Senior Software Engineer, Institutional Services

The New York Public Library

. Build and maintain NYPL digital platforms across multiple applications and databases .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesSenior💰 $125,000 - $135,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Python application development, system architecture, and cloud infrastructure, while effectively leading technical initiatives and mentoring engineering teams. Proficient in agile methodologies and committed to establishing documentation standards and practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Python Application DevelopmentSystem ArchitectureCloud InfrastructureAgile MethodologiesLeadership and Mentoring

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills

PythonReactTypeScriptSQLNode.jsNext.jsVersion Control SystemsCI/CD ToolsFront-End Integration TestingTechnical Documentation

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringCommunicationDecision-MakingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

MySQLPostgreSQLGitHub ActionsTravisCIElasticSearchSolr

Industry Keywords

Digital Library ResourcesApplication Development StandardsTechnical DebtAgile CeremoniesAccessibility Principles

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudElasticSearchJavaScriptMySQLNext.jsNode.jsPostgresPythonReactSQLTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and maintain NYPL digital platforms across multiple applications and databases
Write code and deliver products using Python, React, and TypeScript
Develop applications that provide patrons, researchers, educators, and students access to digital library resources
Maintain legacy codebases and develop new applications for NYPL collections
Help establish and uphold standards for application development, database management, collaboration, and other technical areas
Understand technical needs and define system specifications
Design and implement scalable, optimized, and maintainable software solutions
Collaborate with multiple teams to build applications for patrons
Work with product and project managers to estimate product and feature feasibility and complexity
Participate in agile ceremonies and improve agile processes
Write Technical Architecture Documents
Identify and resolve requirements ambiguities and issues
Research and recommend solutions using cost-benefit analysis, automation, and efficiency
Contribute to test suites, technical documentation, and specifications
Identify and remediate technical debt
Review code and provide actionable feedback
Mentor and support engineers through technical guidance, pair programming, and code review
Lead development initiatives and coordinate other engineers’ work
Present work to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Collaborate with Software Engineers to deliver new features across NYPL Digital

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree OR equivalent 5 years of hands-on development experience with relevant tech stack
Strong leadership, mentoring, coaching and decision-making skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Track record of leading major technical initiatives to solve complex technical problems
Experience establishing documentation standards and practices
Expertise in Python application development and system design, including production experience with Python web frameworks
Strong understanding of system architecture and design patterns as well as cloud infrastructure
Strong understanding of DevOps practices and their impact on implementation approaches
Proficiency in SQL and relational databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.
Experience with Node.js and React ecosystem
Experience with Next.js
Experience with multiple component libraries
Experience with front-end integration testing
Knowledge of accessibility principles
Proficiency with version control systems and git
Experience with CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions, TravisCI, etc.
Familiarity with agile methodologies such as Scrum & Kanban
Familiarity with Single Sign On is a plus
Understanding or experience managing a single sign on infrastructure like Shibboleth is a plus
Production experience working with data stores, including ElasticSearch and/or Solr, at scale a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work environment; 3 days in office in NYC
Monday - Friday; 9-5 schedule
Limited physical effort is required
No pre-placement physical required
Non-Union
Exempt FLSA status