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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00

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