State of Iowa

Lead Application Developer

State of Iowa$81K — $124K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in software development and IT project management
  • Proficient in technologies such as .Net, Angular, SQL, and HTML5
  • Strong background in CI/CD and DevSecOps practices
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2 AA
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with user experience research and testing tools
  • Must pass the DHS Trusted Tester Certification before starting.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop software solutions for statewide services
  • Lead the architectural design of new technological solutions
  • Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance
  • Oversee implementation of user experience research and testing
  • Ensure systems align with quality and enterprise architecture standards
  • Conduct risk assessments to manage operational stability
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for project success.

Benefits

  • Flexible work environment with hybrid options
  • Comprehensive healthcare including dental and vision
  • Generous leave policies including vacation and holidays
  • Life and disability insurance provisions
  • Participation in the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for health-related expenses.
Full Job Description
Salary : $81,203.20 - $124,883.20 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00856
Agency: 532 Iowa Department of Management
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact:

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
The Department of Management's Division of Information Technology (DOM-DoIT) is seeking a highly skilled Information Technology Specialist 5 (ITS5) to lead the design, development, optimization, and support of software solutions that deliver statewide services. This position is pivotal in ensuring technical excellence, adherence to enterprise standards, and the delivery of secure, scalable, and maintainable systems. The ITS5 will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and drive innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies and best practices.

What You Will Do

  • Design, develop, optimize, and support software solutions managed by DOM-DoIT for statewide services
  • Architect new solutions
  • Act as a Team Lead
  • Implementation of user experience testing, design and research
  • Remediation and implement WCAG 2.2 AA coding best practices
  • Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture, quality expectations, and technical standards
  • Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices for enhanced security and operational efficiency
  • Lead adherence to enterprise testing standards, ensuring reliable and secure systems and operational efficiency
  • Conduct risk assessments and implement risk management strategies to ensure operational stability
  • Analyze and assess system specifications for alignment with technical requirements and enterprise objectives
  • Optimize development efforts and strategic purchasing decisions for cost efficiency
  • Lead, coach, mentor, and train junior team members; utilize AI for QA and software engineering
  • Monitor performance and resolve issues to ensure stable system operations in alignment with SLAs and incident protocols
  • Oversee technical documentation and contribute to enterprise-wide policies, SOPs, and guidelines
  • Collaborate with Product Owners, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders for successful project alignment
  • Focus on training in AI Engineering, SQL, .Net, Angular, Accessibility/ADA Compliance, USWDS, and Design Systems
  • Keep informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to foster innovation and professional growth


What We Are Seeking

  • Strong technical proficiency in software development, accessibility for applications for government and UI/UX (e.g. .Net, Angular, C#, SQL, HTML5, Visual Studio, SASS, Figma, Design Systems, USWDS)
  • Experience with CI/CD, DevSecOps, and enterprise testing standards
  • Ability to lead and mentor junior staff, and collaborate with diverse teams
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508, Title I & II), user experience design, and research principles
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Experience with user experience research tools & methods (e.g. heat maps, behavioral flows, Google analytics, A/B testing)
  • Experience with accessibility testing tools (e.g. Jaws, NVDA, Browser Stack, Wave, manual testing)
  • Must complete the free accessibility DHS Trusted Tester Certification prior to starting
  • Strategic mindset focused on continuous improvement and risk management
  • Must pass DOM background check and reside in Iowa (will consider applicants moving to Iowa within 2 weeks of offer)
  • Selective certifications: 198 HTML


What We Offer
  • Flexible work environment
  • Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement savings options (RIC)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts

Working Arrangement

This position occasionally requires onsite work in Des Moines, IA. Employees meeting all expectations of their work responsibilities may request fully remote work and develop a hybrid/remote schedule collaboratively with their manager.

Please note, candidates for this position must reside in the state of Iowa at the time of starting the role.

Selectives

198 HTML:
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the HTML syntax and basic language components.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security.
2) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in computer science, computer applications, software engineering, computer engineering, management information systems, business analytics, or cyber security, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Three years of full-time work experience in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security; and

b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

4) All of the following (a and b):

a. Five years of full-time work experience in application development and database management, business analysis, systems and network administration, technical training and reporting, IT vendor and purchasing management, IT project management, IT product management, system testing and quality assurance, mainframe and platform administration, and/or information technology security; and

b. Either of the following:

i. Certification from an authorized educational institution/major computer or software producer in one or more of the specialty areas listed in part a; or

ii. Eighteen semester hours from an accredited college or university in one or more of the specialty areas listed in part a.
5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full--ime work as an Information Technology Specialist 4.

About State of Iowa

The State of Iowa is a government entity responsible for providing services and programs to the residents of Iowa. The state government is divided into three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Iowa, who is responsible for implementing and enforcing state laws. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, while the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. The State of Iowa was admitted to the Union on December 28, 1846, and has since become known for its agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy industries.
Learn more about State of Iowa
Size
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Industry

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