State of California
Senior Software Engineer (API Developer)
State of California, Sacramento, California, United States, 95828
Step into the future of IT with the Department of Developmental Services. We are implementing next-generation solutions and seeking innovative, driven teammates to make it happen. Join a forward-thinking IT organization where your skills and ideas help shape the future of technology and your career.
Under general direction of the Chief Technology Innovation Officer, the Information Technology Specialist II serves as the department's senior software engineer responsible for architecting, developing, securing, and operating API development, advanced artificial intelligence solutions, models, and data pipelines that power both public-facing and internal digital services. The incumbent exercises expert-level judgment for Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, and collaborates across IT Project Management, Information Security Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Business Units to deliver resilient, accessible, ethical, and secure API and AI-enabled services that comply with the State of California's standards, policies, and regulations.
Working under the Chief Technology Innovation Officer and the Chief Architect, the AI Engineer provides technical leadership and may lead small teams and contractors with no direct supervisory authority unless delegated per the organizational structure.
The incumbent must possess strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and verbal/written communication skills; work collaboratively, mentor, and provide technical direction to development and data science teams; and complete work assignments in an effective, accurate, and timely manner. The incumbent must stay current with industry trends, standards, and best practices related to 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.
Working Conditions
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. Incumbent must live and work in California. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Open-spaced partitioned offices; Prolonged periods on a computer up to 90% of the time; May require 24x7 support responsibility as well as weekend support for emergency work. Occasional travel up to 10% for overnight or day trips for covered California locations.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-493492
Position #(s): 472-502-1414-908
Working Title: Senior Software Engineer (API Developer)
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: 1
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 12 th 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 three pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered.
1. Application Development Describe your experience in API development using frameworks such as FastAPI, LLMs, or single technologies . Share an example of an application you built, the business challenge it addressed , and how your solution delivered value. Also, describe your familiarity and experience with frontend frameworks like Angular, Vue or React .
2. Problem-Solving & Support Tell us about a time you provided technical support to executives or multiple departments . What was the issue, what did you do, and what was the result?
3. Training & Collaboration Describe a time when you trained, mentored, or collaborated with staff on new technology (such as Python ). What did you do to make sure they were successful?
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: 10/9/2025 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: Kristin Romo 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 Kristin Romo 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: Enterprise Application Integration experience (7+ years) with a distinguished track record on technically demanding projects, including emerging technologies; developing modern front-end frameworks (React/Next.js, Angular, or Vue), TypeScript, responsive design, and component libraries; server-side expertise in Node.js/NestJS, and Python/FastAPI; API design (REST/GraphQL) with OpenAPI/Swagger; database fluency - SQL/PostgreSQL (schema design, tuning) and NoSQL (Cosmos/Mongo); caching (Redis); working with multi-agent architecture that interacts with APIs, tools, and workflows; advanced level Python programming, including development of automation scripts, APIs, and data processing workflows; AWS services (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, API Gateway, CloudFormation).
Ability to: conduct training and workshops in Python and AWS, mentor staff, and improve organizational cloud maturity.
The position requires hands-on software development experience. A bachelor's degree in software development, computer science, information technology, or related fields is desired.
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 2025
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: Kristin Romo (916) 322-7660 kristin.romo@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.
Under general direction of the Chief Technology Innovation Officer, the Information Technology Specialist II serves as the department's senior software engineer responsible for architecting, developing, securing, and operating API development, advanced artificial intelligence solutions, models, and data pipelines that power both public-facing and internal digital services. The incumbent exercises expert-level judgment for Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, and collaborates across IT Project Management, Information Security Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Business Units to deliver resilient, accessible, ethical, and secure API and AI-enabled services that comply with the State of California's standards, policies, and regulations.
Working under the Chief Technology Innovation Officer and the Chief Architect, the AI Engineer provides technical leadership and may lead small teams and contractors with no direct supervisory authority unless delegated per the organizational structure.
The incumbent must possess strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and verbal/written communication skills; work collaboratively, mentor, and provide technical direction to development and data science teams; and complete work assignments in an effective, accurate, and timely manner. The incumbent must stay current with industry trends, standards, and best practices related to 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.
Working Conditions
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. Incumbent must live and work in California. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Open-spaced partitioned offices; Prolonged periods on a computer up to 90% of the time; May require 24x7 support responsibility as well as weekend support for emergency work. Occasional travel up to 10% for overnight or day trips for covered California locations.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-493492
Position #(s): 472-502-1414-908
Working Title: Senior Software Engineer (API Developer)
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: 1
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 12 th 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 three pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered.
1. Application Development Describe your experience in API development using frameworks such as FastAPI, LLMs, or single technologies . Share an example of an application you built, the business challenge it addressed , and how your solution delivered value. Also, describe your familiarity and experience with frontend frameworks like Angular, Vue or React .
2. Problem-Solving & Support Tell us about a time you provided technical support to executives or multiple departments . What was the issue, what did you do, and what was the result?
3. Training & Collaboration Describe a time when you trained, mentored, or collaborated with staff on new technology (such as Python ). What did you do to make sure they were successful?
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: 10/9/2025 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: Kristin Romo 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 Kristin Romo 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: Enterprise Application Integration experience (7+ years) with a distinguished track record on technically demanding projects, including emerging technologies; developing modern front-end frameworks (React/Next.js, Angular, or Vue), TypeScript, responsive design, and component libraries; server-side expertise in Node.js/NestJS, and Python/FastAPI; API design (REST/GraphQL) with OpenAPI/Swagger; database fluency - SQL/PostgreSQL (schema design, tuning) and NoSQL (Cosmos/Mongo); caching (Redis); working with multi-agent architecture that interacts with APIs, tools, and workflows; advanced level Python programming, including development of automation scripts, APIs, and data processing workflows; AWS services (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, API Gateway, CloudFormation).
Ability to: conduct training and workshops in Python and AWS, mentor staff, and improve organizational cloud maturity.
The position requires hands-on software development experience. A bachelor's degree in software development, computer science, information technology, or related fields is desired.
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 2025
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: Kristin Romo (916) 322-7660 kristin.romo@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.