Principal Software Engineer - Simon Initiative

Carnegie Mellon is embarking on a new strategic initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to innovate mathematics education. This project draws on the expertise of Carnegie Mellon University's leading minds in math education, learning sciences, and AI, to reimagine a math curriculum designed to dramatically improve student outcomes and ensure that race, ethnicity, and income are not predictors of postsecondary success. Our approach aims to leverage existing momentum, embrace iterative and collaborative processes, and balance innovative explorations with market-ready solutions in math education.
The Principal Software Engineer role will play a critical role in designing, building, and refining a cutting-edge educational platform for delivering innovative, data-driven math courseware. This position combines hands-on development with leadership, as the Senior Software Engineer will mentor junior engineers and drive best practices throughout the software development lifecycle. The ideal candidate has experience developing user-centered educational technology, with a strong focus on creating engaging learning activities that support diverse learners through a thoughtful and interactive UI.

Core responsibilities include:

• Design, develop, and optimize components of the educational platform, with a focus on creating interactive and impactful learning experiences.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented development environment.
• Build and refine tools to author and deliver interactive learning activities, focusing on UI/UX to deliver engaging, novel learning experiences that meet educational goals.
• Integrate rich instrumentation within the platform to capture detailed user data for continuous improvement and learning engineering analysis.
• Oversee the end-to-end development process, including requirements gathering, coding, testing, debugging, and deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and alignment with project goals.
• Participate in code reviews, optimize performance, and contribute to the refinement of the platform’s architecture to support scalability, accessibility, and compliance standards.
   

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Simon Initiative. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
 

You should demonstrate:

• Proven ability to mentor junior developers and work effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a passion for developing solutions that enhance educational experiences.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on building complex, interactive web applications; prior experience in educational technology or online learning platforms is a plus.
• Proficiency in modern programming languages and frameworks (such as JavaScript, Python, React, Node.js, etc.), with a solid understanding of front-end and back-end development.
• Demonstrated experience in UI/UX development, with a focus on creating intuitive, interactive, and accessible user interfaces for educational content.
• Experience in integrating data tracking and instrumentation for user behavior analysis and learning engineering purposes.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
   
• Note: This is a fixed-term position with an expected duration through June 30, 2025.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: