Job Posting: Senior Full Stack Engineer

Office of Data and Innovation

JC-517666
-
Senior Full Stack Engineer
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

$9,507.00 - $12,740.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 5/26/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Office of Data and Innovation (ODI) is seeking an experienced Senior Full Stack Engineer to join our Engineering team in CalInnovate. We are a team with diverse backgrounds. With experience in government, startups, and enterprise businesses. Some of us taught ourselves to code. That mix makes us better.

Our Engineering team came together to work on the California COVID-19 response. Since then, we partner with several state departments to improve digital services and technical processes. We work on high-profile projects, often in response to emergencies. We are the technical support team for Engaged California, a platform for civic participation.

We are a mission-driven team curious, compassionate, and collaborative with decades of experience across government, startups, and research.

We do not expect everyone to know the same stack. We do expect everyone to be curious, share what they know, and ask for help when they need it.

We build pilots and proof-of-concepts. We also contribute to large systems that serve millions.

Our team is pioneering the use of generative AI (Gen AI) in government software development. We approach AI with intention. Our Gen AI tools are vetted for security and compliance.

What you'll do:

  • Build and improve web applications used by Californians across the full stack.
  • Develop and maintain databases and APIs as well as the interfaces people see and click.
  • Work with designers, data scientists, and policy experts to ship real products.
  • Write and review code daily, building features, fixing bugs, and maintaining secure systems.
  • Support teammates through code reviews and shared documentation.
  • Prioritize performance, reliability, and scalability in every step of development.
  • Work across many tools and technologies. The right tool depends on the problem. You will need to learn quickly and switch contexts often. One week you may be working on a headless website. The next, an interactive data visualization. The next, consulting on a .NET project.
  • Learn new languages and frameworks when the work calls for it.
  • Navigate California state security requirements, accessibility standards, and procurement processes to deliver compliant, resilient systems.
Need help understanding the hiring process or have questions about ODI? We'd love to talk to you! Before applying, read through our civil service application guide, or contact us at odi-talent-team@innovation.ca.gov. Please include the position title in the subject line.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The employee’s workstation is located in Sacramento, CA or Oakland, CA. Travel to the Sacramento headquarters may be required as needed. This position provides telework opportunities in accordance with agency telework policies.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-517666
Position #(s):
418-100-1415-900
Working Title:
Senior Full Stack Engineer
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III
$9,507.00 - $12,740.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Office of Data and Innovation helps deliver better services to the people of California through technology and design. In close partnership with our colleagues in other state departments, we reimagine and deliver more equitable and effective programs and products. We listen to Californians who use a program now or may do so tomorrow and hear about what they need. We build tools and products, create and enhance digital services, conduct research, identify data solutions and offer training. We are a cross-discipline staff with blended backgrounds in design, engineering, product, operations, data, research, policy and strategy. If you can imagine joining this growing, and inclusive team, please apply!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ODI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion help us deliver better government services to Californians. Fostering diversity inspires better ideas and more innovative thinking. Feeling included nurtures a shared sense of community. This drives us to take collective action on challenging problems. Prioritizing equity ensures we build solutions for people whose needs are often overlooked. We acknowledge our history and present of implicit and structural injustice, bias, and discrimination. We see, hear, and accept each other and the lived experiences we bring to our work. We support each other in learning and developing so we can help all Californians thrive. We understand this work is never done. That’s why we commit to constant improvement.

Please note, CalHR provides contracted Human Resources services for The California Office of Data and Innovation and is not an E-Verified employer.  
Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).

  • Organize your responses clearly (e.g., by question, with headings) and focus on describing the problem, your approach, tradeoffs, your role, and the impact.
  • Keep your response concise and easy to review. You may use either a narrative format or a structured, skimmable format with clear headings.
  • Limit your response to no more than two pages. Use a standard, professional font (e.g., Arial or similar, approximately 11–12 point) to ensure readability.

Applications submitted without an SOQ will not be considered.

1. Tell us about a front end performance or accessibility problem you solved.

 

  • How did you solve the problem?
  • What tradeoffs did you have to consider?
  • Did you lead, contribute, or review?
  • What was the impact or impact?

 

2. Tell us about a back end development problem you solved.

 

  • How did you solve the problem?
  • What tradeoffs did you have to consider?
  • Did you lead, contribute, or review?
  • What was the outcome or impact?

3. Tell us about a time you had to pick up an unfamiliar technology or framework to solve a real problem.

 

  • How did you approach the challenge?
  • What was the outcome?
  • What would you do differently next time?
    Note: If you do not follow the instructions, you may not move forward in this recruitment. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

    Application Instructions

    Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

    Final Filing Date: 5/26/2026

    Who May Apply

    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

    Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.     Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

    How To Apply

    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

    Address for Mailing Application Packages

    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

    Office of Data and Innovation
    CalHR
    Attn: Human Resources Office - Classification and Hiring
    1515 S Street
    North Building, Suite 500
    Sacramento, CA 95811

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    Office of Data and Innovation
    CalHR
    Human Resources Office - Classification and Hiring
    1810 16th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95811
    08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Required Application Package Documents

    The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

    • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
    • Resume is required and must be included.
    • Other - If you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications of the classification, please include your unofficial transcripts. If you are not using education, please bypass this requirement.
    • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    Desirable Qualifications

    In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


    Technical

    • Proficient in at least one server-side language such as NodeJS, Python, or PHP
    • Proficient in Javascript, CSS, and HTML
    • Proficient with Git for version control
    • Proficient with MacOS
    • Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines
    • Experience designing, architecting, and diagramming technical solutions
    • Investigative ability and intellectual curiosity
    • Ability to learn and embrace new technologies

    Interpersonal

    • Experience working successfully on multi-disciplinary teams
    • Experience using project management tools to track and share task status
    • Ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences
    • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of stakeholders
    • Comfort with risk and trying new approaches
    • Ability to work independently or as part of a small team
    • Commitment to equity and using data to serve all Californians
    • Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure

    Bonus

    • Recent experience with large language models (LLMs) and agentic workflows
    • Experience with front-end frameworks and component libraries
    • AWS administration
    • DNS administration

    Benefits

    Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

    Contact Information

    The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

    Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov/
    Human Resources Contact:
    Lisa El Sao
    (916) 909-2819
    lisa.elsao@calhr.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    ODI Talent Team
    (916) 664-7647
    ODI-Talent-Team@innovation.ca.gov

    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

    EEO Contact:
    RA Coordinators
    (916) 322-6997
    RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov
    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    Additional Application Information

    Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

    • Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
    • U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
    Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

    Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

    Examination Information

    Take the online Information Technology Specialist III exam to become list eligible for this position.

    The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
    By Mail
    Drop-off
    Print Job