Lead Software Developer

About SANS

Founded in 1989, SANS Institute (SANS) began as a cooperative research and education organization. Over the next 25 years, it grew to become the most trusted and widely recognized provider of information security training and certification in the world. Today, SANS has served more than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals around the world, with more than 60,000 earning Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) security certifications-the leading certification that provides assurance to employers that their people and prospective hires can do the job.

At the heart of SANS is a community of practitioners, from auditors and network administrators to CISOs, who share their lessons learned and collaborate on solutions to the challenges they face. These experts, working across corporations, government agencies, and universities, come together to support and strengthen the global information security community.

Why SANS?

At SANS, our culture is defined by three pillars: Mission, Brand, and People.

• Our Mission is to hire people who understand the importance fighting against cybersecurity threats.
• Our Brand reflects a commitment to delivering the highest quality training.
• Our People are grounded in a culture of fairness, honesty, customer focus, and a pragmatic approach.

What You'll Achieve at SANS

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to join our team. This role plays a key leadership role in designing, developing, and maintaining the next generation of SANS e-learning and cybersecurity training platforms. This position combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision and collaboration across teams to deliver robust, scalable, and secure digital learning solutions. The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineer with strong experience in e-learning technologies, modern web application frameworks, and cloud architecture and who thrives in an environment where education and cybersecurity intersect.

As a Lead Software Developer, you will:

• Lead the design and development of new e-learning platforms, applications, and tools that deliver world-class cybersecurity training experiences.
• Architect scalable, maintainable, and secure systems that support thousands of concurrent learners and complex content delivery pipelines.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, user experience designers, engineers, and cybersecurity experts to define and implement platform features.
• Integrate APIs and tools that support SCORM, xAPI, LTI, and other interoperability standards for learning management systems (LMS).
• Enhance user engagement through interactive course features, virtual labs, and real-time feedback mechanisms.
• Implement robust data and security practices, including encryption, authentication, and compliance with privacy standards.
• Mentor developers, provide technical guidance, conduct code reviews, and promote engineering best practices across the team.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies in both e-learning and cybersecurity fields, recommending adoption where appropriate.
• Support DevOps practices through CI/CD automation, testing, and deployment in cloud environments.
• Collaborate on analytics initiatives to measure learner progress, engagement, and platform performance.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Every SANS employee brings something unique. For this role, we're looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in software development, with at least 3 years focused on e-learning platforms or EdTech solutions.
• Experience building and launching digital products from 01, particularly learning platforms or other commerce-enabled platforms, with a strong focus on user experience and scalability.
• Experience designing platforms that support learning delivery, content commerce, subscriptions, or similar transactional models
• Expertise in full-stack development
  using technologies such as JavaScript/TypeScript React, Python.
• Strong understanding of learning content standards (SCORM, xAPI, LTI) and integration with LMS and CMS environments.
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based architectures (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and scalable containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proven track record of building secure, high-availability web applications.
• Deep understanding of database systems, API design, and microservices architecture.
• Strong knowledge of secure coding principles, including data protection and authentication mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives, manage project priorities, and mentor development teams.
  
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in cybersecurity training platforms, virtual lab integration, or cyber range technologies.
• Knowledge of data analytics, AI-driven personalization, or adaptive learning systems.
• Familiarity with DevOps pipelines, infrastructure as code, and modern deployment practices.
• Understanding of accessibility (WCAG 2.1)
  and user-centered design
• Previous experience working for or in a start-up product development environment.
• Passion for cybersecurity, education, and continuous learning.
  

Benefits and Perks of Working at SANS

We're committed to fair and equitable compensation. The expected salary range for this position is $170,000 - $190,000, depending on geographic location, skills, and experience. At SANS, pay equity and transparency are priorities.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your total well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Financial Benefits: Competitive base salary, bonus opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

• Health & Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans; company-provided short term disability; optional long-term disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; voluntary benefits including accident insurance and identity theft protection; fitness and wellness programs; and a company paid employee assistance program (EAP).
• Time Off & Flexibility: Generous paid time off, including volunteer time.
• Learning & Development: Access to professional development and SANS training opportunities.

Flexibility and Balance at SANS

We support our colleagues with the tools and flexibility they need to thrive, both professionally and personally. As a primarily remote work environment, we are committed to maintaining strong connections, collaboration, and a vibrant culture across virtual teams. While most roles operate remotely, some positions may require occasional in-person presence depending on role-specific or business needs.

SANS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

SANS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact SANS Human Resources.

US Job Seekers: Click here to view the "Know Your Rights" poster.

SANS complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding the consideration of applicants with arrest or conviction records. For positions governed by federal and/or state banking regulations, SANS will adhere to relevant requirements when evaluating candidates with criminal histories.

Employment eligibility in the United States is required. SANS does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.