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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Phd Software Engineer information

See Utah salary details

$57.8K

$134.3K

$187.1K

How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd software engineer in Utah is $134,301.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,200.00 and $157,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer is a professional who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree specializing in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and works in designing, developing, and optimizing software systems. They often engage in advanced research, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex technical problems. Their expertise is typically utilized in roles that require deep technical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to push the boundaries of current technology. PhD Software Engineers are commonly found in academia, research institutions, and leading technology companies.

What does a PhD software engineer do?

As a PhD Software Engineer, you are often entrusted with tackling complex problems and leading research-driven projects that require advanced analytical and technical skills. Your daily work may involve designing novel algorithms, conducting experiments, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists and product managers. Additionally, you might mentor junior engineers and help shape the technical direction of your team. This role leverages your research background to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical software solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer requires advanced programming expertise, strong analytical and research skills, and typically a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized programming languages, version control systems like Git, and experience with research-oriented software tools are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help bridge the gap between research and practical application. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, translating complex theories into scalable solutions, and contributing to cutting-edge technology projects.

What cities in Utah are hiring for Phd Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Phd Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,301 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Software Development Engineers

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 09/04/2026 Requisition Number PRN46143B Job Title Software Development Engineers Working Title Software Development Engineer Career Progression Track P00 Track Level P2 - Developing, P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Computer Employee Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00810 - Scient Comp & Imag Instit-Oper Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range Software Dev Eng I- $50,000 to $75,000 Software Dev Eng II- $60,000 to $87,000 Close Date 11/05/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The SCI Institute
The SCI Institute is a world-class research institute located within the new Warnock Engineering Building on the University of Utah campus. We are a highly dynamic, driven group of over 170 faculty, staff, and students. The overarching goals of the SCI Institute's scientific computing research are to create new techniques, tools, and systems, by which scientists may solve problems affecting various aspects of human life. We believe that to advance the state-of-the-art and create meaningful computational solutions for such complex systems, one needs to advance research in a number of areas within scientific computing, including: visualization, simulation, and modeling. The SCI Institute presents a highly challenging, collaborative work environment that can be deeply rewarding for the right individual. Further information is available at http://www.sci.utah.edu/.
We are seeking multiple Software Development Engineers with experience and interest in state-of-the-art AI technologies, data science, and research software engineering. These positions offer the opportunity to work in a world-renowned research institute alongside faculty, software engineers, PhD students, and PostDocs on the development of cutting-edge AI-ready/agentic infrastructure and data systems.
The Software Development Engineer I/II designs, develops, tests, deploys, and maintains software applications, platforms, and services that support advanced research, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data infrastructure initiatives. This position contributes to the development of scalable, secure, and reliable software solutions that enable AI-driven innovation, data integration, scientific workflows, and emerging technology adoption.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Software Development Engineer participates in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including requirements gathering, system design, development, testing, deployment, documentation, and ongoing support. The position collaborates with researchers, scientists, technical staff, government partners, and industry collaborators to develop software solutions that support initiatives, including the NSF-funded SAFE-AI (Sandbox for Accelerated Feedback and Experimentation for AI Innovation), and National Data Platform (NDP). This will include development and support of secure AI experimentation environments, cloud-native applications, federated data platforms, high-performance computing integrations, and AI-enabled research ecosystems.
A Software Development Engineer I works under general supervision while building foundational software engineering skills and contributing to project deliverables. A Software Development Engineer II demonstrates increased technical proficiency, contributes to system architecture and design decisions, and independently leads components of software development projects.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities
Software Design and Development
  • Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications, services, APIs, databases, and cloud-based systems.
  • Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, technical design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
  • Develop scalable and reliable solutions that support AI, machine learning, data science, cloud computing, and research computing initiatives.
  • Create technical specifications, design documents, and implementation plans based on project requirements and stakeholder needs.
  • Support the development of web applications, middleware, data pipelines, and integrated software platforms.

Cloud, Data, and Infrastructure Engineering
  • Develop and maintain cloud-native solutions using modern cloud platforms and services.
  • Design and implement integrations between distributed data repositories, computing resources, and software services.
  • Contribute to secure, auditable, and scalable environments for AI experimentation, validation, and deployment.
  • Build and maintain APIs, microservices, and data exchange mechanisms that support interoperability across systems.
  • Assist with managing application performance, reliability, security, and scalability.

Research and Emerging Technology Support
  • Collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts to prototype and implement innovative software solutions.
  • Support projects involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, data platforms, scientific workflows, and advanced computing technologies. 
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, frameworks, and development approaches.
  • Participate in proof-of-concept development, pilot projects, and technology demonstrations.
  • Contribute to the creation of reusable software components and platform capabilities.

Quality Assurance and Support
  • Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve software defects and performance issues.
  • Perform unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and debugging activities.
  • Review and refactor code to improve maintainability, efficiency, and reliability.
  • Monitor deployed applications and support ongoing operational needs.
  • Ensure software solutions adhere to security, privacy, compliance, and organizational standards.

Collaboration and Documentation
  • Work closely with technical and non-technical stakeholders to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical solutions.
  • Document software architecture, code, deployment procedures, and operational processes.
  • Participate in code reviews and knowledge-sharing activities.
  • Support project planning, sprint activities, and Agile development practices.
  • Communicate technical concepts and project status effectively to diverse audiences.

Additional Responsibilities for Software Development Engineer II
  • Lead technical design and implementation of application components and services.
  • Mentor junior developers and provide guidance on software engineering best practices.
  • Contribute to architectural decisions, technical standards, and development methodologies.
  • Independently manage development tasks and deliverables for complex projects.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Software Development Engineer, I: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of software engineering principles and development methodologies.
  • Programming experience in one or more modern languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, Go, or similar.
  • Understanding of database concepts, APIs, and modern web technologies.
  • Familiarity with source control systems such as Git.
  • Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts and distributed systems.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and debug software issues.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Software Development Engineer, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, Go, or similar.
  • Experience developing cloud-native applications and services.
  • Experience with databases, APIs, and distributed software architectures.
  • Knowledge of software testing, debugging, performance optimization, and security practices.
  • Experience using version control, CI/CD pipelines, and modern development workflows.
  • Ability to independently analyze requirements and deliver technical solutions.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with researchers, technical teams, and external stakeholders.

Preferences
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, or data science applications.
  • Experience with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, or other cloud environments.
  • Experience building data platforms, data pipelines, or federated data systems.
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Experience supporting scientific computing, research computing, or high-performance computing environments.
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity, privacy, compliance, or regulated technology environments.
  • Experience developing RESTful APIs, microservices, and distributed applications.
  • Experience contributing to open-source software projects.
  • Knowledge of DevOps practices, infrastructure as code, and automated deployment pipelines.
  • Experience working in collaborative environments involving academia, government, industry, or research organizations.

Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including t...

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US