Position Description

Applications Developer

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

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Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

NExScI at Caltech/IPAC has an opening for an Application Developer with a strong background in Unix software development to join the NASA Exoplanet Archive/ExoFOP development team. Come be a part of the team that is helping astronomers and data scientists all over the world access and explore exoplanet astronomy data!

This role will work with a vibrant team of scientists and developers to populate and improve the NASA Exoplanet Archive, within the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI). As a part of IPAC, 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.

Essential Job Duties

As a NExScI Application Developer, you will work with the engineering and scientific team members to develop systems to ingest, process and deliver exoplanet parameter content and tools to users, using modern methodologies, in particular those tools developed to support DevOps environments.

• Developing and improving 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 Qualifications

If you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Information Sciences, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong Linux/UNIX skills.
• Proficiency in shell scripting and Python.
• Experience with configuration management, Git/GitHub, and Jira.
• Experience with CI/CD and tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

These 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 or equivalent degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Information Sciences, or related field.
• Experience with web server administration and operation.
• Experience with AI/ML
• Infrastructure as Code.
• Knowledge of cloud services.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover letter

Application Details

• Applications are due by Jan 21, 2026

Hiring Range

$109,200 - $134,700 Per Year

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.