Job Posting: Senior Software Engineer

Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters

JC-528492
-
Senior Software Engineer
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

$8,625.00 - $11,557.00 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: 8/27/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Chief Technology Innovation Officer, the Information Technology Specialist II (ITS II) serves as a full-stack software engineer responsible for architecting, developing, and securing software applications, APIs, and data pipelines that power public-facing and internal digital services. The incumbent exercises expert-level judgment across Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Engineering, and collaborates with IT Project Management, Information Security Engineering, System Engineering, and Business Units to deliver resilient, accessible, and secure AI-enabled services that comply with the State of California’s standards, policies, and regulations. The Engineer provides technical leadership and may lead small teams and contractors but has no direct supervisory authority unless delegated by the organizational structure. The incumbent must possess strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and verbal and written communication skills; work collaboratively and provide technical direction to development and data science teams; and complete assignments effectively, accurately, and on time. The incumbent must stay current with industry trends, standards, and best practices in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and cloud-based AI platforms. The incumbent must understand project management practices, the system development life cycle, data governance, and testing methodologies for AI/ML solutions.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.


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

Working Conditions

Open-spaced partitioned offices. Prolonged periods on a computer. May require on-call support, off-hours for emergency projects or deployments, and weekend support. Occasional travel for overnight or day trips throughout California and/or vendor locations.


Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in-office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

 

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

 

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.


Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-528492
Position #(s):
472-502-1414-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Software Engineer
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II
$8,625.00 - $11,557.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

 

The Department is located in a modern, sustainable and innovative office building at 1215 “O” Street, Sacramento, California. Some amenities of the building include:

  • First floor retail space (separate access from 12th Street)
  • Café with multiple vendors
  • Outdoor seating for meal breaks
  • Employee fitness center which includes a yoga studio, cardio equipment and weights
  • Plaza area with kitchenette on each floor
  • Lactation rooms
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be numbered in the same order as the following areas, typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered.

1. Explain your background in AI application development and Python programming, including the use of frameworks such as CrewAI, LangChain, LlamaIndex, FastAPI, or similar frameworks. Share an example of an application, agent, or retrieval-augmented solution you have built and how it solved a business challenge.

2. Explain your background in agile development and programming with React, Angular, and related technologies. Share an example of an application or solution you designed, and explain how you ensured its security and reliability. Describe your role, the technologies used, the challenges you faced (e.g., data quality, legacy systems, stakeholder alignment), and the measurable results.

3. Provide an example of how you collaborated with cross-functional development teams and business stakeholders to advance a data-driven solution. Describe the team challenges you faced, how you influenced decision-making, and any new ideas you implemented.

4. The position requires strong hands-on software development and database experience. Describe your experience with Python, AI/ML, data warehousing, AWS, Snowflake, and Agentic AI development and implementation. Which AI code builders have you used or are familiar with, if any? Describe a mission-critical project you have delivered using these technologies.

If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered for the position.

The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list.


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: 8/27/2026

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.

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:

Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters
N/A
Attn: Desiree Cervantes
Cert Unit
1215 O Street, MS 10-40
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters
N/A
Desiree Cervantes
Cert Unit
1215 O Street, MS 10-40
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 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.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.  SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE 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:


Knowledge of: GenAI-driven knowledge bases and retrieval systems, including the use of large language models, prompt engineering, and AI agent–based automation to support enterprise applications; enterprise application development and system integration practices, including modern front-end frameworks (React/Next.js, Angular, Vue), TypeScript, responsive design principles, and component-based design systems. Knowledge of server-side development using Node.js/NestJS and Python/FastAPI, API design using REST/GraphQL and OpenAPI/Swagger standards, and database technologies such as SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Cosmos DB, MongoDB, and Redis catching; secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices; privacy, compliance, and security obligations; incident response procedures; and disaster recovery concepts. Knowledge of AWS cloud services (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, API Gateway, CloudFormation) and cloud-native architecture patterns used to design and operate scalable state technology systems; database and software development; software development, computer science, or related fields.

Ability to: Architect, design, and implement GenAI-enabled solutions, enterprise applications, APIs, and integration workflows that align with departmental technology strategies and enterprise architecture standards; develop and optimize relational and NoSQL databases; build secure, scalable services; and apply modern engineering best practices to support complex system needs; program in Python to develop automation scripts, APIs, and data-processing pipelines that streamline operations and improve service delivery; implement cloud-native solutions in AWS, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and ensure reliability, performance, and security across platforms and applications; conduct technical training, lead workshops in Python and AWS, mentor staff, and support organizational technology maturity through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

 

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

 

State Employees - CalHR Benefits Website

CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026

 

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 position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Desiree Cervantes
(916) 245-1946
desiree.cervantes@dds.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:
Equal Employment Opportunity Office
(916) 654-1888
OHRAS@dds.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 Information

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: www.calhr.ca.gov.

If you have not taken the Information Technology Specialist II exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.

Remove Any Confidential Information

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts.

Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

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