Web Developer

Job Summary

The Web Developer serves as a key technical and creative member of the College of Engineering’s web communications team, working under the direction of the Manager of Web Communications. This role is responsible for executing front-end and full-stack web development tasks, email marketing campaigns, and interactive digital solutions to support faculty, administration, schools, and programs across the College of Engineering.

The Web Developer will design, code, test, debug, and maintain highly accessible, performant, and brand-aligned web experiences from initial prototypes to production. Utilizing modern web standards, this position ensures all deliverables achieve Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA compliance, adhere strictly to university brand guidelines, and employ mobile-first, responsive design principles. Additionally, the Web Developer will collaborate on data collection, maintain clean technical and user documentation, and support content maintainers to ensure robust, high-performance web experiences.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.

What You'll Be Doing:

Web Design & Development

• Design, code, test, and debug high-performance, responsive static and dynamic web pages, sites, and applications from prototype to production.
• Build robust front-end interfaces using HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like Sass), and modern JavaScript (ES6+).
• Write clean, secure, and maintainable backend scripts, templates, and basic applications utilizing Python.
• Implement responsive design frameworks like Bootstrap, with an eye toward modern UI/UX trends and cross-browser compatibility.
• Integrate data from various backend APIs, services, and databases.
• Strictly implement WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards and adhere to established Purdue brand and visual identity guidelines.

Bulk Email Design & Development

• Conceptualize, design, code, and test highly responsive, accessible HTML marketing emails and templates from prototype to final campaign deployment.
• Collaborate with internal clients on targeted email communications to ensure exceptional visual layout, high deliverability, and flawless cross-client and mobile compatibility.

Website Maintenance & Client Support

• Fulfill ongoing web support and content update requests from College of Engineering faculty, staff, and administration in a timely, helpful manner.
• Maintain clear, comprehensive system, project, and workflow documentation.
• Act as a quick, adaptable learner when working with legacy web systems (e.g., Zope) and play an active, hands-on role in helping migrate legacy systems to modern environments (such as Django and Wagtail).

Data Collection, Analytics & Optimization

• Leverage tools like Google Analytics 4 and Siteimprove to monitor, audit, and report on key website metrics.
• Proactively identify and resolve technical issues related to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), page speed, load times, broken links, and general web quality.

Image Sizing & Optimization

• Utilize tools like Adobe Photoshop to crop, resize, retouch, and optimize visual assets and photos, ensuring fast web load times and strict brand alignment without sacrificing visual quality.

Other Duties

• Assist with administrative workflows, participate in team meetings, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and complete other digital communication duties as assigned.

About Us:

The College of Engineering at Purdue University is among the best and largest Engineering schools in the world. With nearly 16,000 engineering students and more than 500 tenure track faculty in the college, this position has ample opportunity to have an impact at one of the world’s most influential universities.

For more information about our department, please visit:

• College of Engineering, Purdue University https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr
• External Recognitions Program https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards
• College of Engineering's Social Media https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/AboutUs/social

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Web Design/Development, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in web design and development (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Must be an eager, rapid, and hands-on learner who is comfortable supporting legacy applications while actively transitioning to modern web architectures.

Skills needed:

• Modern Front-End Development: Advanced practical knowledge of HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like Sass), and modern JavaScript (ES6+).
• Responsive Frameworks: Proven experience building mobile-first websites using Bootstrap or similar responsive frameworks.
• Accessibility Standards: Strong working knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA standards and semantic markup.
• Scripting & Backend Basics: Practical experience writing and debugging Python scripts; basic understanding of integrating web-based APIs and databases.
• Performance & SEO: Demonstrated understanding of page speed optimization, modern SEO practices, and asset optimization techniques (including image optimization/retouching using tools like Adobe Photoshop).
• Web Best Practices: Deep commitment to coding quality, security, privacy standards, and cross-browser/cross-platform compatibility testing.
• Professional Attributes: Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a high standard for quality control.

Highly Desired & Preferred Qualifications

• Higher Education & Agency Experience: Experience designing and building complex websites within a higher education setting or a fast-paced agency environment.
• Brand Alignment: Experience working within strict corporate or institutional brand identity guidelines.
• Modern CMS Platforms: Familiarity with Django and Wagtail, or experience preparing legacy environments for CMS migrations.
• JavaScript Frameworks: Familiarity with modern JS libraries/frameworks (such as React) is a plus (not a hard requirement).
• Digital Marketing Tools: Experience setting up and managing campaigns in email marketing tools (e.g., Delivra) and working with project management systems (e.g., Wrike or Jira).
• Metrics & Quality Auditing: Experience tracking and reporting performance using Google Analytics 4, Google Tag Manager, and Siteimprove.

Nice-to-Have Attributes

• UX/UI Focus: Knowledge of and genuine interest in User Experience (UX), interaction design, and user-centered design principles.
• Drive to Innovate: A strong passion for web development, curiosity about emerging technologies, and a drive to experiment, innovate, and continuous improvement of workflows.

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits summary
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Compensation Information:
Professional 2
Pay Band S065
Job Code#20003640

Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines:

EOE

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university