Entry Level Software Development Jobs in Austin, TX

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.
Core Values: 
 We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students. 
 We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
 We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
 We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

New hires, re-hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

About Office of IT

The Office of Information Technology works closely with all agency divisions to implement innovative technology solutions in a cost-efficient manner that supports the goals and priorities of the Texas Education Agency. The Office of IT provides efficient technology solutions and stellar customer services to internal staff, 20 Educational Service Centers, and 1,200-plus public-school districts and charter schools. The following services are provided by IT: leadership on IT initiatives; guidance on security/policy issues; new application development/enhancements; software acquisition; technical support; assistance with technical sections of purchasing documents such as Request for Information (RFI), Request for Offers (RFO), Request for Proposals (RFP); and oversight on the data collection process which helps to support and improve outcomes for all of Texas' 5 million-plus students.

Position Overview

The role entails serving as a Java Developer to design, develop, and maintain highquality, scalable software solutions that support businesscritical applications; collaborating with crossfunctional teams to translate requirements into reliable technical designs; writing clean and efficient Java code; and contributing to the full software development lifecycle-from analysis and implementation to testing, deployment, and ongoing support. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detailoriented, and motivated to continuously improve systems, code quality, and development practices. It is essential to establish and adhere to best practices for user support and planned changes, collaborating with other IT support groups as required.

Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.  

Essential Functions 
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Software Design and Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain highquality, scalable Java applications that support businesscritical systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and maintainability.

2. Collaboration and Requirements Translation: Collaborate with crossfunctional teams, including business analysts, architects, and IT support groups to analyze requirements and translate them into reliable technical designs and solutions.

3. Code Quality, Lifecycle Contribution and Operational Support: Write clean, efficient, and welldocumented Java code while actively contributing to all phases of the software development lifecycle, including analysis, implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing support;  Establish, follow, and continuously improve best practices for user support, change management, and planned releases, working closely with other IT support teams as needed to ensure stable and effective system operations.

4. Documentation: Create and maintain clear, accurate technical documentation for applications, system designs, APIs, and operational procedures to support maintainability, knowledge sharing, and effective collaboration across development and IT support teams.

5. Ensure compliance with Security & Change Control Policy: Adheres to the security compliance standards set by the agency, managing the creation, distribution, change, and maintenance of information.
 

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university 
Degree field(s): Computer science or Information technology        
Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in Java programming and (4) years of IBM IAM related app development
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

Other Qualifications

Familiarity with IBM security tools and technologies, including IBM Security Verify Identity Access (IVIA), IBM Verify Identity Governance (IVIG), and IBM Security Verify Directory (ISVD)
Familiarity with IBM DB2 or other relational database management systems
Familiarity with IBM WAS traditional and Liberty
Working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and standard software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices
Prior experience in securityrelated application development
Prior experience with other program languages (.Net and JavaScript) and frameworks(React and Vue)
Familiarity with AI tools and technologies, with the ability to apply them to improve productivity, analysis, or decisionmaking.
Excellent written skills, with the ability to create clear, accurate technical documentation for applications, system designs, APIs, and operational procedures
Strong problemsolving and analytical skills, with proficiency using analytical tools and techniques
Prior experience with middleware platforms, container technologies, and container orchestration tools
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including effective collaboration and negotiation abilities
Selfmotivated, capable of working independently, and proactive in taking initiative
Ability to multitask effectively and adapt in a fastpaced environment

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.

To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State's Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military "occupational category" that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Employment at TEA page.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.