Software Development Apprentice Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. This position is based at 1411 Brazos Street, Austin in the Information Technology Division.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
A curious and collaborative developer with a strong foundation in Java development. You are excited by the opportunity to learn new technologies and apply your skills to build the next generation of AI-powered tools for public service. You communicate effectively and enjoy working as part of a team to bring innovative ideas to life.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
In this role, you will partner closely with our AI Strategists to design, build, and implement new AI-driven applications and services. The ideal candidate is a strong developer eager to expand their skills into the AI/ML space.
The AI Developer (Programmer II-III) performs complex to highly complex computer programming work. Work involves analyzing to carrying out system specifications to develop software for computer applications; developing solution software; documenting methods and procedures used in software development; and testing, correcting and revising software. May provide guidance to others. This work is performed under general to limited supervision, with opportunities for moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment while learning and growing in the role.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
-Perform skilled software development work.
-Partner with two AI Strategists to design, develop, and integrate in-house AI tools and solutions.
-Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code in Java and other languages as needed.
-Develop and connect with REST APIs, data pipelines, and enterprise systems.
-Learn and utilize Gen AI SDKs and services from cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Google, Microsoft, Oracle) to build solutions.
-Implement and fine-tune AI models developed in collaboration with the strategy team.
-Ensure all solutions adhere to agency policies, data governance, accessibility and security standards.
-Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from initial concept to deployment and maintenance.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
-Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
-Experience in software development, with proficiency and hands-on professional experience in Java and Python.
-Experience with building and consuming REST APIs and working with data pipelines.
-Familiarity with enterprise cloud data platforms (such as Google BigQuery, Snowflake, or AWS Redshift) and experience applying in-database machine learning tools (e.g., BigQuery ML) to analyze and model large-scale datasets.
-Familiarity with major enterprise Cloud AI Platforms (e.g., Google Cloud Vertex AI, AWS Bedrock, or Azure AI Studio) and experience leveraging managed foundation models.
-A strong desire to learn about AI/ML technologies and apply them to real-world problems.
-Proficiency inGen AI prompting and understanding prompt management techniques for improved outcomes.
-Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
-Knowledge of Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
-Any exposure to cloud AI platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP, or OCI.
-Experience with public sector or government agencies.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
-Programmer II:  Two years of full-time experience in data processing, computer science, computer programming, systems analysis, and/or related field.  One year of full-time in-service TWC experience classified as a Programmer I or Systems Analyst I with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.  Acceptance into a TWC Internship or TWC Apprenticeship will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
-Programmer III:  Three years of full-time experience in data processing, computer science, computer programming, systems analysis, and/or related field.  One year of full-time in-service TWC experience classified as a Programmer II or Systems Analyst II with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.  Acceptance into a TWC Internship or TWC Apprenticeship will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
-Both Levels:  Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position

YOU GAIN:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
- An opportunity to help shape the future of AI in public service
- Work on impactful projects that improve services for millions of Texans
- Competitive starting salary: $6,000.00 - $7,000.00/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go towww.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser:https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationTechnology.pdf.

HOW TO APPLY: 
To be considered, please complete an Application for Employment and apply on Taleo. TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.