Senior Full Stack Engineer

The Senior Full Stack Engineer helps lead the development of engaging web-based tools that make Rubin’s data accessible, understandable and inspiring to the public. This role is instrumental in architecting and delivering modern web applications that support our educational and public science initiatives. The Senior Full Stack Engineer leads feature development, guides frontend strategy and UX implementation and collaborates closely with designers, scientists and other engineers, with a primary focus on building modern, performant, accessible front-end experiences.

Essential Functions

• Take ownership of the full-stack implementation of EPO web products.
• Lead the frontend development of new features from concept to release, defining scope, collaborating on UX, coding, testing, deploying.
• Drive frontend architecture and contribute to strategic technical direction in collaboration with other team members.
• Partner with our UI/UX designer to bring thoughtful, accessible, user-friendly designs to life.
• Build interactive tools and data visualizations that communicate complex astronomical data to non-experts.
• Identify and champion tech debt and performance optimization opportunities.
• Ensure products meet WCAG accessibility standards.
• Contribute to automated testing (Cypress/Playwright) and documentation.
• Conduct code reviews and collaborate closely with engineers, product owners and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing across the team.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 8 years of professional software development experience, including leadership on multiple projects.
• 5 years working with React and 3 years with Next.js.
• Strong understanding of React Server Components, advanced caching strategies and security best practices with React/Next.js.
• Extensive, proven experience with TypeScript.
• Extensive, proven experience with Git, GitHub Actions and CI/CD workflows.
• Extensive, proven experience with GraphQL and REST APIs.
• Extensive, proven experience with SQL and database schema design.
• Extensive, proven experience with Craft CMS or other content management systems.
• Extensive, proven experience writing backend services and APIs in Python.
• Clear and effective communicator, adept at conveying technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Proven high-level proficiency in browser developer tools, accessibility best practices around data visualizations and frontend performance optimization.
• Comfortable working in a remote, distributed team environment.
• Experience solving frontend performance issues.
• Familiarity navigating a cloud provider web console.

Preferences

• 10 years of professional software development experience.
• Industry experience in mission-driven tech, with a focus on delivering impactful, user-centered solutions.
• Passion for astronomy, science communication or online education.
• Familiarity with WebGL.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and similar. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others (per the needs of specific function).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Frequent need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Frequent need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Frequently moves technology equipment weighing up to 20 pounds throughout office locations.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai`i).
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees

Salary Range: $116,000-$129,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience and job location. 

While our preference is to fill this role in Tucson, AZ, we are open to remote arrangements for candidates residing in Arizona, California, Colorado, Washington DC, Florida, Hawai'i, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, Washington. 

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  

How to Apply: 

Apply by October 3, 2025, 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. 

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

Salary : $116,000 - $129,000