Fast Facts

Alma Technologies is seeking a dynamic Core Engineer to enhance their cloud-based student information system (SIS). The ideal candidate should possess strong backend development skills, particularly in PHP, MongoDB, and AI integration.

Responsibilities: The Core Engineer will work across the full stack to develop scalable solutions, leverage AI for code quality enhancement, maintain application performance, engage in agile development, and collaborate with product and design teams.

Skills: Required skills include PHP, object-oriented programming, MongoDB, front-end technologies, debugging, and APIs. Familiarity with AI/ML is also essential.

Qualifications: Candidates should have at least 3 years of software engineering experience, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Location: This position is based in Portland, OR.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $85,000 - $120,000.

Job Summary:

Alma is a cloud-based student information system (SIS) that supports K-12 administrators, teachers, parents, and students. We are a passionately driven team with the mission to provide this resource to every school.

Alma seeks a dynamic, self-starter engineer with a strong focus towards backend technologies for the role of Core Engineer. The Core Engineer reports to the Feature Development Manager, working together closely to ensure all Engineering efforts are coordinated and optimized. The ideal candidate will have:

-A strong background in PHP, solid understanding object-oriented programming, experience using MongoDB, and familiar with front-end technologies.  

-A strong understanding of AI for development to assist in elevating code quality and integrating new AI functionalities into the application.  

-An understanding of AI/ML design and development to implement machine learning models. 

-Proficiency in debugging, optimizing code, working with APIs, and third-party services. This role involves close collaboration with other engineers to deliver high-quality software solutions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work across the full stack, building highly scalable distributed solutions that enable positive user experiences and measurable business growth
• Develop new features and infrastructure development in support of rapidly emerging business and project requirements
• Leveraging AI-powered development tools to enhance productivity, elevate code quality, and optimize workflows, while simultaneously upholding engineering principles and best practices.
• Ensure application performance, uptime, and scale, maintaining high standards of code quality and thoughtful application design
• Work with agile development methodologies, adhering to best practices and pursuing continued learning opportunities
• Participate in all aspects of agile software development including design, implementation, and deployment
• Architect and provide guidance on building end-to-end systems optimized for speed and scale
• Engage with designers and product managers, and collaborate with other engineers to solve complex problems. 
• Participate in code reviews to maintain high standards of code quality.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• 3+ years of experience in software engineering
• Experience with PHP or similar backend languages with a strong understanding of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).
• Proficiency with front-end technologies, HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Utilize AI-powered development tools for software development
• Creating and using RESTful API endpoints
• Database design and optimization to ensure reliability and scalability (MongoDB)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of web security principles and best practices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Extensive knowledge of software systems and programming languages
• Proficient with software engineering tools and applications

Bonus Experience:

• Experience working in a LNMP environment (Zend/Laminas framework)
• NoSQL experience, MongoDB experience a plus
• VueJs and Nuxt
• Familiarity with ETL processes and AWS services is helpful.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or engineering
• At least three years of software engineering experience is required

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

A Note to Applicants:

Studies have shown that people from historically underestimated groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We know from experience and past hires that the best person for this role will likely only check some boxes listed here. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet all the qualifications described.

Alma Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Reference checks will be part of your application process but do not need to be provided upfront.