Software Developer (mid-level)

About Acorn PLMS: At Acorn PLMS, we are on a mission to transform the corporate learning experience. Our cutting-edge Performance Learning Management System (PLMS) software is powered by AI and designed to ensure that what people learn directly contributes to their exceptional performance in business. Corporate learning needs a revolution, and Acorn PLMS is the antidote. We are the only solution that guides learners step by step to master the specific capabilities required for their roles, ultimately accelerating organisational performance.

About the role:

We are seeking a mid-level Software Developer with a strong passion for coding to join our team at the head office in Canberra, Australia. In this role, you will contribute to the development of the Acorn platform. Your responsibilities will include developing both back-end and front-end features, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and optimising performance. You'll collaborate with the full-stack team to integrate components, maintain AWS infrastructure, and uphold security and compliance standards. Additionally, you will ensure that the codebase remains cohesive, modular, and secure while meeting Acorn’s operational and infrastructure needs.

The best part… we use our Acorn software at Acorn. We believe in the power of our Managers and Staff being aligned on the 5 capabilities needed for each role, and the level that we expect for any given role, using our Acorn AI tool to streamline this consistently across our business. The 5 levels comprise Foundational, Developing, Proficient, Advanced and Expert.

Here are the 5 capabilities for our mid-level Software Developer to give you an idea of what the role entails, and the level we are looking for from it:
• Back-End Development: Develops and maintains server-side logic, database integrations, and API functionality, ensuring data security and efficient performance. Uses PHP and Laravel within the Moodle-based Acorn infrastructure, working with AWS RDS, EC2, and other services. Level - Proficient: Independently develops complex back-end solutions, optimising database interactions and handling API design. Ensures robust functionality across all services.
• Front-End Development: Designs and implements user interfaces, ensuring a seamless user experience. Works with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant libraries to create dynamic, responsive, and accessible applications that reflect Acorn’s brand and standards. Level - Proficient: Creates complex, interactive interfaces, ensuring accessibility and seamless UX. Customises components based on customer needs and feedback from usability tests.
• Full Stack Development and Integration: Develops and maintains full stack features, integrating front and back-end components to deliver cohesive functionality. Ensures high cohesion and low coupling within the codebase, aligning with Acorn’s modular approach. Level - Proficient: Ensures effective front-end and back-end integration, addressing complex data flows and ensuring all components are seamlessly linked within Acorn’s system.
• AWS Infrastructure Management: Utilises AWS services (e.g., EC2, RDS, ElastiCache, IAM) to manage and deploy Acorn’s infrastructure, ensuring reliability, scalability, and compliance with standards like IRAP. Collaborates on infrastructure as code, utilising tools like Terraform. Level - Proficient: Independently manages AWS infrastructure, optimising resource allocation and implementing security best practices. Leads infrastructure deployments.
• Security and Compliance: Ensures all development aligns with security best practices and compliance standards, such as IRAP. Implements security protocols, utilises AWS security tools, and maintains secure data practices within Acorn’s multi-tenant environment. Level - Proficient: Applies advanced security practices, implementing encryption, access controls, and compliance checks. Proactively identifies and mitigates risks across the platform.

Experience and qualifications:
• 2-4 years in software engineering
• Education: Degree or certifications in a related field preferred.
• PHP and React: Experience with both is preferred
• Front-End Development: Strong HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills.
• User Experience (UX) Design: Understanding of UX principles.
• Responsive Design: Ability to design for various devices.
• Version Control: Familiarity with Git.
• Quality Assurance: Testing and issue resolution skills.

Location

We are open to individuals based in Canberra, Australia. We are an office-first company, meaning we work from our local offices the majority (if not all) of the time. Please note candidates will need to be in commuting distance to our offices based in the CBD.

Applicants must have full working rights in Australia to be considered for this role. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

Our recruitment process

Acorn is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We aim to ensure that our recruitment process is fair and accessible to everyone and encourage candidates to request any accommodations needed during the application or interview stages.

About Acorn

Acorn is the hub for learning and performance for over 1 million active learners globally. The work you do — whether that’s writing lines of code, designing the layout of a dashboard, or talking to customers — helps real people grow not just professionally, but personally. In the space of 10 years, we’ve grown to a global platform in the heart of many major organisations’ ecosystems. There’s still so much more to do, and we need people who are keen to help us journey into the next phase on board! And since we’re still growing, there’s so much you can learn on that journey with us.

Want to see more about life at Acorn? Check out our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BGUk-n3FrQ

To find out more about Acorn, our Values and working with us, check out our website at https://acorn.works/about