Job Notice
Date Posted: March 2, 2025
Position: Applications & Systems Engineer
Starting Rate: $80,000/year
Job # 08-26
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled
Established in 1937, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is a national leader in providing safe, healthy and affordable housing options for the Austin community. HACA's mission is to cultivate sustainable affordable housing communities and partnerships that inspire self-reliance, growth and optimism.
The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is looking for an Applications & Systems Engineer to serve as a high-impact builder for our Agency. This isn't just a "maintenance" role; it is a versatile position designed for someone who enjoys building internal web tools, optimizing complex databases, and leading the charge in AI-assisted development. You will act as an internal consultant, riding along with different departments to find operational bottlenecks and solving them with elegant, automated technical solutions. HACA has been a leader in affordable housing in the City of Austin for more than 85 years. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local government entities, and numerous non-profit agencies, HACA provides access to safe, stable housing to over 20,000 individuals.
What you will do in this position:
AI Application Development & Integration
- Develop, maintain, and optimize internal web applications and services through the integration of AI models into established systems.
- Construct and support APIs and middleware to facilitate seamless connectivity between AI components, databases, and applications.
Data Reporting & System Integrity
- Create and manage SQL-based reports, dashboards, and data queries to support Agency decision-making.
- Ensure the integrity and security of data across applications and operational systems.
AI Productivity & Automation
- Leverage modern AI productivity tools (such as AI coding assistants, large language models, or automated agents) to accelerate software development, troubleshoot code, and automate repetitive administrative tasks.
Workflow & Operational Systems Management
- Administer and improve digital workflows (such as Laserfiche or Yardi) to streamline Agency operations and reduce manual processing.
Collaboration & Technical Support
- Work closely with department heads and vendors to translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Provide high-level troubleshooting for production systems.
Process Improvement & Internal Consulting
- Serve as an internal consultant by joining other departments for ride-alongs or interviews to identify bottlenecks and recommend technology-based improvements.
Infrastructure & Version Control
- Maintain version control (Git) and support cloud or server-based environments to ensure 24/7 system availability.
AI Governance & Documentation
- Establish and oversee protocols for the safe and ethical use of AI tools within the development lifecycle.
- Maintain high-level documentation that explains the rationale behind system logic and architectural decisions.
More about this position:
Qualified candidates must possess:
- Bachelor's degree in a technology-related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- 1–3 years of experience in data analysis, application development, or systems administration.
- Alternative: Degree/Certification from a licensed business/technical college with 1–2 years of experience in SQL databases.
Preferred candidates will also possess the following skills and abilities:
- Advanced degree (Master's) and 1–5 years of related professional experience
- Bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of related professional experience
- 3–5 years of experience working with SQL databases.
- Experience integrating third-party systems via REST/JSON.
Benefits:
- Paid sick leave, annual leave, birthday leave & federal holidays
- 100% of employee health insurance premiums paid by the agency
- Supplemental health, dental, vision, and life insurance options for employees and family
- Employee Assistance Program
For a more detailed description of our compensation/benefits offered, go to the following website: https://www.hacanet.org/employment/
APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT: Application for the open posted position must be submitted via online at the following website: https://hacanet.applicantpro.com/ However, we will accept applications at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S. IH-35, Austin, Texas 78704. No applications will be accepted after the noted closing dates on the job announcement. We encourage you to visit our website often to view and apply for vacant positions with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin or sign up for job alerts at our career site. The HACA is a drug-free workplace. A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License, and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER