Engineer, Software (SERVIR)

USRA Science and Technology Institute (STI) seeks a Software Engineer for our Huntsville, AL location. The Software Engineer will innovate and produce computer applications to retrieve, process, analyze, display, and distribute geospatial and non-geospatial information related to the SERVIR program. SERVIR is a joint development initiative of NASA and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), working in partnership with leading regional organizations around the globe, with the overarching goal to help developing countries use Earth observation data and geospatial technologies to improve their environmental and resource management. SERVIR has established “Hubs” within these regional organizations to strengthen that capacity. SERVIR is currently active in five regions: (1) SERVIR Eastern and Southern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya; (2) SERVIR-Hindu Kush Himalaya in Kathmandu, Nepal; (3) SERVIR Southeast Asia in Bangkok, Thailand; (4) SERVIR West Africa (WA) in Niamey, Niger; (5) SERVIR Amazonia in Cali, Colombia; and an upcoming sixth hub, SERVIR Central America.

The individual will participate in all stages of development of the applications (collect user requirements, design solutions, document designs, write code, test, create documentation, train, maintain, etc.). Due to the nature of the SERVIR program, a significant portion of these applications will deal with scientific data in a geographic context, stored in a variety of data formats and data representation models. Prior experience dealing with this kind of information is strongly desired. The ability to understand user requirements and translate them into functional and non-functional specifications is key to the position, as well as willingness and desire for continuous learning of the underlying technologies in this area. The applications developed/co-developed in this role have the potential to strengthen resilience and improve environmental management in developing countries.

While this individual will focus primarily on design and implementation of front-end code, it is expected that he/she will be engaged in the implementation of back-end code as needed, in coordination with other developers in the team highly experienced in these aspects of software development.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

Major Duties:

•  Collaborate with users, scientists, systems engineers, and others to design and plan the development of computer applications, automation scripts and/or implementation of existing systems to satisfy user requirements.
• Document the design for software components based on user and system requirements.
• Create designs and wireframes and transform approved wireframes into high quality code.
• Build back-end data models and APIs.
• Test and debug applications.
• Assist developers across the SERVIR program to implement best practices for front-end development.

  Occasional Duties:

•  Travel to domestic and/or international SERVIR partner and hub locations to support collaborative development events, training (of users or developers) or systems implementation tasks.
• Conduct technical presentations.
• Organize and coordinate joint activities with counterparts in the SERVIR network.
• Perform other software development duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

Education:  BS/BA in Computer Science, engineering, math, science, or related fields.

Experience:  

• 2+ year experience with the following: Web application development technologies (HTML / JavaScript / Ajax / CSS3, JQuery, and one or more JavaScript framework tools). Development of applications in Django, including complex data models and customized Django admin sites. Data processing with Python. UX / UI concepts, patterns, and human-machine interactions. Design and implementation of responsive web applications using Bootstrap or similar frameworks, optimized for use on a vast array of web-capable devices and browsers. Implementation of REST APIs. Testing and debugging.
• Basic experience (at least 1 year) is desirable on: Application development for mobile platforms (Android, iOS). Statistical data presentation through interactive charts (e.g., plotly.js, chart.js, D3.js, Google Charts)
• Knowledge or experience on the following topics is optional, but highly desirable: Math, statistical & scientific data processing automation (using libraries, packages, or tools such as SciPy, NumPy, ArcPy, gdal, MatLab, etc.). Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Using geospatial information (raster and/or vector formats). Open Geospatial Consortium standards. Geographic information API’s (e.g., LeafLet, OpenLayers, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, Mapbox, or others). Google Earth Engine. Cloud technologies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Willingness to work closely with others in a team environment.
• Discipline and initiative.
• Planning/organization.

 Working Conditions: Work will be performed in an office or computer lab environment.  Typing for large time spans each day may be a significant part of this position.  Although infrequent, early-morning and late-night virtual meetings may occur to interact with partners in different time zones.

Travel:  1-2 times per year, domestic and/or international.

Applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vita. Additional information on USRA can be found at www.usra.edu. 

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.