Full Stack Developer

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Full-Stack Developer to join our team in building next-generation AI-powered web applications and distributed systems. This role involves developing intelligent interfaces integrating cutting-edge language models implementing vector-based retrieval pipelines and contributing to the development of Model Context Protocol (MCP) client-server systems.

The ideal candidate has experience across the full web stack and a strong interest in applied AI semantic search and scalable cloud-native architectures. The candidate must possess: strategic thinking skills with the ability to coordinate multiple complex tasks and reprioritize as needed; a high level of initiative organization and intellectual curiosity with a results-oriented perspective; superb time management skills; excellent interpersonal skills with an aptitude for forging connections across lateral groups; and the ability to pro-actively and creatively problem-solve. The successful candidate will contribute to supporting SERCs mission as a high-impact leading systems engineering research center.

Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Designing developing and maintaining scalable secure and high-performance web applications using modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g. React ) and backend technologies (e.g. Python).

• Building and maintaining RESTful and event-driven APIs that support data-intensive and AI-enhanced functionality.

• Integrating third-party AI APIs (e.g. OpenAI Hugging Face Cohere) to support natural language processing summarization and intelligent search features.

• Implementing vector search and semantic retrieval pipelines using technologies such as Pinecone OpenSearch FAISS or Weaviate.

• Developing and maintaining Model Context Protocol (MCP) client-server systems to support modular interoperable AI services and intelligent routing between components.

• Maintaining and enhancing existing applications ensuring performance accessibility and maintainability across the codebase.

• Implementing user authentication and authorization using tools such as Auth0 OAuth2.0 or JWT to ensure data security and compliance.

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including researchers data scientists and UI/UX designers to translate requirements into technical solutions.

• Conducting code reviews writing automated tests and ensuring adherence to coding standards and best practices.

• Setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelines to support continuous integration automated testing and streamlined deployment.

• Monitoring and troubleshooting production issues and improving system observability using tools like CloudWatch Datadog or Grafana.

• Staying up to date with emerging trends in full-stack development cloud computing and applied AI contributing to architectural decisions and tool selection.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3 years of experience in full-stack software development.

• Strong proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript React and or Python (Flask FastAPI).

• Proven experience with AI API integration prompt engineering and working with structured/unstructured data.

• Hands-on experience with vector search and semantic retrieval using one or more vector databases.

• Familiarity with MCP or distributed client-server systems microservices or protocol-driven communication.

• Proficiency in containerization (Docker) and working with cloud platforms for deployment and scaling.

• Solid understanding of authentication workflows API security and session management.

• Experience with version control systems (Git/GitHub) and Agile team collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building or contributing to LLM-based applications RAG pipelines or AI-powered search tools.

• Familiarity with LangChain Redis PostgreSQL and S3-based file storage.

• Knowledge of CI/CD tools such as GitHub Actions GitLab CI or CircleCI.

• Understanding of AI safety cost optimization and best practices for working with large language models.

• Exposure to compliance frameworks (e.g. NIST 800-171 FedRAMP) is a plus.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects at the intersection of AI data science and scalable web systems.

• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment working alongside researchers and engineers.

• Competitive salary and benefits.

• Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid).

• A chance to influence and shape technical direction in a fast-evolving domain.

Additional Information

This position requires access to information that may be subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license. As a result US citizenship or LPR (Lawful Permanent Residence) is .

Department

SERC and AIRC

Stevens is building a diverse faculty staff and student body and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Stevens is a federal contractor under the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as other federal statutes.

NSF ADVANCE Institution Stevens values diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for students faculty and staff of all backgrounds. We are an NSF ADVANCE institution committed to equitable practices and policies and strongly encourage applications from women racial and ethnic minority candidates veterans and individuals with disabilities.