Job Description

Organization: NSF’s NOIRLab
Team: Vera C. Rubin Observatory – Education & Public Outreach (EPO)
Salary: $110,000 – $140,000
Application Deadline: November 22, 2024
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Organization

NSF’s NOIRLab is the leading U.S. center for ground-based nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. As a Federally Funded Research and Development Center, NOIRLab supports major astronomical programs and observatories across:

• Arizona
• Chile
• Hawai’i

The organization operates world-class facilities and provides astronomical data services that enable groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics.

Position Overview

The Senior Backend Web Developer (Software Engineer III) supports the outreach mission of the
Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain backend systems powering public-facing applications used by scientists, educators, and global audiences.

You will collaborate with engineers, scientists, telescope operators, and communications teams to build scalable platforms and improve the accessibility of astronomical data and resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and maintain scalable backend systems for web applications
• Develop server-side logic using Python, PHP, and Node.js
• Manage and optimize PostgreSQL databases
• Troubleshoot backend issues and improve application performance
• Maintain and enhance content management systems
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives and evaluate new technologies
• Guide best practices in cloud infrastructure and Infrastructure-as-Code
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• 5+ years of professional backend development experience
• Experience building and maintaining large-scale web applications
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Backend frameworks
  • Database architecture
  • Cloud infrastructure
• Experience with:
  • CI/CD workflows
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle if required

Preferred Skills

• JavaScript / TypeScript
• React or Next.js
• Google Cloud Platform
• Advanced database optimization and query performance tuning

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based work
• Extended periods of computer work
• Some travel may be required within or outside the United States

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $110,000 – $140,000

Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plan contributions
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment

Application Process

To apply:

1. Submit cover letter + resume/CV (PDF preferred)
2. Include 3 professional references
3. Use file naming format:
   Lastname_DocumentName

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About AURA

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy operates astronomical observatories funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA.

AURA supports:

• Scientific discovery
• Public education
• Diversity within the scientific workforce