Senior Full stack Engineer (Software Engineer III)

NSFs NOIRLab is reshaping public engagement with astronomy and data science. Our Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory builds interactive data-driven digital experiences and visualizations that connect learners of all ages with the cosmos. We are looking for a Senior Fullstack Engineer to help lead the development of engaging web-based data visualizations that make Rubins data accessible understandable and inspiring to the public.

This is more than just a software engineering role it is an opportunity to shape how millions of people experience the universe.

As a Senior Fullstack Engineer on our EPO team you will be instrumental in architecting and delivering modern visualization-rich web applications that support our educational and public science initiatives. You will lead feature development guide frontend strategy and UX implementation and collaborate closely with designers scientists and other engineers. Your work will directly impact products ranging from interactive classroom investigations to rich astronomical visualizations and Rubins public-facing websites.

Our stack includes a headless Craft CMS (PHP/PostgreSQL) a React/ frontend and content delivery via GraphQL all deployed in the Google Cloud Platform. While you will work on the full stack your primary focus will be on building modern performant web applications with accessible and interactive data visualizations and experiences.

Key projects include:

• An interactive astronomical image viewer with data overlays
• Classroom web apps built on real Rubin Observatory data
• The public-facing Rubin Observatory website
• A browser-based 3D visualization of the solar system
• A component library of reusable React/ widgets for science education

• Take ownership of the full-stack implementation of EPO web products
• Lead the frontend development of new features from concept to release defining scope collaborating on UX coding testing deploying
• Drive frontend architecture and contribute to strategic technical direction in collaboration with other team members
• Partner with our UI/UX designer to bring thoughtful accessible user-friendly designs to life
• Build interactive tools and data visualizations that communicate complex astronomical data to non-experts
• Identify and champion tech debt and performance optimization opportunities
• Ensure products meet WCAG accessibility standards
• Contribute to automated testing (Cypress/Playwright) and documentation
• Conduct code reviews and collaborate closely with engineers product owners and external stakeholders
• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing across the team

• 8 years of professional software development experience including leadership on multiple projects
• 5 years working with React
• Strong understanding of React Server Components advanced caching strategies and security best practices with React/
• A demonstrated ability to create modern and performant interactive data visualizations in the browser
• Extensive proven experience with TypeScript
• Extensive proven experience with Git GitHub Actions and CI/CD workflows
• Extensive proven experience with GraphQL and REST APIs
• Extensive proven experience with SQL and database schema design
• Extensive proven experience with Craft CMS and other content management systems
• Extensive proven experience writing backend services and APIs in Python
• Clear and effective communicator adept at conveying technical information to non-technical audiences
• Proven high-level proficiency in browser developer tools accessibility best practices around data visualizations and frontend performance optimization
• Comfortable working in a remote distributed team environment
• Experience solving frontend performance issues
• Familiarity navigating a cloud provider web console

• 10 years of professional software development experience
• Experience with creating visualizations with WebGL frameworks
• Industry experience in mission-driven tech with a focus on delivering impactful user-centered solutions
• Passion for astronomy science communication or online education
• 3 years with
• Experience with CSS modules and React Three Fiber

$107400 $125700 per year. The final salary will depend on skills qualifications and experience.

At NSFs NOIRLab we believe in science for everyone. Our EPO team is committed to building tools that not only inform but ignite curiosity and empower discovery. You will join a collaborative mission-driven team that values creativity experimentation and technical excellence and you will help shape how a new generation interacts with the night sky.

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 atBenefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

Apply by August 31 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.

Required Experience:

Senior IC