Senior Engineer - Innovation & Development

Location: Hattie Mae White

Department: Innovation & Development

Area:District Wide

Contract Months:12

Salary Range: $92,540.00 – $152,691.00

Academic Year: 25-26

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Engineer – Innovation & Development serves as a technical leader and innovator, driving the creation of tailored software solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of our business partners. As a key contributor to the development process, this role partners with Business Analysts and QA Testers to deliver high-quality applications. The Senior Engineer will specialize in developing custom solutions using modern Microsoft technologies, with a primary focus on React for web applications, the Power Platform (PowerApps, PowerBI) for rapid application development and data visualization, and Microsoft Copilot for building intelligent departmental chatbots. This position collaborates closely with various departments to understand their needs, architect robust applications, and translate complex business requirements into well-designed and effective technical solutions that enhance efficiency and drive business value.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technical Leadership: Provides guidance and mentorship to other developers on coding best practices, software architecture, and development methodologies. Leads design reviews and ensures the technical quality of the team's output.
2. Solution Design & Architecture: Works directly with the Business Analyst to analyze requirements. Designs and architects end-to-end custom software solutions that are secure, scalable, and maintainable.
3. Full-Stack Development: Engages in hands-on coding to develop and enhance applications, including front-end interfaces using React, back-end services with .NET/C#, and database structures in SQL Server.
4. Project Collaboration: Collaborates with Business Analysts, and Quality Assurance Testers to translate operational needs into functional solutions that meet business objectives and technical standards.
5. Documentation & Support: Creates and maintains comprehensive technical documentation for all custom-developed solutions. Provides ongoing support to end-users to ensure successful adoption.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

6. Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stays current with emerging technologies and industry trends, particularly in Microsoft ecosystem and AI tools. Proactively identifies opportunities to improve existing applications and processes through technology innovation.
7. Technical Support & Configuration: Leads technical support and configuration management for custom-developed solutions across the District, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction.
8. Issue Resolution & Vendor Management: Troubleshoots complex technical issues using systematic problem-solving approaches and coordinates vendor escalations when specialized expertise is required.
9. Additional Responsibilities: Performs other job-related duties as assigned to support departmental goals and organizational objectives.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, or business technology required.

Applicants who do not meet these education qualifications may be considered if they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5+ years of experience in full-stack software development, with a proven track record of delivering custom applications. Demonstrable experience leading development projects or mentoring junior engineers.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

• Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and the Microsoft technology stack (e.g., C#, .NET).
• Expert-level experience with the React framework for front-end development.
• Strong experience with back-end development, API design, and integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Strong working knowledge of the Power Platform, specifically PowerApps and PowerBI, to create custom applications and insightful data visualizations.
• In-depth knowledge of relational databases such as SQL Server.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps).
• Demonstrated experience or a strong interest in building solutions with AI tools like Microsoft Copilot.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

May mentor junior engineers and serves as technical lead on custom development projects. Operates with autonomy in solution architecture, technology selection, and development approach for complex business applications.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Solves complex technical challenges involving custom application development, system integrations, and business process automation. Exercises judgment in translating abstract business requirements into scalable technical solutions using modern Microsoft technologies, React, and Power Platform.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No direct budget authority, but provides input on tool selection, vendor performance, and module licensing needs.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Frequently resolves application performance issues, integration failures, and complex development challenges. Innovates solutions to enhance user experience, system efficiency, and business process automation through custom applications and AI-powered tools.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Directly affects departmental productivity, data accuracy, and business process efficiency across multiple departments. Technical decisions influence application scalability, security, and long-term maintainability. Poor architectural choices can impact system performance and user adoption organization-wide.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Collaborates extensively with Business Analysts, QA Testers, department stakeholders, and IT leadership. Translates technical concepts for non-technical audiences and provides expertise on Microsoft technology capabilities and limitations.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Serves as primary technical consultant for internal business partners seeking custom solutions. Builds trust through delivery of innovative, user-friendly applications that solve real business problems.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is primarily office-based. May require extended hours during application deployments, system integrations, or critical project deliverables. May require remote collaboration and use of ticketing systems.

Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.