> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1772203-staff-software-engineer-site-reliability](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1772203-staff-software-engineer-site-reliability). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Staff Software Engineer - Site Reliability

- **Company:** Western Governors University
- **Location:** Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- **Salary:** $161,000.0 - $249,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Amazon Web Services, Interactive Voice Response, VoIP, Software as a Service, Cloud Computing, Computer Telephony Integration, Software Design Patterns, Fault Tolerance, Design of User Interfaces, Spring Framework, Object-Oriented Software Development, Reliability Engineering, Angular 2+, Salesforce.Com, Software Engineering, Software Systems, SQL Databases, Strategies of Testing, Web Applications, Web Services, Spring-boot, Git, Information Technology, Restful APIs
- **Published:** July 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://wgu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Salt-Lake-City-UT/Staff-Software-Engineer---Site-Reliability_JR-025584

## About the Role

Complexity, Security, and basic system understanding. Ability to employ the tools and techniques related to an engineering discipline, such as database management, user interface development, inter-process communications, etc. Ability to create designs that can be realized in code that achieve functional and non-functional requirements of the system. Appropriately uses design patterns, system decomposition, security, and fault tolerance. A demonstrated capability in one or more design methodologies, such as Object-oriented design, Function-oriented design, data centered design and the notations appropriate for each. Ability to understand differences, strengths and weaknesses of various Software Development Life Cycle models, and practical considerations of options Understands implications of Software as a Service in the creation of software systems. Thinks of and designs for scale, reliability, and cost in a public cloud environment. Uses data and metrics to
analyze Key Performance Indicators. Ability to explain the basic value of a system and subsystems to users and how the various subsystems inter-operate to provide features. Able to act as a partner with Operations in solving platform problems at a system level. Knows what the system can and cannot do. Ability to demonstrate a sense of urgency when looking for solutions to problems Understands the general higher education landscape, particularly with on-line higher education, including competitive landscape, opportunities, and feature gaps. Ability to identify innovative ideas or technologies that represent opportunities to advance the capabilities of the university education platform, our efficiencies in improving out platform, or both. Can leverage change management processes to drive adoption. Ability to make the team stronger and more cohesive Strong communication skills with the ability to engage others at the right level at the right time. Communicates
effectively in group settings by knowing audience, listening effectively, and being responsive. Presents solutions not just problems and effectively manages expectations. Ability to identify, mitigate, or avoid risks and works closely with leads or managers to make sure that such risks and dependencies are understood, accounted, and planned for through an appropriate strategy. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field 10 years of experience in software development; pioneering new approaches and technologies in engineering Experience in web-based applications and web services such as Java, REST, SQL, GIT, and other technologies, including experience integrating third-party products Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education
and is the discretion of the hiring manager. Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree or PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field Technical experience in any of the following: GIT, SQL, Spring, Spring boot, Java, Angular 2 or later and AWS Services Experience with salesforce development lifecycle techniques and salesforce governor limits Experience with cloud-based telephony, CTI, SIP/VoIP phones and protocols, QoS, IVRs, and call recording Experience architecting, implementing, and managing enterprise-level contact center solutions Experience with distance education and distance learning students Technical Certifications Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other
responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require. This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

## Description

The Staff Software Engineer is a position of technical expertise, influence, and leadership in the technology realm. The position will be required to apply their expert knowledge to ensure best practices and well-engineered architecture across the department. They will also be a key stakeholder and initiator of major changes to processes, engineering practices, and system administration. This position will be required to work in a space of solving critical issues and initiatives across multiple teams. It will require an extensive and deep understanding of cutting-edge practices and innovative approaches to problems. Principal Software Engineers are also tasked with establishing and maintaining a positive and productive culture based on the WGU Leadership Principles., advance, finds multiple solutions, and recommends the preferred solution to teams and to management. Speaks authoritatively and accurately with respect to questions related to their area of ownership or for the platform, as a whole. Actively improves operational excellence measured by availability of the platform to students, faculty, and staff. Applies strategies and tools to plan and execute testing strategies to find the 'sweet spot' that maximizes quality while minimizing costs. Demonstrates the 'good enough' principle that balances quality and time to implement. Understands implications of functional and non-functional requirements on the system. Identifies deficiencies in requirements and works with product owners to provide alternatives. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. KSAs Expert understanding of the processes associated with software development, including Planning, Measurement, Coding, Testing, Reuse, Tools, Abstraction, Algorithms and


## Related Videos

- [Why Great Developers Stay Poor](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100102-why-great-developers-stay-poor)
- [Getting under the skin: The Social Engineering techniques](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/38-getting-under-the-skin-the-social-engineering-techniques)
- [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94)
- [Psychological Safety in Software Engineering - Jenny-Margrethe Vej & Alexandra Hou Aldershaab](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2142-psychological-safety-in-software-engineering-jenny-margrethe-vej-alexandra-hou-aldershaab)
- [Making Teaching Code Less Academic and More Market-Ready - Peter Ruppel](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1911-making-teaching-code-less-academic-and-more-market-ready-peter-ruppel)
- [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews)

## Related Articles

- [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)
- [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)
- [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)
- [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)