Senior JAVA Developer

The Senior JAVA Developer position reports to the Manager, IT Applications, Medicaid/CHIP Systems (IT-MCS) and performs advanced computer programming work for enterprise-level applications in a Java/J2EE and Oracle environment. The position works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, and is responsible for highly complex coding, testing, debugging, enhancement, maintenance, and troubleshooting of applications based on system requirements.

The successful candidate will have hands-on experience developing, modernizing, and supporting complex applications and will use tools and technologies such as Java, J2EE, Web Services, Java Server Pages, Hibernate, JPA, JSON, XML, Angular, PrimeNG, Okta SDK, Spring Framework, Spring Boot, HTML5, Bootstrap, JBoss/WebSphere Application Server, Oracle, SQL, PL/SQL, JIRA, Rational Suite, IntelliJ, VS Code, SQL Developer, PLSQL Developer, Swagger, Jenkins, GitHub Copilot and/or other similar tools and technologies to design, develop, test, document, and troubleshoot application solutions.

The candidate must be able to process technical information logically, prepare program specifications, communicate effectively with technical and business stakeholders, work independently with limited direction, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines while supporting critical agency systems. The position may provide guidance, training, and coordination for less experienced programming staff as assigned. The candidate must have scheduling flexibility and be willing to work periodically after hours to support critical system updates and manage batch processes. Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Performs advanced computer programming work by coding, testing, debugging, modifying, and maintaining highly complex applications in accordance with system requirements, approved specifications, and agency development standards. Develops and executes application tests, troubleshoots defects, prepares technical documentation, and coordinates instructions or manuals for production runs and end users. Analyzes proposed applications in terms of system requirements, equipment needs, technical feasibility, and operational capabilities. (40%)
2. Provides senior-level technical support and analysis for programming activities, including business process analysis, system design support, application interfaces, automation opportunities, and production support. Coordinates research and recommendations to improve application performance, reliability, security, and maintainability. Serves as a senior programming resource for advanced computer system technology and recommends improvements to software, hardware, tools, and development practices. (20%)
3. Participates in system design, planning, implementation, modernization, customer service, and production support for custom and prepackaged software systems, existing production and development applications, and statewide or interagency interfaces. Works independently with significant latitude to identify, define, and implement enhancements required to support existing and emerging applications. (15%)
4. Coordinates programming activities by contributing to work plans, schedules, estimates, assignments, code reviews, and technical deliverables. Collaborates with business analysts, project managers, subject matter experts, and application development staff to ensure conceptual, design, development, testing, and deployment activities align with agency standards and approved development methodologies. Assists in developing standards, procedures, and technical guidance for programming staff. (10%)
5. Supports agency business policies, procedures, and standardization efforts by communicating with customers, project managers, technical teams, and subject matter experts to resolve issues, address risks, and promote adherence to sound programming, testing, documentation, accessibility, and production support practices. Provides guidance, knowledge transfer, and support to less experienced personnel as needed. (10%)
6. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of programming and systems analysis; computer operations procedures and systems; and computer programming languages. Knowledge of building and supporting applications, running in a highly distributed manner. Knowledge of multi-tier system development. Knowledge of the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, of the techniques used in the design of non-automated systems, of applicable programming languages, computer operating systems and the writing quality program code. Knowledge of the lifecycle phases of software development including scope and proposal, estimations, analysis, design, and software construction. Knowledge of the common design practices/standards associated with compliance to application accessibility (i.e.508, JAWS etc). Skill in problem solving, critical thinking, computer programming, using hardware and software, and modifying or developing software for applications using technologies such as Java, J2EE, Web Services, Java Server Pages, Hibernate, JPA, JSON, XML, Angular, Spring Framework, Spring Boot, HTML5, Bootstrap, JBoss/WebSphere, Oracle, SQL, PL/SQL, and related development tools. Skill in applying industry accepted software engineering concepts including a software development life cycle (SDLC) methodology comparable to the standard SDLC used by HHSC IT. Skill in coding, testing, debugging, troubleshooting, documenting, and maintaining highly complex application software in accordance with business requirements, program specifications, and agency standards. Skill communicating with varied levels of staff and end users to develop positive effective working relationships and to establish credibility, trust, and confidence. Ability to process information logically; design program and system logic; prepare program specifications; code, test, and debug software; interpret technical information related to programming and other areas of data processing; and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to coordinate programming activities, support project schedules and deliverables, provide technical guidance and knowledge transfer, and oversee the work of others. Ability to work independently under minimal supervision, exercise initiative and independent judgment, manage multiple priorities, respond quickly in a complex organizational environment, and meet deadlines while supporting critical systems. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A Initial Screening Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, or a related field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis. Five (5) or more years’ experience in programming with Java/J2EE and Web Services.