Programmer_Expert (15065)

Provide a short description of the Position:
This position will support the UI Job Assist Tool (JAT), an initiative to develop and integrate secure APIs and Model Context Protocol (MCP) services between the core Unemployment Insurance (UI) system of record and an AI-enabled Job Assist Tool. The Expert Programmer will provide technical leadership for backend development, API architecture, vendor integration, security, data integrity, performance, and knowledge transfer.

Provide a list of the day-to-day tasks to be performed by the Selected Candidate:

• Build core REST endpoints, construct and optimize database queries in collaboration with the Data Architect, and implement business-logic validations.
• Design and review Java-based microservices and APIs supporting integration between the core UI system and the AI Job Assist Tool.
• Review, critique, and recommend approval of vendor API specifications, data schemas, and integration designs before ITS development begins.
• Act as a technical liaison among the vendor AI team, NYSDOL business subject-matter experts, and ITS security/infrastructure teams.
• Collaborate on establishing coding standards and branching strategies, and perform critical code reviews for security, performance, and maintainability.
• Design end-to-end integration among REST APIs, the MCP server, and the core UI system of record.
• Collaborate with GCP Cloud Engineering on secure egress proxies, VPC Service Controls, GKE, Pub/Sub, IAM, and related cloud-native architecture.
• Design validation frameworks that prevent corrupt or unapproved AI generated data from being written back to the UI system.
• Anticipate and mitigate API instability, dependency, and database change risks, and develop technical workarounds as needed.
• Develop and execute load-testing strategies to support approximately 1,500 concurrent users and document-heavy workloads.
• Support integration of AI capabilities and Model Context Protocol (MCP) services with enterprise Java/microservice solutions.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and provide knowledge transfer and mentoring to State staff.

Is this a Full or Part-Time Position?
Full-Time

What are the daily work hours?
7:00 6:00 M-F (Starting time is negotiable) 8 1/2 hr days including 1/2 hr unpaid lunch

Is telecommuting allowed for this position?
Yes (50%)

What is the format of the Candidate interview?
In-person

What type of software is typically used by the Agency?
The Agency typically utilizes enterprise Windows and Linux operating systems, Kubernetes container platforms, virtualization hypervisors, IT automation and monitoring software, and custom core applications such as UISIM.

What type of hardware is typically used by the Agency?
Desktop, Laptop

Position Mandatory Qualification (Per Attachment 7, Section 1.2.4)
Position Job Title: Programmer
Creates computer software. May specialize in one area of computer software or may write code for many kinds of software.
Position Skill Level: Expert
84+ months: Candidate is able to provide guidance to large teams and/or has extensive industry experience and is considered at the top of his/her field.

Position Requested Qualifications (Per Attachment 7, Section 1.2.5)

• 96 months experience in enterprise backend software development and API architecture using Java and microservices, including design and implementation of REST APIs.
• 36 months experience in a technical leadership or architecture role on enterprise systems, including code review, technical standards, and cross functional/vendor coordination.
• 24 months experience integrating enterprise applications with AI-enabled services or AI platforms, including validation of data exchanged between AI services and systems of record.
• 12 months experience designing, implementing, or validating Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, clients, tools, or integrations.
• 24 months experience with GCP cloud-native architectures and services, including one or more of GKE, Pub/Sub, IAM, VPC Service Controls, or secure egress patterns.
• 24 months experience delivering solutions in high-compliance environments such as IRS Publication 1075, CJIS, HIPAA, or comparable regulated environments.
• 24 months experience designing data-integrity, write-back validation, or API security controls for transactional enterprise systems.

Required Documentation

• Re sume
• Copy of Candidate Identification (i.e., Driver's License/Green Card/Visa and Passport if applicable)
• Any documents referenced in the above Requested Qualifications (i.e., professional certifications, degrees, etc.)

Additional security requirements:
Resource must sign a confidentiality agreement in the event of any exposure to private and/or sensitive information

Additional training potentially required during the Engagement:
All NYS OER Mandated Training and UI Confidentiality Training

Knowledge transfer requested during the Engagement:
During the term of this assignment, knowledge transfer from the consultant to State employees will be mandated. The knowledge transfer plan will be a written plan with details determined by the State