Software Engineer III Job Opening: Pearson Sri Lanka

Software Engineer III (Node.js & GraphQL) – Pearson

Job Overview

Pearson is seeking a skilled and proactive Software Engineer III (equivalent to Senior Backend Engineer / Senior Application Engineer) to build, scale, and optimize high-performing, accessible digital learning platforms.

This full-time, hybrid position centers on designing scalable backend and composition-layer services using Node.js, TypeScript, GraphQL, and AWS cloud infrastructure, alongside front-end integration using React.

Key responsibilities include:

• API & Composition Layer Engineering: Developing high-throughput composition layer APIs and Node.js modules using GraphQL and AWS AppSync.
• Front-End Integration: Building and maintaining responsive user interfaces with React and TypeScript.
• Cloud & Serverless Infrastructure: Architecting secure, scalable cloud solutions leveraging AWS services (including AWS Lambda) and optimizing CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.
• Performance & Accessibility: Optimizing web applications for speed and scalability while ensuring strict compliance with web accessibility standards (WCAG, ARIA).
• Agile Engineering & Quality: Participating in sprint planning, conducting thorough peer code reviews, maintaining Git version control, and troubleshooting production bugs.

About Us

Pearson is the world’s leading lifelong learning company, operating in dozens of countries across global education sectors. Pearson provides digital content, learning tools, assessments, and qualifications to help millions of learners realize their full potential. The Higher Education division leverages cutting-edge cloud, serverless, and AI technologies to build accessible, next-generation learning platforms.

Website Link: https://www.pearson.com/en-us

Key Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 4 years of hands-on professional software development experience.
• Core Tech Stack:
  • Languages & Frameworks: Node.js, TypeScript, and React.
  • APIs & Data: GraphQL and AWS AppSync.
  • Cloud & DevOps: AWS (AWS Lambda / Serverless), CI/CD automated deployment pipelines, and Git.
• Standards & Quality: Deep understanding of front-end performance tuning and digital accessibility guidelines (WCAG / ARIA compliance).
• Desirable Assets: Experience with microservices/serverless architectures, UI/UX design systems, and component libraries.

Role Benefits & Perks

• Workplace Flexibility: Hybrid working model balancing remote development and collaborative office environments.
• Inclusive Workplace: Equal opportunity employer and member of E-Verify, providing reasonable accommodation support for candidates with disabilities.
• Impactful Mission: Direct participation in building educational software used globally by millions of students and educators.
• Professional Growth: Structured career ladders and exposure to enterprise-scale cloud technologies.

Salary Insight

• Estimated Base Compensation Range: Based on global tech industry standards for a Senior Software Engineer / Software Engineer III role utilizing Node.js and AWS, estimated base salary typically ranges between $115,000 and $145,000 annually (or regional local market equivalent), depending on location, experience depth, and cloud architecture expertise.

Career Guide Tips for Node & GraphQL Engineers

1. Master GraphQL Schema Design: Focus on query optimization, preventing N+1 query problems, and implementing effective caching strategies at both the AppSync and client levels.
2. Understand Web Accessibility (a11y): Digital education platforms prioritize accessibility—ensure you know how to build keyboard-navigable components, use semantic HTML, and apply ARIA attributes correctly.
3. Embrace Serverless Patterns: Deepen your knowledge of event-driven AWS serverless architectures, cold-start mitigation techniques, and infrastructure-as-code (IaC).

How to Prepare a CV for This Position

• Highlight the Core Stack: Explicitly feature Node.js, TypeScript, React, GraphQL, and AWS near the top of your resume in a technical skills matrix.
• Quantify Engineering Outcomes: Highlight measurable achievements (e.g., “Reduced API response times by 35% using GraphQL query batching and AWS AppSync caching”).
• Showcase Accessibility & CI/CD: Mention concrete experience implementing WCAG standards or writing automated deployment pipelines.

How to Prepare for the Interview

• Practice System Design: Be ready to design a scalable composition layer or serverless API architecture using AWS Lambda, AppSync, and GraphQL schemas.
• Brush Up on Live Coding: Prepare for practical coding challenges in TypeScript/Node.js focusing on asynchronous patterns, state management, and data structures.
• Demonstrate Agile & Accessibility Mindsets: Be prepared to discuss how you ensure web accessibility compliance during code reviews and sprint cycles.

Top 3 Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

1. “How do you handle error handling and schema stitching/federation in GraphQL composition layers?”

• Explain how to manage partial query errors, map GraphQL error types gracefully to client apps, and route requests across microservices using AWS AppSync or federated gateways.

2. “What steps do you take to ensure a React application complies with WCAG AA accessibility standards?”

• Discuss using semantic HTML elements, managing focus states for interactive controls, adding appropriate ARIA labels, testing with screen readers (NVDA/VoiceOver), and using automated auditing tools like axe-core.

3. “How do you optimize an AWS Lambda function running a Node.js backend to minimize latency and cold starts?”

• Talk about keeping deployment packages lean, reusing database connections across executions, configuring appropriate memory allocations, and leveraging provisioned concurrency when required.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your application directly through the Pearson Careers Portal by searching for Req ID: 24834 (Software Engineer III – Node).

Note: Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process can contact TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.

Disclaimer

This job summary is an independent document created for informational, educational, and career development purposes only. It is not an official job offer or contract from Pearson plc. Role responsibilities, compensation details, and application requirements remain subject to change by the recruiting organization.