Junior Full Stack 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 I, also known as the Junior Full Stack Developer at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team, designs and develops software applications critical to facilitating public engagement through data-driven experiences. This role involves coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting throughout the application development process. The Software Engineer I/Junior Full Stack Developer collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team including other software engineers, scientists, educators, communications specialists, and designers to refine requirements, improve usability, reduce complexity, and ensure applications are effective and efficient. Reporting typically to a project manager, team lead, or software managers, the Software Engineer I/Junior Full Stack Developer works on projects of limited complexity in a support role, with work being closely supervised and managed. Responsibilities also include working with stakeholders to troubleshoot issues and maintain performance during high-traffic periods, facilitating long-term maintenance of the systems.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain web applications using Python or PHP, Node.js, and SQL for backend operations; utilize JavaScript/TypeScript, React, along with CSS and its preprocessors for front-end development.
• Work with team members across technical and non-technical disciplines to gather requirements and ensure web applications are accessible, user-friendly, and meet the needs of public engagement initiatives.
• Utilize modern debugging methods and command line tools to troubleshoot and resolve issues in web applications.
• Engage in creating or modifying Github Actions and manage CI/CD workflows to improve development processes and application deployment.
• Work with cloud platforms and container technologies like Docker to optimize application performance and scalability.
• 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.
• 1-2 years of professional full stack development experience.
• Strong understanding of full stack architecture, web technologies, and best practices in software development.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge in creating web applications using React & Next.js (or a similar frontend framework, such as Angular.io or Vue.js) and managing Docker containers.
• Experience with CI/CD workflows
• Strong visual design skills - understanding how sizing, design element organization, colors, etc. can affect the UX
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and how it differs from more traditional infrastructure

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: $72,000 - $86,300. 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.