Senior Backend Web Developer – web desing, Part Time

Filled
February 25, 2026
Apply Now

Job Description

Company: NSF NOIRLab (Vera C. Rubin Observatory – Education & Public Outreach Team)
Job Title: Software Engineer III / Senior Backend Web Developer
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: $110,000 – $140,000 (based on experience & location)
Location: Arizona / Chile / Hawai’i (Travel may be required)

About the Organization

NSF’s NOIRLab is the leading U.S. national center for ground-based nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. As a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), NOIRLab operates major observatories and programs including Gemini, Rubin Observatory, MSO, and CSDC, supporting breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics and scientific research worldwide.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Web Developer to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend systems that power web applications supporting global education and outreach initiatives.

In this role, you will collaborate with engineers, scientists, and technical teams to build high-performance platforms, optimize cloud infrastructure, and improve system usability while ensuring long-term maintainability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain scalable backend systems for modern web applications
  • Implement server-side logic using Python, PHP, and Node.js
  • Manage databases and schema operations with PostgreSQL
  • Troubleshoot backend issues and optimize application performance
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including scientists and educators
  • Lead proof-of-concept initiatives and evaluate new technologies
  • Maintain CI/CD workflows using GitHub Actions
  • Support cloud infrastructure and DevOps processes
  • Conduct code reviews and mentor junior developers

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
  • Minimum 5+ years of professional backend development experience
  • Strong expertise in:
    • Backend technologies and web architecture
    • Database management and performance tuning
    • Cloud infrastructure and DevOps workflows
    • CI/CD, Docker, and Kubernetes
  • Valid driver’s license with clean record

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with JavaScript/TypeScript, React, or Next.js
  • Familiarity with Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Advanced database optimization and complex query design

Work Environment

  • Office-based work with extended periods of computer use
  • Occasional travel within or outside the United States
  • Collaborative scientific and technical environment

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and retirement contributions
  • Generous paid time off
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to contribute to world-class scientific research
  • Inclusive and diverse workplace culture