Principal Software Architect & Developer - CampusGuard

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

CampusGuard, a subsidiary of Nelnet, Inc., provides cybersecurity and compliance services to complex organizations, including higher education, healthcare, state and local government, financial services, and SaaS/technology companies. Our team's depth of experience and certification, paired with a deep understanding of the unique needs of the markets we serve, is what sets our services apart.
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 within 30 miles of an office location 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.

Compensation range is $140,000-$170,000 annually, depending on experience.

JOB 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.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

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).

COMPETENCIES — SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• 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.

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Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.  

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or [email protected].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring