Software Engineer - CMU DataShop - School of Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and hardworking to deliver work that matters. Our extraordinary institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce talented alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university’s creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, a transformative spirit, and collaboration.

The Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) is a living laboratory where we investigate the relationship between computer technology, human activity, and society. Founded in 1993, the HCII is a place where we work to understand and build technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences. We research how people work, play, and communicate within groups, organizations, and social structures, then we design, create, and evaluate technologies and tools to support human and social activities.

About DataShop:

DataShop, led by Principal Investigator Prof. Ken Koedinger, is an educational data mining repository that provides analysis and reporting tools. It was built by the HCII at Carnegie Mellon University and is a project of the CMU Simon Initiative. One of the primary sources of data in DataShop is the Open Learning Initiative, a flagship project of the Simon Initiative providing online textbook-replacement courses.

About The Role:

As a software engineer with DataShop, you will help to maintain and grow the tools and infrastructure to support learning science researchers. You will work with a diverse team of researchers and learning engineers to maintain and extend the DataShop LearnSphere web app and facilitate data transfer from the next-generation OLI platform, Torus. We need our engineers to be knowledgeable and versatile, demonstrate leadership abilities, and be enthusiastic to take on new challenges.

Core Responsibilities:

• Virtualization Engineer: Play a pivotal role in the improvement of our current data infrastructure as we move to DataShop into the cloud. You will apply your expertise to assess, strategize, and transform these systems into production-ready assets that can adapt and grow with our evolving data requirements. Design, implement, and manage cloud-based data pipelines to efficiently process and store large volumes of data. Ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility.
• Backend Development: Develop and maintain the backend services, ensuring high performance, scalability, and reliability. Implement best practices in code structure, design patterns, and software architecture.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Work closely with research teams, staff, and others to capture requirements, provide technical expertise, and deliver solutions that meet the project’s objectives. Mentor junior staff and lead by example in adopting best practices in development.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of the latest technologies and methodologies in development and data engineering. Recommend and implement improvements to processes, tools, and systems to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within CMU. 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.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Information Systems or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 1-3 years in the virtualization of an existing Java+MySQL system.
• Expertise in Java, Python and SQL, with a solid grasp of software development
• Experience with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and building scalable and resilient cloud-native applications.
• Proven ability to take ownership of sophisticated software systems and transform them from research prototypes into production-quality solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and make strategic decisions.
• Superb communication, mentoring and collaboration skills, with a commitment to contributing to a team-oriented environment.
• Prefer five years of experience in software development, with a strong focus on system administration/architecture.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

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

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

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

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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!

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