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Platform Developer I
As a Platform Developer I at Systems Rewired, you will be responsible for developing, customizing, and enhancing Salesforce solutions, primarily using Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Web Components (LWC). You will play a crucial role in transforming business requirements into technical solutions by leveraging the full capabilities of the Salesforce platform. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about Salesforce development and want to be part of a dynamic team working on impactful projects for associations, nonprofits, and other industries.
The Role of a Platform Developer I
A Platform Developer I focuses on implementing complex business processes and automation on the Salesforce platform. They work with various Salesforce tools, including Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Web Components (LWC), to build custom applications and solutions that support and extend Salesforce’s out-of-the-box capabilities. The role involves working with both technical and business teams to deliver functional, scalable, and maintainable solutions that meet the needs of the organization.
Here are the key responsibilities of a Platform Developer I:
Custom Application Development
Platform Developer I will be responsible for developing custom applications using Apex (Salesforce’s proprietary programming language) and Visualforce (a framework for creating custom user interfaces). You will build backend logic for automation, create triggers to ensure data integrity, and implement advanced business logic within Salesforce.
Lightning Web Components (LWC)
As Salesforce moves to a more modern UI framework, Lightning Web Components (LWC) has become the standard for building responsive and dynamic web interfaces. You will be responsible for building scalable, performant, and reusable components to create intuitive user interfaces and enhance the user experience on Salesforce.
Apex Development and Trigger Design
A key responsibility for Platform Developer I is to write Apex classes and triggers that automate business processes. You will develop Apex logic for tasks like record updates, scheduled jobs, and complex integrations with external systems. Writing efficient, bulkified code to prevent hitting governor limits is a crucial aspect of your work.
Data Modeling and Integration
Platform Developer I plays a role in designing efficient data models to support complex business requirements. You will also work on integrating Salesforce with external systems via REST or SOAP APIs, ensuring seamless data flow between different platforms.
Salesforce Automation
You will leverage Salesforce automation tools like Process Builder, Workflow Rules, and Flows to automate routine business tasks. Although much of this can be done declaratively, you will use your Apex skills to implement more advanced automation that cannot be achieved through declarative tools.
Testing and Debugging
Platform Developer I will be responsible for writing test classes to ensure the quality and reliability of your code. Salesforce has specific requirements for code coverage, so writing unit tests for Apex code is crucial. Additionally, you will troubleshoot and resolve any issues with the code or Salesforce setup, ensuring smooth, error-free implementations.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
As a Platform Developer I, you will collaborate with business analysts, administrators, and solution architects to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions. Communication is key to ensure that your developments align with the business’s needs and provide long-term value.
Code Quality and Best Practices
Platform Developer I follows Salesforce’s best practices for development, including naming conventions, security practices (like avoiding SOQL injection), and adhering to governor limits. You will be part of a development team that is committed to high-quality coding standards and continuous learning.
Skills and Certifications for a Platform Developer I
To be successful as a Platform Developer I, you should have a strong understanding of the Salesforce platform, coding in Apex, and building user interfaces with Lightning Web Components. Here are the essential skills and certifications needed for the role:
- Apex Programming: Strong knowledge of Apex and how to build business logic, triggers, and custom classes.
- Lightning Web Components (LWC): Ability to design and build efficient, scalable web components using Salesforce’s modern LWC framework.
- Visualforce: Experience in creating custom user interfaces using Visualforce when LWC isn’t suitable.
- Salesforce Platform: Understanding of Salesforce’s core features, such as objects, relationships, data schema, and security features.
- SOQL & SOSL: Proficiency in Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL) and Salesforce Object Search Language (SOSL) for querying Salesforce data.
- Data Integration: Experience with integrating Salesforce with external systems using REST/SOAP APIs and tools like Data Loader.
- Process Automation: Familiarity with tools like Process Builder, Flow, and Workflow Rules for automation.
- Unit Testing: Experience in writing Apex test classes to ensure high code quality and proper coverage.
- Salesforce Certifications:
- Salesforce Platform Developer I (Required)
- Salesforce Platform Developer II (Optional but beneficial)
- Salesforce Administrator (Optional, but beneficial)
Why Is the Role Important?
The Platform Developer I role is crucial for organizations looking to extend Salesforce’s out-of-the-box capabilities and customize the platform to meet specific business needs. As companies continue to adopt Salesforce, developers ensure that their processes are automated, their user interfaces are modern and responsive, and their integrations are seamless. Your role in delivering these solutions directly impacts business productivity and the overall success of Salesforce projects.
Without skilled Platform Developers, organizations would be limited to the standard features of Salesforce and unable to fully harness the power of the platform. You will be helping to ensure that the Salesforce solution is scalable, adaptable, and efficient for the long term.
Benefits for Associations, Nonprofits, NGOs, and Educational Institutions
Platform Developers provide critical support to associations, nonprofits, NGOs, and educational institutions by helping them customize Salesforce to meet their unique needs. Here’s how they assist these organizations:
- Associations: Platform Developers can build custom membership management solutions, automate event registrations, and create reporting systems that help associations operate more efficiently.
- Nonprofits: Nonprofits benefit from custom donor management systems, integration with fundraising platforms, and automation that reduces the burden of manual tasks.
- NGOs: For NGOs, developers create tailored solutions for grant tracking, donor management, and field operations, allowing for more effective project execution.
- Educational Institutions: Developers help optimize student enrollment, alumni relations, and learning management systems to enhance student engagement and operational efficiency.
Tools and Technologies Used by Platform Developer I
Platform Developers use a wide range of tools and technologies to create Salesforce solutions:
- Salesforce Apex: The core programming language used for server-side logic and data management.
- Salesforce Lightning Web Components (LWC): A modern web standards-based framework for building responsive UIs.
- Visualforce: A framework for creating custom user interfaces, often used when LWC is not sufficient.
- SOQL and SOSL: For querying data in Salesforce’s database.
- Salesforce APIs: For integrating Salesforce with external systems and applications.
- Salesforce DX (Developer Experience): A set of tools that facilitate modern development practices, including version control, continuous integration, and collaborative development.
- Salesforce CLI: Command-line tools that enable developers to interact with Salesforce environments and deploy code.
- Git: For version control and collaboration on coding projects.
Other Resources that Complement this Role
- Platform Developer II: Taking on more complex development tasks and leading projects that require deep expertise.
- Salesforce Solution Architect: Designing end-to-end Salesforce solutions that integrate multiple systems and meet complex business needs.
- Salesforce Technical Lead: Leading development teams, overseeing coding standards, and ensuring the technical direction of Salesforce projects.
- Salesforce Consultant: Helping organizations optimize their Salesforce implementations and providing advice on best practices.
- Salesforce Engineering Manager: Managing development teams and driving the strategic direction of Salesforce projects within an organization.
Why Choose Systems Rewired?
At Systems Rewired, we are committed to empowering our developers to work on innovative projects that solve complex business challenges. As a Platform Developer I, you will be part of a team that is dedicated to delivering high-quality, scalable Salesforce solutions that impact organizations in meaningful ways. Join us today to be part of a company that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.