Entry Level Software Developer Jobs in Chester, PA

The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia's businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city's technology assets and the return on the city's technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.

The Associate Software Engineer - Data & Integrations supports the development, maintenance, and operation of software solutions that manage and move data across the Philadelphia Department of Prisons' systems. This entry-level engineering role is designed for candidates early in their careers who are eager to learn, contribute, and grow within a hands-on, operational environment.

This position focuses on working with data-driven applications, system integrations, and automation tasks, including writing and modifying SQL queries, consuming external and internal APIs, and supporting data flows between systems. The Associate Software Engineer works collaboratively with senior engineers while also supporting a mix of planned development work and operational requests, including systems that operate in production environments under established change and review processes.

Work is performed onsite and requires attention to details, data integrity, documentation, and security. This role provides meaningful exposure to real production systems while offering mentorship, review, and opportunities for technical growth.

Essential Functions

• Write, modify, and maintain SQL queries and database objects to support applications, integrations, and reporting
• Consume and integrate data from internal and external APIs, handling structured data formats such as JSON or XML
• Support data flows and system integrations between departmental applications and enterprise platforms
• Assist with automation and scripting tasks to improve operational efficiency
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving data-related or application issues in operational systems
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams on development tasks and system improvements
• Support applications and services running in production environments under established change-management processes
• Maintain clear and accurate technical documentation for code, data flows, and integrations
• Participate in testing, validation, and deployment activities as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
  OR
  Completion of a relevant technical certificate program, military technical training, or equivalent practical experience
• Foundational knowledge of SQL and relational database concepts
• Basic understanding of how applications exchange data through APIs

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Foundational understanding of relational databases and SQL
• Basic understanding of software development concepts and data-driven applications
• Familiarity with consuming APIs and working with structured data formats
• Ability to learn new tools, languages, and systems quickly
• Ability to work collaboratively while also managing individual tasks independently
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail, especially when working with production data
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Salary Range: $65,000-$72,000

Salary cannot exceed $72,000

All applications must include a cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will be considered incomplete. 

Did you know?
We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer : 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Generous retirement savings options are available

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race,
ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website:
http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx