Back-End Software Developer

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Lemont, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Apache Web Server, Authentication, Best Practices, Business Solutions, CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), CakePHP, Coding Standards, Computer Science, Computer Security, Customer/Client Research, Debian Linux, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Git, Government, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), Identify Issues, Information Systems/Technology IS/IT Administration, Information Technology & Information Systems, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Internet Application, Internet Security, JavaScript, LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), Laboratory, Leadership, Linux Operating System, MariaDB, Metrics, Microsoft SQL Server, Mock Up, Model View Controller, Multitasking, MySQL, Operational Support, Oracle Database, PHP Scripting Language (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor), Performance Analysis, Privacy Controls, Problem Solving Skills, Product Engineering, Program Planning, Prototyping, Quality Assurance Methodology, RCS (Revision Control System), Refactoring, Server Maintenance, Software Administration, Software Development, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), Statement of Work (SOW), Strategic Planning, Subversion, Systems Administration/Management, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Research, Technical Support, Technical Writing, Test Automation, Usability Engineering, Usability Testing, User Documentation, User Experience Design (UXD), User Interface Design, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Web Infrastructure, Web Interface, Web Server, Wireframes
LOCATION
Lemont, IL
POSTED
30+ days ago
Appendix “B” Argonne National Laboratory Statement of Work Back-end Software Developer 04/20/2026 1.0 Introduction Argonne, through the NST division, is seeking an Internet Development Products Level II contractor experienced with the development, enhancement, and maintenance of enterprise-wide web-based, user- facing applications. Some common tasks that will be performed include implementing new features, designing/enhancing interfaces, troubleshooting issues, etc. This engagement will provide our lead software developer the ability to engage with users and programs to strategically plan changes within the NST division’s applications. 2.0 Scope Argonne is seeking an engagement with an experienced software developer with qualifications in the listed technologies to aid the NST division and CNM User Facility to refactor, refine and add features to the core software supporting the division and user facility. This includes administrative tools and operational systems the allow the CNM and NST to engage with users. 3.0 Objectives The overall goal of this assignment is to deliver functional and impactful improvements to aid the division and user facility to support their users and deliver on their mission. The work includes, but is not limited to: • Review/refactoring of existing codebase and applications • Implementation of enhancements and new features • Documentation of code, processes and user instructions • Identification/troubleshooting of reported issues • Cleanup and modernization tasks 4.0 Tasks and Delivery Through engagement with the CNM User Office, division leadership and research staff, multiple development tasks have been identified that will bring modernization, stability and enhancements to the current applications that aid in the operation of the CNM User Facility and the NST division. A prioritized list has been created that will address specific needs across the core applications. Individual tasks are expected to vary in complexity and time to complete, some requiring only an hour or two, while others may require weeks of effort. All work will be completed with adherence to good coding standards, staged with revision control and accompanied by appropriate levels of documentation. Work will be assigned until the list is completed. The current backlog is quite lengthy. 5.0 Required Background, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge/Skill/Ability: • Strong skills with PHP (both current and legacy versions) and MySQL/MariaDB • Familiarity with CakePHP MVC framework (v2-4.5) is desirable • Strong skills in HTML, CSS/SASS, and JavaScript • Working knowledge of revision control systems (e.x. Git, SVN, etc.) • Familiarity with the use of Oracle and MSSQL for queries and LDAP for web-based authentication • A working knowledge of UX design principles • Experience designing and enhancing user interface designs • Ability to create user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and mockups • Ability to collaborate effectively with product, engineering, and management teams • Skill in incorporating customer feedback, usage metrics, and usability findings into design to enhance user experience • Experience with user testing and usability analysis • Strong skills supporting Linux (Debian-based) and web servers (Apache) infrastructure in support of web-based interfaces and back-end maintenance jobs Background • Associate or bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or a closely-related field, or equivalent experience required • 3 or more years of software development and/or UX development experience • Experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP and MySql are required • Working knowledge of CakePHP is a plus • Link(s) to examples of work or a compounded portfolio are encouraged • Experience with system administration, automation, dev/test methodology, etc. also a plus 6.0 Work Location The primary location of contract performance will be primarily accomplished at the contractor’s facility. The expectation is that limited time on-site would be necessary. If any work is required on-site it will take place at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) [building 440]. 7.0 Work Schedule Mostly off-site schedule (up to 100%) with 24 hours per week. Schedule to be negotiated with NST’s lead software developer. 8.0 Technical Direction of Work NST’s Lead Software Developer – David Eckstein will manage the workload, but the tasks will be driven by the CNM User Office and NST Leadership. 9.0 Task and Time reporting Time will be reported weekly, and performance will be measured against assigned tasks, schedule maintenance and productivity. 10.0 Government-Owned Property The work will be completed using Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) complete with all required cyber protections, software licenses and tools needed to complete the work under the contract. The device will be made available to the contractor at the outset of the contract, once all cyber-related training is complete. At the completion of the contract term, all provided GFE shall be returned promptly to the Lab. 11.0 Security Requirements As part of the contract, access will be granted to datasets and information systems secured with restrictive permissions. Access to such systems is explicitly for the contractor only. Accounts used for access may not be shared with others. Datasets and other information assets may not be shared, copied or transferred out of Laboratory-owned systems, including GFE noted above. No clearance is required. 12.0 Computer Protection Program The contractor(s) may have root access to government computers and/or Business Information Systems. The contractor(s) shall adhere to all policies and procedures of the ANL Computer Protection Program, must not bypass any procedures established to protect data, applications, hardware, or communications at ANL, must maintain a work environment that will satisfy audit, privacy, and protection requirements, and must report any findings of inadequacies to the technical contact and the Argonne Cyber Security Representative. 13.0 Attachments None Overview Of Role: Location: Lemont, IL Schedule: Remote Hours: Part-time, approximately 24 hours/week Pay Rate: $43–45/hour Contract Length: Minimum 1-year contract with long-term potential Benefits: BCBS Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage available This role will focus on improving and maintaining internal web-based applications and operational systems that support technical teams, researchers, and end users. The ideal candidate will have strong back-end development experience combined with front-end/UI exposure and experience working within Linux-based web environments. The individual will collaborate closely with technical leadership, internal stakeholders, and end users to modernize applications, implement enhancements, troubleshoot issues, and improve overall system functionality and usability. Key Responsibilities: Review, refactor, and modernize existing applications and codebases Develop and implement new features and functionality within enterprise web applications Troubleshoot, identify, and resolve application and system issues Support ongoing enhancement and stabilization efforts across multiple internal systems Create and maintain technical documentation, process documentation, and user instructions Design and improve user interfaces and overall user experience Develop wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flows where needed Collaborate with leadership, engineering teams, and end users to prioritize development tasks Incorporate user feedback and usability findings into system enhancements Support Linux-based web server infrastructure and maintenance processes Maintain development standards using revision control and documented deployment practices Required Qualifications: Strong experience with PHP (current and legacy versions) Strong experience with MySQL/MariaDB Strong front-end skills with HTML, CSS/SASS, and JavaScript Experience with Git, SVN, or similar revision control systems Familiarity with CakePHP MVC framework is highly preferred Experience working with Oracle, MSSQL, and LDAP authentication environments Understanding of UX/UI design principles and usability best practices Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity

About the Company

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Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:

 

  • Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.

 

  • Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.

 

Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com