Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Applications Development

The Applications Developer designs, develops, implements, and maintains software applications and web-based solutions that support institutional operations, digital services, and business processes; participates in the full application development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, system design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance; ensures applications are scalable, secure, accessible, and aligned with institutional standards, technical architecture, and business needs.

• Design, develop, test, debug, implement, modify, and maintain software applications, web applications, and integrated systems using modern programming languages, frameworks, and development tools
• Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze requirements and translate them into technical specifications, workflows, and functional solutions
• Develop front-end and back-end application functionality and integrate user interfaces with databases, APIs, content management systems, and third-party platforms
• Build reusable, scalable components and maintain efficient application architecture and database structures
• Design prototypes, wireframes, workflow diagrams, and system architecture models to support application design and development
• Develop and maintain APIs, services, and integrations between applications and enterprise systems
• Ensure applications meet standards for performance, usability, accessibility, security, and cross-platform compatibility across browsers, devices, and operating systems
• Implement secure coding practices and ensure compliance with accessibility standards, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements
• Develop and execute testing procedures including automated testing, quality assurance, and user acceptance testing to ensure stable and reliable systems
• Use version control systems and collaborative development workflows to manage source code and support team-based software development
• Participate in Agile or iterative development processes including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and collaborative development activities
• Support continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes to automate testing, build, and deployment workflows
• Monitor application performance and implement logging, diagnostics, and optimization strategies to improve reliability, scalability, and efficiency
• Troubleshoot application, system, and data issues; diagnose root causes; implement corrective solutions; escalate complex issues
• Evaluate existing applications and technologies and recommend improvements, enhancements, or new development solutions
• Create and maintain development environments, deployment workflows, and application infrastructure
• Document application architecture, technical specifications, development processes, system configurations, and user instructions
• Provide maintenance, support, and consultation for internally developed and third-party software solutions
• Configure, manage, and support application servers, databases, and development infrastructure
• Research emerging technologies, tools, and industry best practices to improve application capabilities and development processes
• Support disaster recovery planning and contribute to business continuity efforts
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00

• Data Analysis
• Debugging
• Incident management
• Programming
• Software testing
• System design
• Team leadership
• Technical development
• Technical support
• Technical Writing
• Troubleshooting
• User experience
• Web design