
Senior Software Engineer in Support I
Blackboard · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $107,550 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Troubleshoot complex distributed systems.
- Resolve software defects and customer issues.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Improve system reliability proactively.
- Support educational technology platform.
About the role
Senior Software Engineer Support
Remote - United States
About The Role
This role focuses on our LMS, Blackboard, a solution designed to support learners, instructors, and administrators, allowing them to access online educational experiences wherever and whenever they want through web and mobile devices. Our technology helps instructors breathe life into educational content, brings efficiency to day-to-day tasks, and empowers instructors with tools to engage and assess every learner. We help motivate learners by promoting collaboration, communication, and connections with their peers and instructors.
We are looking for a motivated, technically-savvy and customer service-oriented Senior Software Engineer in Support to join our Product Development Technical Support team. This position primarily interfaces with our Client Support, Service Delivery and Product Development teams.
Responsibilities
- Provide multi-level database troubleshooting and technical support to Client Support staff.
- Work closely with Client Support staff as well as act as interface between Client Support and product development/engineering/third party vendors.
- Work closely with Product Development and implementation teams to resolve client issues.
- Perform fault reproduction and troubleshooting, system characterization and analysis, root cause analysis of product issues along with bug tracking and resolution.
- Address software defects and advanced customer issues with timely resolutions.
- Work with QA, Development, and Operations teams on understanding issues and steps needed to resolve the issues.
- Independently handle severity 1/severity 2 incidents.
- Debug complex distributed systems issues.
- Improve system reliability (not just react).
- Effectively communicate and collaborate with different team members to help inform one another about how to create features without jeopardizing other application or product areas.
Required Skills And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience
- At least 5 years of experience in software development or equivalent support experience
- Hands-on experience with incident management and debugging live systems
- Familiarity with Observability (logs, metrics, traces), Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for CI/CD systems
- Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, etc.)
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams
- Exceptional listening, written and oral communication skills
- Highly skilled in Software Engineering Principles, Database Design, Web application development (preferably in Java/J2EE WebLogic, Struts, Tomcat)
- Highly skilled with multiple computer operating systems – UNIX/Linux and Windows
- Highly skilled in web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, HTTP, XML, SOAP, etc)
- Understanding of Database structures and database administration principles
- Demonstrated ability to work with both technical and non-technical individuals, in gathering information and communicating direction
- Strong executor and problem solver in production environments
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Preferred Skills And Experience
- Familiarity with Databases in a Java application environment
- Knowledge of Postgres Database environments
- Knowledge of clustered environments and Load balancer configuration
- Experience with deep-dive analysis of enterprise products running on AWS utilizing Application Performance Monitoring tools such as New Relic or VisualVM
- Experience working with a global team
- Previous experience in the education industry and e-learning technologies
- Knowledge of Unix Shell scripting
About Blackboard
Blackboard advances teaching excellence and unlocks the full potential of technology to deliver meaningful outcomes. We empower institutions to deepen connections between educators and learners, inspire engagement, and drive long-term academic success across the full learner journey. For more information, please visit www.blackboard.com.
The expected salary range for this position is $95,600 - $119,500. The range reflects base salary only and does not include additional compensation such as company bonus or benefits. Placement within the pay range will depend on a variety of factors, such as experience, skills, internal parity, and location.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the role is based at the time of hire and must maintain that authorization for the duration of employment. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or immigration support for this position.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
Blackboard is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, protected military/veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.
Key skills/competency
- Software Engineering Principles
- Database Troubleshooting
- Technical Support
- Incident Management
- Debugging Live Systems
- Root Cause Analysis
- Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure)
- Web Application Development (Java)
- UNIX/Linux
- Problem-Solving
Skills & topics
- Senior Software Engineer
- Technical Support
- Software Development
- LMS
- Blackboard
- Remote
- Java
- AWS
- Azure
- Debugging
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in software development, technical support, and debugging live systems, emphasizing your 5+ years of experience.
- Showcase problem-solving: Detail your experience with incident management, root cause analysis, and improving system reliability.
- Demonstrate technical skills: Emphasize your proficiency in Java/J2EE, web technologies, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss complex distributed systems issues and your approach to troubleshooting in production environments.
- Understand the product: Familiarize yourself with Blackboard's LMS and its role in educational technology.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities for a Senior Software Engineer Support at Blackboard?
- The Senior Software Engineer Support at Blackboard is responsible for providing multi-level technical support, troubleshooting complex distributed systems, performing root cause analysis, addressing software defects, and improving system reliability. They act as a liaison between client support and product development teams.
- What technical skills are most important for this Senior Software Engineer Support role at Blackboard?
- Key technical skills include a strong foundation in Software Engineering Principles, Database Design, Web application development (Java/J2EE preferred), experience with multiple operating systems (UNIX/Linux, Windows), web technologies, and familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure and AWS. Experience with incident management and debugging live systems is also crucial.
- Is this a remote position at Blackboard?
- Yes, this Senior Software Engineer Support position is a remote role based in the United States.
- What is the salary range for the Senior Software Engineer Support position at Blackboard?
- The expected salary range for this position at Blackboard is $95,600 - $119,500 annually, not including additional compensation like bonuses or benefits.
- Does Blackboard offer visa sponsorship for the Senior Software Engineer Support role?
- No, Blackboard does not provide visa sponsorship or immigration support for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the role is based at the time of hire.
- What kind of experience is required for the Senior Software Engineer Support role?
- The role requires at least 5 years of experience in software development or equivalent support experience, a Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience, and hands-on experience with incident management and debugging live systems.
- What are the 'preferred' skills for this Blackboard job?
- Preferred skills include familiarity with databases in a Java application environment, knowledge of Postgres, clustered environments, load balancers, experience with Application Performance Monitoring tools on AWS, working with global teams, and experience in the education industry or e-learning technologies.