Student Programmer – Web Development & Open Source Projects (HAX)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
  
  

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Job Description And Position Requirements

We are hiring an undergraduate student programmer to support open-source web development projects related to the HAX (Headless Authoring eXperience) platform at Penn State. HAX is a customizable, web-based authoring environment used in educational technology, research, and digital publishing. The selected student will contribute to building cutting-edge learning tools, interactive authoring systems, and open-source components.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, test, and debug front-end components using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
• Work with Web Components, especially Lit and Polymer-based frameworks and AI integration.
• Collaborate via GitHub, participating in commits, pull requests, and issue tracking.
• Troubleshoot user interface issues and enhance accessibility features.
• Support integration with educational tools and content management systems, and workflows to facilitate the export of learning analytics.
• Contribute ideas and solutions in team meetings and agile development cycles.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a current Penn State undergraduate student
• Experience in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
• Familiarity with GitHub and basic version control practices
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Interest in educational technology and/or open-source development
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Web Components, Lit, or HAX-style environments
• Familiarity with Node.js, Firebase, or PHP
• Interest or experience in accessibility and UI/UX improvements
• Strong written communication and organizational skills

Pay Rate: $15–$20/hour (based on experience), with a total maximum of $5,000. Weekly hours are flexible and will be set in coordination with the student’s academic schedule.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit the following materials

• Resume
• Brief cover letter describing your interest and experience
• Optional: Link to GitHub, portfolio, or code samples
  
  

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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