Software Engineer 3

The Software Engineer 3 position exists to develop and manage technical aspects of Focus on the Family’s enterprise applications (e.g., Salesforce) and digital properties. This includes writing, testing, and releasing code; troubleshooting; addressing issues such as application security and performance; and creating, implementing, and maintaining standards and best practices. This includes work on the strategy, architecture, development, and maintenance of enterprise applications, web applications, responsive websites, and mobile applications within an Agile environment.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• All Software Engineers are responsible for performing the listed core responsibilities and specializing in at least one area of focus. The Software Engineer 3 is expected to have an intermediate understanding of and ability to perform those responsibilities and all other areas of focus. Additionally, the Software Engineer 3 may act in a time-limited architecture role, as either primary or secondary.

Core Responsibilities:

• Relies on solid computer science fundamentals and principles to break down problems into high performance, scalable and distributed solutions
• Works within a hybrid on-campus, collaborative team environment (including pair and/or mob programming) to develop or enhance enterprise applications, web-based applications, responsive websites, and mobile applications using various programming languages and technologies
• Builds secure, performant, reusable, and maintainable code; organizes code libraries for future use; and documents as appropriate

• Effectively leverages AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Claude, GitHub Copilot) to accelerate coding, debugging, and documentation, while applying independent judgment to validate the correctness, security, and architectural fit of AI-generated output

• Maintains, troubleshoots, and fixes code, applications, integrations, and other technology as appropriate. Installs, creates, or customizes modules and features for enterprise and proprietary software packages
• Creates, maintains, and utilizes centralized Logging, Auditing, Monitoring and Alerting (LAMA) as appropriate 
• Creates, executes, and maintains various levels (e.g., unit and integration) and types (e.g., compatibility, smoke, and regression) of testing, automating such tests wherever possible
• Builds and releases own and team code within a DevSecOps environment, leveraging virtualization and containerization as appropriate
• Implements, releases, tests, and reinforces security and secure practices in all aspects of development
• Architects and implements appropriate formal security and performance reviews of digital properties
• Mentors other engineers and team members as appropriate
• May assist the Director with initial rounds of interviewing, including phone screens, first interviews, and the creation and proctoring of coding tests
• May provide engineering leadership to an Agile team, including coordinating and leading appropriate Communities of Practice, coding dojos, etc.

Back End: 

• Develops functional, server-side code, separating business logic from data to allow future development
• Develops, exposes, consumes, integrates, and maintains APIs and web services for both internal and public uses
• Develops, exposes, consumes, integrates, and maintains message queues for internal use
• Develops, exposes, consumes, integrates, and maintains databases, including relational and document based DBs
• Guides and/or encourages teammates in embracing the development, implementation, and maintenance of micro-services, moving away from monolithic architectures as appropriate

Client Side: 

• Implements and enhances user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designed by stakeholders. Develops functional and appealing interfaces, with special attention to responsive design and varying screen resolution, sizes, and devices
• Creates HTML, JavaScript, and CSS that function and display consistently across all browsers and platforms
• Optimizes client-side performance and scalability 
• Guides and/or encourages teammates in embracing the use of modern client-side standards and best practices, such as design systems, frameworks, etc.

DevOps: 

• Architects and designs continuous delivery strategies and processes, including continuous integration and continuous deployment concepts
• Implements, upgrades, and maintains deployment pipelines, scripts, and systems
• Works toward ensuring that the release process is fluid and efficient, guiding continuous integration, automated deployments, LAMA, and documentation.
• Guides and/or encourages teammates and partner departments in the use of modern release concepts such as infrastructure as code, dynamic environment provisioning, etc.

Mobile: 

• Develops and maintains mobile applications, including, but not limited to, small enhancements and bug fixes
• Understands, architects, and implements best practices and development platforms for mobile development on iOS, Android, and other mobile operating systems
• Works with vendors on mobile application development, including architecture, code reviews and testing

Testing:

• Is a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for development, maintenance, troubleshooting, and support of automated testing
• Is a primary development point of contact for teammates regarding testing strategy, processes, and architecture
• Is a primary development point of contact for the selection, implementation, and maintenance of testing toolsets
• Guides and/or encourages teammates and vendors in embracing Agile development practices that embrace testing, such as test-driven development (TDD), behavior driven development (BDD), automated testing, etc.

