Applications Developer, Platform & Data

The role of the Applications Developer, Platform & Data is to build and maintain components of the Firm's architectural foundation under the direction of the Solutions Architect, with a primary focus on the data platform that supports the Firm's enterprise architecture and AI initiatives. The role spans data infrastructure, integrations, security primitives, and internal platform components, including data pipelines and ETL/ELT processes, MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and AI integrations, and key vaults and secrets management. By implementing and maintaining this foundational layer, the Applications Developer, Platform & Data enables the Firm's applications specialist and architectural leadership to focus on solution delivery, strategic direction, and innovation.

The ideal candidate has a solid mix of data engineering, software engineering, integration development, and cloud platform skills, with particular emphasis on building durable, secure, well-tested infrastructure. Mid-level programming experience in C#, .NET, Python, TypeScript, or JavaScript is required, along with experience in Microsoft SQL Server and T-SQL, REST and SOAP web services, Git-based version control, continuous integration and continuous delivery, and automated testing. Experience with OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and secrets management (Azure Key Vault or similar) is required, as is comfort with Microsoft Azure and automation scripting. A working understanding of generative AI, large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and Model Context Protocol is expected, and experience building MCP servers, RAG pipelines, or custom machine learning models is preferred. IIS hosting experience, Microsoft Graph API/Microsoft 365 development experience, and familiarity with legal industry systems (NetDocuments, iManage, Intapp, Elite 3E) are preferred but not required.

A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is preferred; extensive relevant work experience may substitute for the degree requirement. Candidates should have demonstrated experience building and maintaining software solutions, integrations, and platform components, with strong technical problem-solving skills and a dedication to building durable, well-tested infrastructure. The ability to work effectively under architectural direction with minimal task-level supervision, strong asynchronous communication and documentation discipline, and prior experience working in a professional services organization are preferred.

Pulled from the full job description

• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off, * 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ward and Smith, P.A. is a growing full-service law firm with multiple offices throughout the Carolinas. We pride ourselves in providing quality services to our clients through a culture of teamwork and collegiality. We are seeking an Applications Developer, Platform & Data to join our Information Technology team.