Principal Software Architect & Developer - CampusGuard

Nelnet•Lincoln, NE

4d•$140,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a working architect role, not a traditional enterprise architect position. The successful candidate will help define technical direction, design the platform(s), make critical architectural decisions, establish engineering standards, and remain actively involved in software development, spending significant time writing code and building core platform capabilities. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a small, collaborative team environment and takes ownership from architecture through delivery. This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence. Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
5+ years of software engineering experience.
5+ years of architecture or technical leadership experience, including owning architectural decisions through implementation and deployment.
Experience leading SaaS platform development.
Strong modern application development experience, including experience using AI-assisted coding tools.
Working knowledge of digital accessibility standards (WCAG, ADA, Section 508).
Proficiency in modern frameworks and technologies such as React, Angular, Java/Spring Boot, C#, .NET, Firebase, Node.js, and Python.
Experience with cloud platforms including Google Cloud Platform, Firebase, Azure, AWS, and with GitHub.
Experience with multi-tenant SaaS architectures, RESTful APIs, and data modeling/database design.
Solid understanding of secure coding principles (e.g., OWASP Top 10).
Have successfully designed and delivered SaaS platforms, and can move seamlessly between architecture whiteboards and production code.
Have led technical teams without becoming disconnected from hands-on development.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills; comfortable operating in a fast-moving, lightly structured environment.
Effective communicator who can translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Define the long-term architecture vision for CampusGuard's web application(s) and design a scalable SaaS platform architecture supporting future growth.
Lead technology evaluations and architecture decisions; define development standards and engineering practices.
Create API, integration, reporting, and security architecture, and establish long-term modernization roadmaps.
Design and develop production software across the application stack, including critical platform components and shared services.
Write clean, maintainable, well-tested code, and participate in architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical troubleshooting.
Define DevSecOps processes, including CI/CD pipelines for building and deploying applications.
Collaborate directly with the Product Owner and System Owner on solution design and lead implementation of complex technical initiatives.
Leverage AI tools to accelerate development, while maintaining high code quality, security, and accuracy.
Coordinate with development team and QA resources, including offshore teams, to execute platform enhancements, testing, and release readiness, while maintaining technical ownership and architectural consistency.
Collaborate with security and compliance teams to meet frameworks and complete assessments such as NIST, TX-RAMP, and HECVAT.
Incorporate secure-by-design principles, including authentication/authorization frameworks, logging, monitoring, and audit trails.