What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full Stack Software Engineer II position at Space Telescope?
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit our website to learn more about our missions.
This position can support hybrid work. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).
This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.
The annual salary range for this title is $105,000 - $125,000. The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions
Full Stack Software Engineer Position Overview: Role and Responsibilities
We are seeking a highly motivated Full Stack Software Engineer with strong experience in modern backend development, web technologies, DevSecOps, and data-driven application development. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across the full software lifecycle, from architecture and implementation to deployment and monitoring.
Maintain and develop spacecraft housekeeping telemetry archive
- Create software tools for telemetry analysis, visualization, and system enhancements
- Assist with archiving system operation and maintenance tasks
Education, Experience and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience) and 3 years of professional software engineering experience with the core skills and experience
Core Technical/Software Engineering Skills & Experience
- Proficiency in Python, JavaScript, and shell scripting
- Strong Linux administration and development experience. Solid understanding of software design patterns
- Strong knowledge of S.O.L.I.D principles and Object-Oriented Design
- Experience practicing Test-Driven Development (TDD)
- Ability to write clean, maintainable, and scalable code
- Hands-on experience with Jira for issue tracking and sprint management
- Experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs
- Hands-on experience with server-side Python development using Django
- Practiced with object relational modeling (ORM)
- Familiarity with CI/CD workflows using GitLab
- Automated testing experience using Pytest
- Workflow orchestration and scheduling experience
- Experience with monitoring and observability
Preferred (not required) Qualifications
- Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments
- Familiarity with cloud platforms and infrastructure automation
- Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
The substitution of additional relevant education and/or experience for stated qualifications may be considered.
We offer an excellent and generous benefits package, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules and a stimulating and diverse work environment. Explore our benefits: http://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/benefits
TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by August 24, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Reference HRC0015986
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.
Salary : $105,000 - $125,000