What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full Stack Software Engineer position at Aura?
Description
The NSF NOIRLab is seeking a talented Full-Stack Software Engineer to help shape the future of data-driven astronomical discovery. Join our dynamic team in designing, developing, and operating services and interfaces built on massive astronomical datasets and alert streams.
At NOIRLab we provide several platforms for our scientific user community, including :
Astro Data Archive : A Petabyte-scale searchable repository of astronomical images and data, integrated with systems for telescope data transfer and image processing.
Astro Data Lab : A Jupyter-enabled platform for searching and analyzing astronomical catalog data, spectra, images, and other high-level data products.
ANTARES : A real-time astronomical event broker capable of processing ~10 million alerts per night.
We are working to integrate these platforms into a unified, streamlined user experience while enabling deployment in cloud environments through containerization.
We are also driving innovation in Multi-Messenger Astrophysics , creating systems to offer rapid, programmable access to world-class telescopes. This includes developing a rapid reduction pipeline for the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) .
We are looking for a Full-Stack Software Engineer who will play a critical role in the continued design, development, and operations of these systems. This role offers the opportunity to :
Contribute to the architecture and design of these systems.
Lead efforts to migrate systems to the cloud.
Design and improve front-end user interfaces.
Automate operational workflows to improve efficiency.
This position can be performed remotely from Chile or from U.S. states where AURA operates : Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, or Washington, D.C. Other options may be considered.
Essential functions
Design, develop, and maintain software components for NOIRLab’s astronomy data platforms.
Plan the entire development lifecycle, including requirement gathering, implementation, testing, and deployment.
Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Write clean APIs and clear documentation.
Implement modern software practices, including distributed version control, unit testing, integration testing, continuous deployment, and peer code reviews.
Provide end-user support for existing systems.
Automate testing, building, deployment, and operational workflows.
Develop front-end interfaces using modern web technologies and frameworks.
Required qualifications and significant experiences
Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across disciplines.
Enthusiastic about learning and exploring new technologies.
Collaborative team player with a lifelong learning mindset.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Proficient in Python and TypeScript
Familiarity working in cloud environments
Experience developing software in Unix / Linux environments.
Proficient with relational databases.
Experience developing back-end and front-end solutions for operational environments.
Preferred qualifications
2 years of experience with modern web frameworks (e.g., Django, Angular, Vue, Flask, React).
Proficiency in multiple programming languages and paradigms (e.g., Python, Java, Scala, C , shell scripting).
Experience designing and implementing software within a microservices architecture.
Experience working in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure), with a strong preference for cloud migration experience.
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
Integration of services with authentication and authorization systems (e.g., OAuth, OpenID).
Experience in scientific environments, particularly in developing scientific workflows.
Experience with relational and NoSQL databases.
Unix systems administration experience.
Commitment to open-source, open-access, and reproducible solutions.
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.
Salary Range : $89,000 - $155,300 (Software Engineer II - IV). 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
The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by February 4, 2025.
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. ( employment@aura-astronomy.org)
Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org
Salary : $89,000 - $155,300
