Astronomy Data Tools Engineer (UI & APIs)

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech, a world-renowned science and engineering institute in Pasadena, seeks an Associate Research Technician to develop and test tools for astronomical alert filters, integrating with SkyPortal and public alert brokers. This one-year position starts October 2026 and emphasizes graph-based, drag-and-drop interfaces and backend data querying.

You will collaborate with scientists to define requirements, implement UI/UX improvements, and ensure robust data connectivity through MongoDB/SQL, Kafka,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field and 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• A relevant master's degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Experience using Git/GitHub and collaborative software development workflows.
• Demonstrated programming experience in Python and JavaScript.
• Experience working with SQL and/or NoSQL databases, such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB.
• Experience developing and testing user-facing software, including UI/UX design principles.
• Experience with a modern front-end framework such as React.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance JavaScript/React user-interface tools for building complex astronomical alert filters using graph-based and drag-and-drop components.
• Develop and test Python and/or JavaScript software that converts graph-based filters into MongoDB and SQL queries.
• Develop and maintain Python integrations that connect relational databases with astronomical data streams and alert brokers through APIs or Kafka.
• Work with scientists to define requirements, troubleshoot moderately complex technical issues, test solutions, and improve system capabilities and user experience.

Skills

Git/GitHub

Python

JavaScript

SQL

NoSQL (PostgreSQL/MongoDB)

UI/UX design

React

Kafka

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/Applied Tech)

Tools

Kafka

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Job description

Caltech, a world-renowned science and engineering institute in Pasadena, seeks an Associate Research Technician to develop and test tools for astronomical alert filters, integrating with SkyPortal and public alert brokers. This one-year position starts October 2026 and emphasizes graph-based, drag-and-drop interfaces and backend data querying.

You will collaborate with scientists to define requirements, implement UI/UX improvements, and ensure robust data connectivity through MongoDB/SQL, Kafka,