Back-end Software Developer, Entry Level

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); Remote; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Back-end Software Developer (Entry Level) to join the R&D Solutions team. This remote-eligible role supports Python development, API-based back-end services, and SaaS/DaaS platforms in a research setting.

You will collaborate with researchers, geospatial specialists, and engineers to design, deploy, and optimize software for 24/7 operations, while leveraging Agile/Scrum practices and modern tech stacks in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• BS degree in a scientific or technical field with 2–4 years of related experience.
• Experience with Python development and APIs/backend services.
• Familiarity with web frameworks (Flask, FastAPI, Django).
• Experience with data processing/ETL workflows and debugging existing codebases.
• Knowledge of Git, Agile, and issue tracking tools.
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and API-based architectures.

Responsibilities

• Partner with research organizations to enable research excellence and project delivery.
• Design, develop, and manage spatial data platforms and SaaS/DaaS solutions.
• Deliver capabilities, services, and optimizations to enhance research outcomes.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including geographers, mathematicians, and engineers.
• Contribute to development, testing, and deployment across spatial computing and real-time data platforms.
• Develop geospatial applications and map layers as service-based solutions.
• Support publishing results in journals, reports, and open-source repos.
• Work with researchers to gather requirements and ensure security compliance.

Skills

Python development

APIs & backend services

Web frameworks

Debugging & maintenance

CI/CD pipelines

Data processing/ETL

Git & Agile tools

Education

BS in a scientific or technical field

Tools

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

SQL/NoSQL databases

Job description

Back-end Software Developer, Entry Level

Annual Salary Range:$$95,000.00 -$$120,000.00

Work-Site Type:Remote

ORNL offers a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. In addition, this position is considered remote-eligible for ORNL in pre-approved locations. Remote-eligibility is not a continued guarantee and could be subject to change based on evolving organizational needs.

Note about pay range:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Link to benefits. https://jobs.ornl.gov/content/Benefits/?locale=en_US

Overview:

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.

We are responsible for facilitating service and capability delivery for R&D projects. We work as team to provide development, deployment, automation, monitoring, and management tool infrastructure for researchers. We advocate, promote, and facilitate Agile Scrum development practices to researchers who develop or require development of code as a part of their projects.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• 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.

Basic 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)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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. As such, 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.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• 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.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.