Application Developer

Caltech; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech's IPAC/NExScI seeks a full-time Application Developer in Pasadena to build systems that deliver data to archive users and explore agentic AI techniques. You will work with engineering and science teams to extend the archive, ingest data, and improve CI/CD and configuration controls. Remote work is possible 1–2 days weekly on-site at Caltech.

The role emphasizes fast data access, robust tooling, and collaboration across disciplines within IPAC/NExScI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of relevant professional or academic experience in modern software engineering.
• Expertise in Python and Linux/UNIX environments.
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.
• Knowledge of Git/GitHub and Jira.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop systems that serve data to archive users.
• Support the development of new query infrastructures and end-user services.
• Automate and improve CI/CD processes and version control.
• Implement logging, metrics, and deployment automation for test and production environments.

Skills

Python

Linux/UNIX

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

Git/GitHub

Jira

Communication skills

Teamwork

Unix/Linux scripting

Web server administration

Cloud services

Databases & SQL

LLMs

IaC

Cloud-based development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field

Master’s degree in Astronomy, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or related field

Tools

GitHub

Jira

Job description

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

IPAC/NExScI, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, is a science operations and analysis service organization for IPAC is seeking a full-time Application Developer based in Pasadena for the

KOA Responsibilities

• Ensuring that the archive’s query infrastructure and services are performant and support the rapidly growing archive holdings.
• Delivering and maintaining tools for the community.
• Maintaining and operating archive services, including ensuring that newly acquired data are ingested in near-real time.
• Providing user support, including a Help Desk, providing documentation, hosting tutorials, and presenting webinars.

Essential Job Duties

As a NExScI Application Developer, you will work with the engineering and scientific team members to develop systems that serve data to archive users. Your work will, in part, involve exploring the use of agentic AI to deliver these systems. Your job duties include the following:

• Support the development of new query infrastructures and end user services that offer fast access to complex data sets.
• Extending the archive 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 degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of relevant professional or academic experience in modern software engineering.
• Expertise in Python and Linux/UNIX environments.
• Experience with modern development and deployment tools, including Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.
• Knowledge of configuration management practices and tools such as Git/GitHub and Jira.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and the ability to work effectively in collaborative environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Beyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences that will add to your ability to contribute to the role and responsibilities of an Application Developer. The following might give you a head start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you:

• Master’s degree in Astronomy, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or a related field.
• Expertise in Unix/Linux scripting.
• Experience with web server administration, operations, and cloud services.
• Expertise with databases and SQL.
• Knowledge of AI Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and modern, cloud-based development environments.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references, including full names and email addresses

Application Details

• This is an on-site position at the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California. Remote workdays are typically allowed 1-2 days per week.
• Applications are due by November 4, 2026.

Life at IPAC and Caltech

Caltech is an award-winning workplace and one of the best places to work in the greater Los Angeles area. We offer an exciting and dynamic work environment, career development opportunities, competitive pay programs, great benefits, and the opportunity to participate in many campus programs and activities.

People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting relationships. We seek the best and brightest talent to join our workforce and become members of our community.

Hiring Range

$41.25 - $50.25 Per Hour

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

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.