Lead Software Engineer, LMS
American Public Education Inc.

The Lead Software Engineer is a critical role in leading the design, development, support, and maintenance of web-based applications using an Learning Management System (LMS) platform, preferably BrightSpace and/or Anthology Blackboard.

In this role, the Lead Software Engineer will have experience in leading projects, solution design, prototyping, development, testing, and deployments with LMS and supporting application platforms. She/he will collaborate with integration and classroom support SMEs to improve the classroom experience for students and faculty.

The Lead Software Engineer will provide technical thought leadership and hands-on solutions design and project delivery that may include custom/COTS applications, on-premises/Cloud, PCI/PII, and mobile/API-led constructs that compass reliability, scalability, and security for a 24x7 enterprise. She/he will have broad experience and deep understanding of application development with .Net and Java based technologies, service-oriented architecture and integration, SDLC practices, and Cloud platforms. This candidate will possess excellent leadership skills, ability to influence stakeholders, and hands-on practice of enterprise LMS principles, both on-premises and Cloud.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of custom plugins, integrations, and features for the Brightspace and/or Anthology Blackboard LMS platform using a variety of programming languages (e.g., Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS).
• Collaborate with instructional designers and subject matter experts to develop and implement effective e-learning solutions that meet the needs of various audiences.
• Integrate Brightspace/Anthology with other systems and applications, including Boomi, using APIs and other integration technologies.
• Conduct prototyping, integration testing, performance optimization, and scalability testing for LMS applications.
• Ensure the security and compliance of LMS applications, including change management and vendor management processes.
• Develop technical specifications, system architecture, and deployment plans for LMS operations and new initiatives.
• Apply solution design methodologies and best practices to develop and implement innovative and effective e-learning solutions.
• Conduct research on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in e-learning and apply them to enhance the LMS platform.
• Lead and support ADA and Digital Accessibility initiatives.
• Analyze and decompose complex problems into potential technical solutions for LMS applications.
• Participate in project planning, estimation, and documentation efforts as needed.
• Recommends business processes and design options to optimize technical solutions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• In-depth experience developing custom plugins, integrations, and features for the Brightspace and/or Anthology Blackboard LMS platform, including leveraging APIs and other integration technologies.
• Familiarity with Brightspace SDK, including access to Brightspace APIs, client libraries, tools, samples, and walkthroughs
• Knowledge of Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standards
• Strong proficiency in programming languages commonly used in web development, such as Java, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
• Expertise in integrating LMS with other systems and applications, such as CRM systems, student information systems, and payment processing systems, using REST APIs, SOAP APIs, and other integration technologies.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles and e-learning best practices, and experience implementing these principles to design and develop effective e-learning solutions.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and debug complex technical issues related to the LMS platform and integrations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including instructional designers, subject matter experts, and project managers, using agile development methodologies and best practices.
• Ability to follow Web accessibility (Section 508 and Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)) standards.
• Experience with integration platforms, APIs, and the ability to design and develop custom integration solutions to meet specific business requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of SQL and relational database management systems (RDBMS), such as SQL Server, MySQL, or Oracle, and expertise in writing complex SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data
• Expertise in database design and normalization principles, as well as database performance tuning and optimization techniques
• Familiarity with database administration tasks, such as backup and recovery, monitoring, and maintenance, and experience implementing these tasks in a production environment.
• Understanding of data warehousing concepts and techniques, such as ETL processes and dimensional modeling, and experience designing and developing custom reports and dashboards using SQL and reporting tools, such as Power BI
• Expertise in security and authentication protocols for integrations, such as OAuth 2.0 and SAML
• Minimum of 8+ years overall IT experience and 4+ in full-stack web development using Java, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, creating and consuming RESTful, OData and SOAP based Web Services, JavaScript Object Notification (JSON), XML, and interface design.
• 3+ years of experience developing custom plugins, integrations, APIs, SQL, and features for the Brightspace and/or Anthology Blackboard platform.
• Solution design and development lead role experience is a must.
• Experience developing utilizing DevOps/Agile SDLC, Testing, and CI/CD required.
• Demonstrated listening, analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or lead teams/projects and cross-functionally, including in high-pressure situations
• Methodical, organized and detail oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

*Please note that you may be asked to provide your Web portfolio in addition to your application and resume.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

About Us:

Online, on campus and in the workplace, we provide higher education and training to our country's heroes - military service members, veterans, nurses, government employees, and motivated professionals that want to make a difference. American Public Education, Inc. educates service-minded students, ranging from the military, public service, federal agencies, and nursing communities, through American Public University System (APUS), Hondros College of Nursing (HCON), Rasmussen University and Graduate School USA (GSUSA).

It is the policy of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons. We treat all qualified individuals equally as to their recruitment, hiring, assignments, advancements, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment. American Public Education, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Colorado, California, Washington and NYC Pay Transparency Statement

If you are a resident of Colorado, California, Washington or New York City and this role is available remotely, you may be eligible to receive additional information about the compensation and benefits for this role, which we will provide upon request. Please send an email to