Application Developer

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.

IPAC, in the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to enhance discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a NASA observatory designed to address key questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. It is slated for launch by May 2027.

IPAC is inviting highly qualified individuals to apply for a full‑time position as a Data Processing Pipeline Developer with the Roman team s position requires weekly on‑site work.

As a Pipeline Developer, you will work with engineering and scientific team members on tasks to develop, operate, and test large, automated pipelines in a cloud environment that process images taken with the Wide‑Field Instrument on the Roman Telescope. You will develop both prototype and production‑quality automated software to work with high volumes of data for science operations. You will also help the team interpret and implement project requirements and detail and document the work that you’ve accomplished.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Astronomy, Physics, Math, or a related technical field.
• Two or more years’ experience developing software code using C and python.
• Ability to work in a team environment, including good written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience as a software developer in a cloud environment.
• Familiarity with software configuration management principles and tools, source code version control (e.g., Git/Git Hub), and issue/bug tracking systems (e.g., Jira).
• Qualify as a United States (US) person as defined by ITAR regulations. A US person is a citizen of the United States, a lawful permanent resident alien of the US (“Green Card” holder), or an individual granted refugee or asylee status under US law.

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

• Experience developing software for astronomical data analysis.
• Experience working with large data sets and databases.

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received, with full consideration given to those submitted by December
9. Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to three months.

People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee‑centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long‑term careers and positive relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on‑site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.

$40.00 - $48.25 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…