The posting
ABOUT US
Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application.
If you are an experienced technical professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Senior Software Developer
RESPONSIBILITIES
Our senior software developer position reports to our Senior Director of Software Development and is part of a team of developers designing and developing both web-based and mobile software products for Common App. Our Developers work in a team environment to assist in software architecture design and to implement high-quality software products that meet the needs of the Common App community. This position plans, develops, modifies, and tests software components using .NET technologies within an Amazon Web Service and Agile development environment to create new products and enhance existing software systems. Our software developers also assist in managing the production system to ensure quality in support of the end-user experience and will serve as mentors or provide direct guidance to other Software Developers.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
This role requires:
- Candidates must live in the United States.
- Hybrid Work & Travel: Employees can live anywhere in the US or its territories, with the willingness and ability to travel for periodic in-person events—including semi-annual Common App retreats, department retreats, and strategic leadership sessions.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5-8 years of experience in software development
- Proficient in Angular.js 2+, Typescript, Microsoft .Net Core 2.0+, C#, Visual Studio IDE, ORM, HTML5, and CSS3, Micro Service Oriented Architecture using Web API.
- Proficient in managing state in Angular 2+ Applications.
- Proficient in SQL queries and stored procedures.
- Proficient in all components of the development process, including Code repository (GitHub) and branching strategy, Code review, Coding standards, Code deployment.
- Expected to evaluate and make recommendations based on complex Proof of Concepts, including feasibility, risk, and scalability considerations.
- Understanding of OWASP Top 10 security vulnerabilities and secure coding practices.
- Strong communication (verbal and written) and team collaboration skills.
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
- In partnership with leadership and HR, ensuring equitable practices and experiences to strengthen inclusion acumen, and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging that embraces the contributions of all team members.
- Actively participate in cross-organizational working groups and activities to support the development and maintenance of Common App culture.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- AWS Cloud Services like DynamoDB, ElasticCache, S3, Lambda, Bedrock, SageMaker, and Amazon Quick (including QuickSight).
- Proficient in managing state in Angular 2+ Applications using NGRX.
- Mobile hybrid frameworks like Ionic.
- CI/CD automation cloud experience.
- Proficient in building or integrating data science / machine learning / early GenAI solutions from prototype through validated POC, including iterative experimentation.
- Proficient in common GenAI patterns such as prompt design, embeddings, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and structured outputs/tool use.
- Understanding of AI-specific quality and security risks (e.g., hallucinations, prompt injection, data leakage) and approaches for mitigation and evaluation, including basic observability practices (logging/metrics/monitoring) for prototypes and experiments.
- .NET or AWS certification; relevant AI/ML coursework, training, or certification.
- A passion for higher education is a plus.
PAY RANGE
- $115,000 - $125,000
Benefits
Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:
- Work-Life balance
- Virtual-first office
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Seven company-wide holidays
- Nine floating holidays*
- Sick leave
- Monthly mental health day
*floating holidays prorated depending on start date
- Virtual-first support
- Choice of PC of MAC laptop
- May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
- One-time office set-up stipend
- Monthly remote work stipend
- Monthly mobile stipend
- Financial security
- Market-based salaries
- Performance-based bonus
- 403(b) retirement plan
- 5% company contribution
- additional 5% company match
- 3-year vesting schedule
- Participation may begin immediately
- Health & wellness
- Choice of two health insurance plans
- Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
- Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
- Company provided life and ad&d insurance
- Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
- Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
- Career development
- Budgeted annual funds for professional development
- Growth opportunities within the company
- Additional perks
- Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
- Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
- Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
- Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
- 1Password family account
We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.
HOW DO I APPLY
To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.
PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:
During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:
- Provide a job offer without an interview
- Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
- Request banking or credit card information
- Direct you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation
As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.
If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.
