizing system performance using techniques specific to SaaS environments
• Supporting live/production systems and resolving incidents using incident tracking software (e.g., ServiceNow)
• Providing end-user technical support and issue resolution
• Gathering business requirements from stakeholders or users and translating requirements into functional or technical specifications
• Participating in system design discussions and solution planning

Job Profile Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and systems programs to meet business and technical requirements
• Develop and maintain complex data integration systems to move data between multiple types of systems and databases
• Follow established coding standards, security practices, and development procedures
• Performing unit, integration, and system testing
• Supporting user acceptance testing (UAT)
• Assist with implementation, upgrades, and patches of existing systems
• Gathers and provides input on functional specifications and requirements
• Creating technical documentation, system diagrams, and user manuals

Position Specific Job Responsibilities:

25% - Data systems and integrations

• Create and maintain data integration pipelines between systems (e.g. Informatica)
• Develop robust monitoring process for nightly and monthly integrations

25% - Technical support for Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation (CTTEC)

• Configure system UI, notifications and internal workflows
• Develop custom reports and dashboards

20% - System configuration in Next Generation Electronic Research Administration (Next Gen eRA)

• Create custom UI attributes and notifications
• Meet with functional stakeholders to determine user feature requirements

10% - Maintaining legacy modules

• Create custom UI attributes, notifications and workflows
• Meet with functional stakeholders to determine user feature requirements
• Upgrade system versions when necessary

10% - Data visualization and reporting

• Develop custom ETL pipelines for reporting purposes (e.g. Snowflake, Informatica)
• Develop custom reports in data visualization tool (e.g. PowerBI)

10% - Research administration systems help desk technical point person

• Work directly with help desk person to efficiently triage help desk tickets.
• Act as technical point person to determine the appropriate solution and coordinate with other team members as necessary to quickly resolve issues.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Indicate which requirements are applicable to this job
• Ability to maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations and/or individuals
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions
• Ability to pay close attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records.
• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Ability to work well with others and/or as part of a team.
• Visual acuity to perform activities such as extended use of a computer monitor, extensive reading, transcribing, analyzing data and figures, visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines, using measurement devices, and/or assembly of parts at distances close to the eye.

Decision Making:

• Decisions generally affect own job or specific functional area.

Working Conditions:

• Required to work in a normal office environment.
• Required to work normal business hours; evening and weekend work may occasionally be required

Accountability :

• Accountable for the successful completion of individual goals and priorities

Direction:

• Receives little instruction on day-to-day work and receives general instructions on new assignments.

Supervision:

• Not responsible for supervising others

Required Minimum Education:

• Bachelor's Degree

Requirements:

• Successful background check

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance