Interactive Software Engineer

Who We Are:

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. The Edward M. Kennedy Institutes has an exciting opportunity in our IT department. The EMK Institute is seeking an experienced Interactive Software Engineer.

Position Summary:

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s IT team is focused on delivering an amazing visitor and staff experience. As an Interactive Software Engineer, you will be part of a small IT team updating existing code and creating new exhibits at the Institute. We will leverage our investment in technology to deliver engaging and interactive digital experiences to inspire the next generation of citizens and leaders.

Our exhibits and actor-based concurrent web applications are written in JavaScript with Scala, AKKA and Play frameworks with a MEAN stack. We use Play as the Java web gateway framework for web services with Scala used in portions. You must have solid experience and knowledge in Javascript, Scala, AKKA and Play frameworks. The Interactive Software Engineer is responsible for leading architecture of web applications, implementing and integrating APIs and service layers, and contributing to company exhibit R&D program. You will support our exhibits and actor-based concurrent web applications which are written in JavaScript with Scala, AKKA and Play frameworks with a MEAN stack. The ideal candidate will have solid experience and knowledge in Javascript, Scala, AKKA and Play frameworks. Understanding and appreciation of adaptive development methods (agile and lean) is very useful. Other mainstream web programming skills needed include facility with CSS variants and HTML5.

This position requires technical acumen, customer focus and a personable, professional and collaborative working style to help solve any range of issues. The focus of this position will be on the exhibit technology and interrelationships with the public website when applicable. A desire to help colleagues across the Institute is a key skill.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Create and support applications in Akka/Scala/Play/JavaScript
• Define and Implement HTTP/HTTPS-based architectures
• Develop exhibit and actor-based concurrent web applications
• Collaborate with the Institute teams to deliver high-quality, test-driven applications
• Work with Institute teams to define and implement user experience, new system architecture, and incorporate performance metrics
• Deploy to PaaS environments (AWS, Google App Engine, Heroku, etc.)
• Deploy to Dev and Production environments using Jenkins and other technologies
• Understand and use classic application design patterns
• Code with clarity; encourage and promote simplicity
• Must be able to think strategically and share insights with clients and team

Qualifications

• College degree or equivalent work experience preferably in computer science, engineering, or related field
• Experience leading project implementations (small or large scale)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrable relevant project experience
• Familiarity with GitHub for version control.
• Excellent skills and thought leadership in at least one preferably more of the languages and frameworks listed above

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Possesses the personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to the EMK Institute's mission
• Interest and/or experience in promoting civic engagement and education about history and function of the United States Senate;
• Demonstrated flexibility and efficiency while working under pressure with a diverse group of individuals.
• Possesses the personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to the EMK Institute's mission
• Excellent project management and research skills (task prioritization by deadline, task delivery under pressured deadlines and parallel priorities)
• Write and review tests for your own and of our team’s work
• Treat every project like it’s your own.
• Meticulous, organized, efficient and professional standards for all task execution
• Other duties as assigned

How to apply

Please email resume and cover letter to [email protected], with the title "Interactive Software Engineer” in the subject line. Please, no phone calls. EMK does not retain external search firms. No solicitation calls will be entertained.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for The United States Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.