Software Engineer, Sr I

Senior Software Engineer

Hybrid – Phoenix, AZ

The Opportunity:

This role focuses on the Blackboard LMS, where we pride ourselves on creating well-designed web and mobile solutions to support learners, instructors, and administrators. Blackboard enables learners and instructors to access online educational experiences anytime, anywhere. Our technology helps instructors breathe life into educational content, brings efficiency to day-to-day tasks, and provides tools to engage and assess every learner. We help motivate learners by promoting collaboration, communication, and connections with their peers and instructors.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Working as a full-stack developer on an agile team, contributing to planning and independently driving execution.
• Participating in hands-on technical design, coding, and implementation of product features and improvements, from approach through delivery.
• Enhancing and supporting existing cloud-based products.
• Resolving the unique challenges of delivering and maintaining cloud-based software, including diagnosing root causes in live production environments, minimizing downtime, and resolving client-reported issues.
• Proactively communicating progress to management and stakeholders and raising risks and issues in a timely manner.
• Building and applying broad and deep knowledge of existing software architecture to inform technical decisions.
• Mentoring junior team members and advising them on technical approaches.
• Collaborating with cross-functional team to solve challenging technical problems, evaluate options, and recommend innovative solutions.
• Applying and upholding coding and testing best practices to deliver scalable, high-quality software on time.
• Applying AI technology and frameworks to enhance the quality and efficiency of the features and fixes delivered continuously to our customers.

The Candidate:

Required skills/qualifications:

• Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience with web application development.
• Knowledge of modern front-end frameworks and libraries (TypeScript/JavaScript) such as React, Redux, and Angular.
• Strong experience designing, writing, and deploying scalable software using infrastructure as code.
• Exceptional object-oriented design and Java coding skills combined with knowledge of both SQL and NoSQL database design and integration.
• Experience in AI-assisted, spec-driven development environments, leveraging AI coding tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot.
• Deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and algorithm analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to apply appropriate software design patterns and identify performance anti-patterns.
• Experience with cloud-based IaaS solutions (AWS preferred) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
• Knowledge of microservices architecture and distributed architecture principles.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Quick learner with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience writing unit, integration, acceptance, and end-to-end tests.
• Ability to work with a team of engineers on cross-functional agile projects.
• Experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and demonstrated proficiency with API concepts and design.
• Fluency in written and spoken English at CEFR B2 level or above.

Pay range is $115,700–$120,000/year depending on experience. We use national and industry-specific survey data to assist in determining compensation. Additionally, we consider factors such as external market rate, budget for the role, and the compensation rates of current employees performing the same function. Some roles will have variable pay.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Blackboard is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, protected military/veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.