[Hiring] Software Engineer - Front-End Web Applications @Associated Universities Inc.

Role Description

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. We are seeking a mid-level Software Engineer with strong front-end web development skills to join the Archive Team, part of the Science User Applications Group (SUA). The Archive Team develops and maintains the NRAO Science Archive, one of the Observatory’s most visible user-facing applications.

You will help shape the interfaces that astronomers around the world use every day and contribute to the next generation of tools critical to the Observatory.

Your initial focus will be on the NRAO Science Archive web application. There are many opportunities for improvement, including:

• Modernizing and streamlining the user interface for a better user experience
• Building new front-end features and components that help scientists find and work with radio astronomy data
• Improving front-end performance, accessibility, and test coverage
• Collaborating with backend developers to design and consume APIs and to improve overall system performance

You will design and deliver key components of the system, working closely with teammates and scientific users to understand their needs. Team members also maintain and upgrade existing software and develop new tools that support the Observatory’s evolving observing methods.

Work is typically performed in a research or development environment.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of one year experience in the development of software applications.
• At least three years of professional experience developing web applications is preferred, with a significant portion focused on the front end.
• Familiarity with standard software engineering concepts, practices and procedures through academic training or internship experience(s).

Requirements

• Professional experience building front-end web applications with Angular and TypeScript
• Solid command of HTML, CSS/Sass, and JavaScript, and experience with Bootstrap or similar frameworks
• Experience with build and bundling tools such as webpack
• Experience consuming and designing RESTful APIs and an understanding of HTTP
• Experience with version control, front-end testing methodologies (unit and end-to-end), and CI/CD
• Experience debugging and profiling web applications, including browser performance
• Understanding of object-oriented design and the ability to build maintainable, well-structured software
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new languages and frameworks
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – both verbally and in writing
• The ability and interest to work as part of a team in a Scrum environment

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution

Additional Requirement

• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor new H-1B Visas for this position.