Senior Full-Stack Engineer

NSF’s NOIRLab is reshaping public engagement with astronomy and data science. Our Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory builds interactive, data-driven digital experiences and visualizations that connect learners of all ages with the cosmos. We are looking for a Senior Fullstack Engineer to help lead the development of engaging web-based data visualizations that make Rubin’s data accessible, understandable and inspiring to the public. This is more than just a software engineering role, it is an opportunity to shape how millions of people experience the universe. About The Role As a Senior Fullstack Engineer on our EPO team, you will be instrumental in architecting and delivering modern, visualization-rich web applications that support our educational and public science initiatives. You will lead feature development, guide frontend strategy and UX implementation and collaborate closely with designers, scientists and other engineers. Your work will directly impact products ranging from interactive classroom investigations to rich astronomical visualizations and Rubin’s public-facing websites. What You Will Be Working On Our stack includes a headless Craft CMS (PHP/PostgreSQL), a React/Next.js frontend and content delivery via GraphQL, all deployed in the Google Cloud Platform. While you will work on the full stack, your primary focus will be on building modern, performant, web applications with accessible and interactive data visualizations and experiences. Key Projects Include An interactive astronomical image viewer with data overlaysClassroom web apps built on real Rubin Observatory dataThe public-facing Rubin Observatory websiteA browser-based 3D visualization of the solar systemA component library of reusable React/Next.js widgets for science education Core Responsibilities Take ownership of the full-stack implementation of EPO web productsLead the frontend development of new features from concept to release, defining scope, collaborating on UX, coding, testing, deployingDrive frontend architecture and contribute to strategic technical direction in collaboration with other team membersPartner with our UI/UX designer to bring thoughtful, accessible, user-friendly designs to lifeBuild interactive tools and data visualizations that communicate complex astronomical data to non-expertsIdentify and champion tech debt and performance optimization opportunitiesEnsure products meet WCAG accessibility standardsContribute to automated testing (Cypress/Playwright) and documentationConduct code reviews and collaborate closely with engineers, product owners and external stakeholdersMentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing across the team Requirements 8+ years of professional software development experience, including leadership on multiple projects5+ years working with ReactStrong understanding of React Server Components, advanced caching strategies and security best practices with React/Next.jsA demonstrated ability to create modern and performant interactive data visualizations in the browserExtensive, proven experience with TypeScriptExtensive, proven experience with Git, GitHub Actions and CI/CD workflowsExtensive, proven experience with GraphQL and REST APIsExtensive, proven experience with SQL and database schema designExtensive, proven experience with Craft CMS and other content management systemsExtensive, proven experience writing backend services and APIs in PythonClear and effective communicator, adept at conveying technical information to non-technical audiencesProven high-level proficiency in browser developer tools, accessibility best practices around data visualizations and frontend performance optimizationComfortable working in a remote, distributed team environmentExperience solving frontend performance issuesFamiliarity navigating a cloud provider web console Preferences 10+ years of professional software development experienceExperience with creating visualizations with WebGL frameworksIndustry experience in mission-driven tech, with a focus on delivering impactful, user-centered solutionsPassion for astronomy, science communication or online education3+ years with Next.jsExperience with CSS modules and React Three Fiber Salary Range $107,400 – $125,700 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. Why Join Us At NSF’s NOIRLab, we believe in science for everyone. Our EPO team is committed to building tools that not only inform but ignite curiosity and empower discovery. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values creativity, experimentation and technical excellence — and you will help shape how a new generation interacts with the night sky. AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources Apply by August 31, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName. 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