Entry Level Educational Software Developer Jobs in Portland, ME

The University of Maine System (UMS) is seeking an Academic Computing Specialist to join our Information Technology team supporting the University of Southern Maine's Computer Science & Technology programs. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career IT professional or recent graduate who enjoys Linux, automation, programming, and emerging technologies. You'll help build and support the computing environments that faculty and students rely on for teaching, research, and software development while gaining hands-on experience with modern infrastructure and cloud technologies.

Working closely with faculty and UMS IT professionals, you'll support Linux-based systems, virtualization platforms, automation tools, and research computing environments that advance student success and innovation.

What You'll Do

• Administer and maintain Linux-based instructional and research computing environments.
• Support academic technologies including JupyterLab, JupyterHub, virtualization, and container platforms.
• Develop automation tools and scripts using technologies such as Python and Bash. 
• Assist with infrastructure automation, configuration management, and cloud-based services. 
• Partner with faculty to implement computing solutions that support teaching and research.
• Support specialized software used in computer science and STEM programs.
• Create technical documentation and provide training and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies that enhance academic computing services.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience gained through internships, undergraduate research, student employment, open-source contributions, or significant technical projects.
• Experience supporting computer hardware and software.
• Proficiency with Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS/RHEL, or similar) in a support or administrative capacity.
• Familiarity with system imaging, system administration, endpoint management, cloud technologies, virtualization, and software development.
• Knowledge of at leas one scripting or programming language, such as Python, Bash, Java, C++, or similar
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and collaborative skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds to move equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with JupyterLab, JupyterHub, Docker, Podman, Ansible, Git, GitHub, or similar technologies.
• Experience working in higher education, research, or STEM-related environments.
• Experience supporting Linux-based computer environments.

Please review the full job description for more information.

Schedule: The standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during system maintenance or academic events.

Salary: The hiring range for this position is $53,000 to $57,000 and is commensurate with training, education, and experience.

Why Join the University of Maine System?

At UMS, technology plays a critical role in advancing education, research, and public service across the state of Maine. This position offers the opportunity to lead transformational infrastructure initiatives while working with talented professionals dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and service.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Generous paid time off and holidays 
• Retirement plan with employer contributions 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Flexible remote work environment with occasional travel to campuses across Maine 
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on higher education throughout the state

Apply Today

Materials must be submitted via "Apply Now" below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following: 

1. A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position. 
2. A resume/curriculum vitae.

Important items to know about the recruitment process:

• Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, applications need to be submitted by July 27, 2026.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in and reside in the United States. Please Note: We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship now or in the future.

EEO Statement

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

About the University of Maine System
The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS and the state of Maine.
Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website.