Senior Backend Web Developer

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. 

General Description of Position:

The Software Engineer III, also known as the Senior Backend Web Developer at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team, designs, develops, and maintains backend web applications critical to the observatory's outreach efforts. This role involves coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting throughout the application development process. The Software Engineer III/Senior Backend Web Developer demonstrates expertise in modern web technologies, cloud architecture, and dev-ops workflows, managing backend systems, overseeing database administration, and maintaining cloud infrastructure. Collaborating closely with other software engineers, scientists, and telescope operators, the Software Engineer III/Senior Backend Web Developer refines requirements, enhances usability, reduces complexity, and facilitates long-term maintenance. Reporting typically to a project manager or team lead, this role contributes to moderately complex aspects of projects, working both independently and collaboratively, and may also direct the work of junior-level software engineers.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain robust backend systems that support scalable web applications.
• Use Python, PHP, and Node.js to implement server-side logic and maintain database schemas and operations with PostgreSQL.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including software developers, scientists, educators, and communications specialists to ensure web applications meet user needs and performance standards.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot backend issues, optimize web performance, and manage content management systems effectively.
• Lead proof-of-concept and tech spike initiatives to explore new technology options. Provide guidance on modern development practices and tools such as Infrastructure-as-Code and cloud services.
• Engage in regular code reviews and maintain GitHub Actions to ensure continuous integration and deployment processes run smoothly.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in a professional backend development role, with extensive experience in managing large-scale web applications.
• Advanced knowledge in backend technologies, database management, and cloud-based infrastructure. Proficiency in CI/CD workflows, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Next.js, and familiarity with Google Cloud Platform.
• Advanced database management skills including performance tuning and understanding complex queries.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required. For full list of physical please see official job description. Some Travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org  

Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience and job location. Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/  

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by November 22, 2024.  

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.  
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.  
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).  

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.  

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.