[Hiring] Back-end Software Developer @Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Role Description

The Information Technology Services Division in the Information Technology Services Directorate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking qualified applicants for a Python Developer position in the Research and Development Solutions Team. The R&D Solutions team exists to facilitate lab goals through systems engineering, development, integration, and support for the research community at ORNL.

• Partner with research organizations to enable research excellence and successful project delivery.
• Design, develop, and manage spatial data platforms and solutions within Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) environments.
• Deliver capabilities, services, cost savings, and optimizations that enhance research outcomes and reduce IT burden for researchers.
• Collaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team including photogrammetrists, geographers, mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists, and engineers.
• Contribute to research, development, integration, testing, and deployment across areas such as spatial computing, real-time data platforms, and machine intelligence systems.
• Develop geospatial applications, software, and digital map layers as service-based solutions.
• Support research staff in publishing and disseminating results through peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, conferences, and open-source repositories.
• Work with researchers and project sponsors to gather, understand, and implement project and security requirements in developed solutions.
• Optimize workflows and monitoring solutions to leverage 24/7 operations support and minimize off-hours work.
• Utilize collaboration tools such as Email, Jira, Confluence, Teams, Slack, and other platforms to maintain effective communication.
• Support a flexible, team-oriented work environment.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Qualifications

• BS degree in a scientific or technical field and 2–4 years of experience.
• Experience with:
  • Python development.
  • Software development best practices (Git, Agile, issue tracking tools).
  • Working with APIs and/or backend services.
  • AI-integrated workflow.
• Experience with:
  • Data processing or ETL workflows.
  • Debugging and maintaining existing codebases.
• Familiarity with:
  • Web frameworks (e.g., Flask, FastAPI, Django).
  • Basic database usage (SQL or NoSQL).

Requirements

• Exposure to geospatial tools/data (e.g., PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GDAL).
• Exposure to cloud or container technologies (e.g., Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes).
• Understanding of microservices concepts.
• Experience working in research, scientific, or government environments.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with Data-as-a-Service or API-based architectures.
• Programming experience in C, C#, C++, and SQL.
• Experience working in highly technical environments (government, scientific, or similar).

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy.
• This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits programs.
• Medical and retirement plans.
• Flexible work hours.
• Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.
• Other benefits include:
  • Prescription Drug Plan.
  • Dental Plan.
  • Vision Plan.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan.
  • Contributory Pension Plan.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Disability Benefits.
  • Generous Vacation and Holidays.
  • Parental Leave.
  • Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection.
  • Employee Assistance Plan.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Health Savings Accounts.
  • Wellness Programs.
  • Educational Assistance.
  • Relocation Assistance.
  • Employee Discounts.