• Utilizes AI-assisted code review tools (e.g., CodeRabbit) as part of the review process, while maintaining primary accountability for code quality, security, and test coverage

Architecture Role:

• Collaboratively participates in and champions the direction, creation, maintenance, implementation and communication of the ministry’s software applications, systems and process architecture and related standards, with an emphasis on the appropriate competency area, along with one’s team, and other department members in the architecture role
• Collaboratively works with department members in the architecture role of the same competency area to recommend architectural standards for that area
• Consults and collaboratively works with one’s team and other teams on the application of architectural standards for specific projects or products
• Provides input for tool selection and standards to leadership to help inform the overall technology architecture
• As a servant leader, trains and coaches members of one’s team on ministry application and systems architecture standards. Trains and coaches others to be able to step into the Architecture Coach role

• Provides guidance on the appropriate and secure use of AI tooling within the development lifecycle, including data handling, intellectual property, and security considerations when using AI-assisted tools

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• On-call to provide after-hours and weekend support when necessary
• Participates in on-going training opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• On-campus (hybrid-remote) office environment
• Frequent sitting and computer use
• Occasional travel, domestic or international
• This role may require occasional travel including nights and weekends

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Character/Spiritual:

Exemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us...”

Pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus; adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith; upholds Focus on the Family's ministry in prayer

Prays personally for Focus on the Family’s staff and constituents and may occasionally lead in a public prayer

Engages in Christian ministry

Demonstrates behaviors aligned with FOF core values

Personal Characteristics:

• Lives with integrity derived from Biblical values and demonstrates standards of conduct that meet or exceed company and/or legal requirements
• Thrives in a team environment: team player; trustworthy; reliable
• Results-oriented, self-motivated, driven and committed
• Positive and encouraging attitude; Confident without having an ego
• Coachable; able to redirect work priorities and assignments as needed
• Constituent and Stakeholder-service oriented
• Embodies honesty, forthrightness, and openness
• Creative thinker and effective problem-solver
• Treats other with dignity, respect, and graciousness
• Maintains a cool and calm demeanor under pressure
• Avoids groupthink: Courage to assertively present alternatives in a spirit of mutual respect; humility when their ideas are not accepted
• Approaches processes and tools with an eye for adding value and eliminating waste (Lean thinking)
• Lifetime learner with a burning desire to continually be stretched and improve
• Flexible thinker with ability to adapt to and learn various solutions, frameworks, processes, and systems, using whichever works best while meeting both client and ministry needs
• Avid interest in all things digital, with a passion to stay current, work and play with the latest and greatest digital innovations
• A servant-leader who seeks to empower others

 Knowledge/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Science, other relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant education
• 5-7 years of overall software development experience, especially with the languages and methodologies listed below and/or the various Focus on the Family codebases
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with fundamental computer science principles including, but not limited to, object-oriented programming, data modeling/structures, design/architecture patterns, etc.
• Intermediate understanding of Salesforce functionality, configuration, architecture, development languages, best practices, etc.
• Intermediate understanding of Cloud-based architectures and SaaS solutions
• Intermediate understanding of Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana, and Beats (ELK stack)
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with the modern web, including familiarity with application, database, and networking layers
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with appropriate languages, frameworks and platforms for a team or area of focus, which include but are not limited to: Apex, Lightning, Flutter, Dart, C#/.Net, PHP, Java, JavaScript, etc.
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with developing software in an Agile environment 
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with source control systems (Github preferred) and experience with at least one continuous integration tool (Github Actions preferred)
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with testing methodologies like BDD or TDD and tools (Provar preferred), as well as unit testing methodologies and tools
• Intermediate understanding of and experience with using industry standards and best practices (e.g., W3C, OpenAPI, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring developers and others in a software development environment
• Demonstrated experience in servant leadership

• Demonstrated experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Claude, GitHub Copilot, Cursor) in a professional software engineering context, including the judgment to evaluate, refine, and take ownership of AI-generated code

 Skills, Abilities, and Special Talents/Gifts:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to deal with constantly changing priorities and demands
• Willing to be assertive in resolving problems in a spirit of mutual respect
• Professional appearance and conduct
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to analyze complex and conflicting data to recommend a strategic course of action
• Influential; practiced in negotiating with others in ways that result in win-win outcome

• Exercises critical judgment when evaluating AI-generated code, content, or recommendations, rather than accepting output at face value

Stewardship Requirements:

• Adheres to FOF principles of stewardship by using time and resources efficiently           

Salary Range: $95,800 to $111,892/yr.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

*Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove any age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume. 2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications.

Focus on the Family puts a high value on our team members and offers a unique benefit package.

Employees scheduled for 20 hours or more per week are eligible for:

• Norton LifeLock ID Theft Coverage
• Legal Shield/ID Shield Coverage
• AFLAC
• 403B Retirement Plan
• Vacation Time & Vacation Payout
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Service Awards
• Community Service Days
• Bookstore Discount
• Fitness Center

Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more per week are eligible for all the above and:

• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Warehouse Membership Reimbursement

Note: This is a summary and should not be construed as future promises to continue to provide benefits as outlined above. For complete and definitive language, refer to the governing plan documents. 

*Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits, except for:

• Sick Time
• Bookstore Discount
• Fitness Center

Tentative Search Timeline:

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by September 23, 2026. However, this posting will remain open until filled. 
• The potential employee start date is October 12, 2026. 

Posting date: September 9, 2026

Unposting date: Ongoing until filled

Posting contact email: job@fotf.org