TxDMV - Programmer

STATE TITLE: Programmer IV

This position is eligible for remote work within the state of Texas (subject to change). Must attend meetings/training at headquarters in Austin, TX as required by management.

To apply for this position, complete an on-line application through the Applicant Career Section or through WorkInTexas. TxDMV does not accept paper applications.

Applicants who require accommodation for the interview process should contact Human Resources at 512-465-4043 when contacted to schedule an interview.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Our mission at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is to serve, protect and advance the citizens and industries in the state with quality motor vehicle related services. We are a dynamic state agency dedicated to customer service, consumer protection and the success of motor vehicle-related industries.

Join a talented and engaged IT team at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and help us revolutionize how millions of Texans access essential services through cutting-edge technology solutions. In this role you'll play a vital role in modernizing state government while enjoying competitive benefits, a healthy work-life balance, professional growth opportunities, and the satisfaction of serving your fellow Texans with innovative digital experiences.

Performs advanced (senior-level) programming work in support of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Information Technology Services Division. Work involves designing, developing, and maintaining software applications, ensuring system security, optimizing software for efficiency and accessibility, and integrating modern and AI-driven technologies.

Programmer IV will manage both legacy and modern technologies, ensuring compatibility and security while transitioning to more advanced solutions where applicable. The position requires a deep understanding of traditional server-based and cloud-hosted environments, front-end and back-end development frameworks, and AI-powered automation.

Guide other team members. Will supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Designs, develops, and maintains complex web-based and enterprise applications using Java/J2EE, Spring Ecosystem, and RESTful web services.

Designs and develops user interfaces using modern front-end frameworks (e.g., Vaadin, React, Angular) to ensure responsive and accessible applications.

Writes, optimizes, and troubleshoots complex SQL queries and database scripts.

Designs and integrates cloud-based solutions using platforms like Azure.

Ensures system reliability through performance tuning, monitoring, logging, troubleshooting, and failover implementation.

Leads modernization efforts by collaborating with stakeholders to define requirements and oversee system upgrades, migrations, and application refactoring.

Implements DevOps best practices, including CI/CD automation with Jenkins, OpCon, and version control systems (SVN, Git).

Develops and maintains automated test suites to ensure code quality and system reliability.

Ensures compliance with state security policies, OWASP best practices, and application vulnerability mitigation.

Implements secure authentication and authorization mechanisms using protocols such as OAuth2 and OpenID Connect.

Mentor developers and oversee teams.

Utilizes collaboration and issue tracking tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence) to manage development tasks and document technical decisions.

Documents system designs, processes, and development standards.

Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES and CERTIFICATIONS

Technical Knowledge

Software Architecture & Design: MVC design patterns, component-based UI frameworks (e.g., Vaadin), server-side rendering, and event-driven architecture.

Database Systems: Relational databases (DB2 preferred), advanced SQL scripting, and performance optimization.

Web Services & APIs: RESTful API design, integration methodologies, and modern authentication protocols (OAuth2, OpenID Connect).

Cloud & Infrastructure: Azure cloud services, serverless computing, cloud-native development, and distributed applications (Tomcat, RHEL).

Security & Compliance: Enterprise software security, vulnerability assessment tools (e.g., SonarQube), and OWASP best practices.

DevOps & Automation: CI/CD pipelines, build automation tools (e.g., Jenkins, Bamboo, OpCon), and monitoring/logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack).

Testing & Quality Assurance: Automated testing frameworks (e.g., JUnit, Selenium, Mockito).

Modernization: Software modernization and refactoring methodologies.

Accessibility experience

Technical Skills

Programming Languages & Frameworks: Java (JDK 8+), J2EE, Spring Ecosystem, JDBC, JPA/Hibernate.

Web Development: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, React, Angular.

Scripting & Debugging: Shell scripting (Linux), performance monitoring tools (e.g., Dynatrace, SolarWinds, Log4j).

Testing & Integration Tools: Postman, SOAPUI.

Collaboration Tools: JIRA, Confluence, SharePoint.

Abilities

Analyze complex business requirements and develop scalable, maintainable solutions.

Lead and mentor development teams, providing technical guidance and oversight.

Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Troubleshoot and resolve issues across diverse platforms and environments.

Rapidly learn and adapt to new applications, technologies, frameworks, and methodologies with minimal supervision.

Translate business needs into technical solutions with clarity and precision.

Preferred Certifications

Cloud platforms:

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Developer

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills held or performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Bachelor's or greater degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

Ten (10) years of experience in software development.

Eight (8) years of experience in Java/J2EE and web programming concepts.

Five (5) years of experience with relational databases (DB2 preferred).

Five (5) years of experience writing complex SQL queries.

Five (5) years of Agile experience

Three (3) years of experience with REST API web services.

Additional related IT experience may be substituted for education on a year per year basis.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Three (3) years of experience with custom-built TxDMV applications for vehicle registration and titling.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is eligible for remote work in the state of Texas (subject to change). Must attend meetings/training at headquarters in Austin, Texas as required by management.

Remote work employees must meet these criteria for the remote work location:

• Adequate desk space in a dedicated, contained area that is secured and protected at all times.
• Remote work location is in a quiet environment free of background people and noise during business hours.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSURE

A valid Class "C" driver's license is required. If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within ninety (90) days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct department business.

JOB OFFERS AND CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check and driver’s record check
• Compliance with Selective Service registration for males ages 18-25
• Required to attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with department policies and procedures.

MILITARY

If selected for the position the following must be provided for proof of military employment preference:

• Veteran must provide form DD 214
• Surviving Spouse or Orphan must provide DD 1300 or DD 214.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes that may correspond to the state classification title for this position are listed on the State Auditor’s Office Job Descriptions; click on the occupational category for the position. Additional MOS can be found at the State Auditor’s Office Military Crosswalk Guide.

The Texas Veterans Commission provides helpful employment information.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Your application must be complete, accurate and reflect all experience and education. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification. "See Resume" is not accepted in lieu of a completed online State of Texas application but attached resumes may be considered as additional supplemental information.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, disability, military status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. The TxDMV provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodation, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance on 512-465-4043.