Applications Developer

Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

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

Life at IPAC

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.

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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