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Job SummaryNExScI at Caltech/IPAC has an opening for an Application Developer with a strong background in Unix software development to join the Keck Observatory Archive (KOA) development team. Come be a part of the team that is helping astronomers and data scientists all over the world access and explore the rich data sets available at KOA. NExScI (nexsci.caltech.edu) provides archive services, community support, science operations, and analysis tools related to the discovery and characterization of planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets) using data from observatories in space and on the ground.
You will work with a vibrant team of scientists and developers to prepare for t 2030s when Keck Observatory Archive to ingest and serve massive and complex new data sets delivered by new instruments. This work is part of a broader program to upgrade and modernize the archive infrastructure and provide new user services that respond to the rapid changes in the science analysis landscape.
Essential Job DutiesAs a NExScI Application Developer, you will work with the engineering and scientific team members to develop systems that serve data to archive users. The work will, in part, involve exploring the use of agentic AI to deliver these systems:
- Support the development of new query infrastructures and end user services that offer fast access to complex data sets.
- Extending the archive infrastructure to ingest and organize scientific data into the archive.
- Automating and improving the management of our development environment through improved CI/CM processes within the GitHub repository.
- Implement systems for software library and OS version controls.
- Implement logging and metrics for reporting and status monitoring.
- Streamline deployment of software into test and production environments, through continuous integration, and troubleshoot runtime issues.
Basic QualificationsIf you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of four years of relevant professional or academic experience in modern software engineering.
- Expertise in Python, Linux/UNIX environments, and shell scripting.
- Proficiency in AI/ML and experience with modern development and deployment tools, including Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.
- Knowledge of configuration management practices and tools such as Git/GitHub and Jira.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in collaborative environments.
Preferred QualificationsThese additional qualifications may give you a strong start, though we still encourage you to apply even if you don't have all of them:
- Master's degree in Astronomy, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or a related field.
- Experience with web server administration, operations, and cloud services.
- Expertise in AI/ML, databases, and SQL.
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and modern cloud-based development environments.
Required Documents- Full resume
- Cover letter
- Contact information for three professional references
Life at IPACPeople choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and positive relationships. Caltech's benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute's facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.
Hiring Range$40.00 - $47.00 Per Hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability AccommodationsCaltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at
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