Application Engineer

Job Title: Application EngineerLocation: Austin, TX (1 day a week on-site)Duration: Direct HireJob SummaryThe Application Engineer is responsible for monitoring, administering, maintaining, and integrating enterprise Lending and Collections applications. Key duties include troubleshooting issues, managing cases, and working closely with vendors to resolve bugs and test hotfixes. While not directly configuring infrastructure, the Application Engineer coordinates tasks among DevOps, developers, QA, systems engineers, networking, and DBAs to solve problems, update systems, and enhance functionality to meet business needs. As a subject matter expert, they ensure these applications' optimal performance and reliability.Additionally, the Application Engineer handles multiple projects and routine activities simultaneously, anticipating future issues and needs to adapt technologies accordingly. They define requirements, deploy applications, support testing, and provide documentation.A significant part of this role involves software integration, including DNS, mail, SSO, and API (REST, SOAP, GraphQL) integration and troubleshooting. Familiarity with tools like Postman and SoapUI is beneficial, as the Application Engineer collaborates with developers and vendors to recreate and resolve bugs.Effective communication with IT and business partners is essential, with a focus on teamwork and collaboration. The Application Engineer provides proactive project updates and guides junior team members, ensuring successful solution delivery. Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are vital for success.Essential Job Functions Application Support Monitor, administer, maintain, and integrate enterprise Lending and Collections applications, both On-Premise and SaaS. Troubleshoot and resolve issues experienced by members and staff. Manage and track support cases, working closely with vendors to address bugs and implement hotfixes. Ensure optimal performance and reliability of applications. Coordinate with DevOps, developers, QA, systems engineers, networking, and DBAs for problem-solving and system updates. Participate in after-hours systems support activities and on call rotation as required. Weekend maintenance support is common. Service Availability Develop and maintain disaster recovery plans. Create and update documentation for application processes and procedures. Ensure the continuous availability of critical applications. Configure and maintain monitoring and alert systems to proactively manage application performance and availability. Incident Management and Request Fulfillment Manage and resolve incidents promptly, minimizing downtime and impact on business operations. Fulfill service requests in a timely manner, ensuring user satisfaction. Utilize ITIL-based practices for incident and request management. Conduct root cause analysis for major incidents and implement preventive measures. Software Integrations Configure and troubleshoot DNS, mail, SSO, and API (REST, SOAP, GraphQL) integrations. Utilize tools like Postman and SoapUI for testing and recreating bugs. Collaborate with developers and vendors to resolve integration issues. Ensure seamless integration of new software with existing systems. Manage Credit Union-specific integrations, including troubleshooting Symitar SymXchange traffic and PowerOn Repgens. Compliance and Regulations Adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Participate in audits and compliance reviews as required. Communication and Collaboration Maintain proactive and effective communication with IT and business partners. Provide regular project updates and status reports. Mentor and guide junior team members to ensure the successful delivery of solutions. Foster a collaborative and team-focused work environment. Continuous Improvement Identify and implement process improvements to enhance application support and service delivery. Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends. Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience through a combination of relevant certifications and applied skills. 3+ years of experience in application support or similar roles within a credit union or financial services environment. Technical Skills: Proficiency in troubleshooting and resolving application issues. Experience with DNS, mail, SSO, and API (REST, SOAP, GraphQL) integrations. Familiarity with tools like Postman and SoapUI. Knowledge of ITIL-based practices for incident and request management. Understanding of general security issues and technologies used to secure applications and systems. Commitment to continually updating security knowledge/skills to meet emerging industry standards and demands. Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with IT and business partners. Other Requirements: Willingness to participate in after-hours systems support activities and on-call rotation. Ability to create and update documentation for application processes and procedures. Adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.Preferred Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field 5+ years of experience in application support or similar roles, specifically within a credit union environment. Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of enterprise Lending and Collections applications. Experience with SaaS and On-Premise applications. Strong background in integrating and troubleshooting Symitar SymXchange traffic and PowerOn Repgens. Proficiency in developing and maintaining disaster recovery plans. Security focused certification (CompTIA Security+, CISSP Associate, CEH) or equivalent experience through applied skills Soft Skills: Proven ability to mentor and guide junior team members. Demonstrated track record of identifying and implementing process improvements. Experience in conducting root cause analysis for major incidents and implementing preventive measures. Certifications: ITIL certification Other Requirements: Proactive approach to staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends. Experience participating in audits and compliance reviews. Strong focus on teamwork and a collaborative attitude.