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, PAJob Function
Software/Applications Development/EngineeringPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore 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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- 1-3 years software development, systems analysis, or application support
- Programming in C#, JavaScript, Python or Java
- Developing web applications with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS
- Creating efficient SQL queries against relational databases
- Experience with cloud-native data management / ETL tools (e.g., Informatica, Snowflake)
- Debugging and optimizing system performance in SaaS environments
- Supporting live/production systems and incident resolution (e.g., ServiceNow)
- Experience with version control systems (GitLab, GitHub)
- Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation and system design docs
- Experience with SDLC methodologies (Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall)
- Experience building reports and visualizations (e.g., Power BI)
- Experience in higher education, research administration systems, or academic IT environments
- Successful background check
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.






