AI-Enabled Software Engineer

The University of Maine System is looking for a forward-thinking programmer who loves to build things and is genuinely excited about using artificial intelligence (AI) to work faster and smarter. This is a role for someone who picks up an unfamiliar codebase, figures out how it works, and gets things done.

You’ll maintain and extend applications that support roughly 30,000 students across Maine’s seven public universities and the University of Maine School of Law and build new custom tools from requirements through deployment. System-approved AI coding assistants are a regular part of how you’ll work, and you remain responsible for the quality, security, accessibility, and maintainability of everything you ship.

This is a fully remote position, open to candidates anywhere in the continental U.S., reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).

What You’ll Do

• Maintain, debug, and extend existing web applications built with Node.js and related technologies, taking ownership of unfamiliar or sparsely documented codebases, identifying dependencies and risks, and planning changes with appropriate coordination and documentation.

• Independently analyze and resolve application problems when prescribed procedures aren’t available, using good judgment about when to seek clarification or escalate risks.

• Architect and build custom full-stack web applications from requirements and design through testing, deployment, and ongoing support, including APIs, database interactions, and front-end interfaces.

• Design and maintain data integration pipelines connecting institutional systems, including student information, learning management, and enterprise resource planning systems.

• Write, test, review, and document maintainable code so others can support and extend your applications.

• Use System-approved AI coding assistants as a regular part of your workflow while following institutional requirements for data protection and tool use, and critically review, test, and revise AI-generated code for errors, edge cases, security and privacy risks, accessibility, and maintainability.

• Research emerging AI development tools, recommend practical uses, and demonstrate effective AI-assisted development practices to IT colleagues.

• Monitor and improve the performance, security, accessibility, and reliability of production applications, and explain designs, changes, and technical issues clearly to technical colleagues and non-technical stakeholders.

• Provide the CIO with technical input on AI tools, licensing, API costs, and infrastructure needs to inform technology and budget decisions.

• Coach the AI Software Support Analyst and junior developers on application development and AI-assisted coding practices and supervise or mentor student employees as needed.

• Contribute to institutional software development standards and shared technical practices.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience — plus at least two years of software development experience (professional employment, internships, freelance work, or substantial completed projects).

• Experience building or maintaining server-side applications using Node.js or comparable technologies, and proficiency in at least one modern programming language, such as JavaScript or Python.

• Knowledge of full-stack application design and software development lifecycle, including front-end and back-end development, API design, databases, testing, code review, version control, and deployment.

• Knowledge of secure software development, data privacy, and accessibility principles relevant to institutional applications.

• Skill in diagnosing complex application failures and performance issues in production environments.

• Ability to plan and prioritize work, solve novel problems independently, and seek input or escalate risks when appropriate.

• Clear communication, in writing and conversation, with technical and non-technical audiences, and the ability to collaborate across teams and coach less experienced colleagues.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience maintaining or extending applications developed by others, including code produced with AI assistance.

• Experience deploying or supporting applications on cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.

• Experience developing integrations with middleware platforms such as Boomi or comparable tools.

• Experience developing or supporting software in higher education, education technology, or a research environment.

• Familiarity with higher education systems and data privacy requirements, including FERPA.

• A portfolio, GitHub profile, or examples of applications you have built independently.

View the full job description for more information.

What We Offer: Our comprehensive benefits package can be worth up to 50% of your annual salary and is designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: $72,000–$80,000 commensurate with education and experience. This is a fixed range set within a predefined wage band, so we're not able to negotiate a starting salary above it.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Employer-paid benefits, including basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage, with additional voluntary coverage options available.
• Retirement plan through TIAA with 10% employer contribution and opportunities for additional tax-deferred retirement savings
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, plus 13 paid holidays each year
• Tuition waiver program for employees, including graduate courses and Maine Law, plus substantial tuition discounts for eligible spouses and dependent children
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness programs supporting your health and well-being
• Professional development and opportunities to grow your career within Maine's public university system
• Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance discounts, and supplemental disability and life insurance options

Schedule and Location

This is a fully remote position, open to candidates in any state in the continental U.S. (lower 48). Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern, with occasional evening or weekend work as needs arise. Occasional travel to university campuses may be required for meetings, planning sessions, or project coordination, and employees are expected to follow the University of Maine System’s Remote Work Guidelines.

This position is designated as an Essential Employee role. During emergencies such as severe weather, public health emergencies, operational disruptions, or campus closures, the incumbent may be required to continue working remotely or otherwise support critical operations.

Apply Today!

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

• A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position.
• 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.
• 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.

⚠️ Work authorization: This position requires U.S. work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship now or in the future. We are unable to consider applicants who require visa sponsorship or OPT extensions at any point.

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/.