Backend Developer – Scientific Computing & Systems
Location: Remote, Denver/Boulder preferred
Type: Full-Time
About Us
We are a small, agile company advancing space weather research and data-driven forecasting. As we grow, we need a versatile engineer who can bridge the gap between legacy scientific code and modern, maintainable systems. You’ll work directly with our research team to turn complex models and data streams into reliable, user-facing applications.
The Role
We are looking for a backend-focused engineer with strong systems skills and an interest in scientific computing. You will be responsible for maintaining and modernizing our scientific codebase, operationalizing new physics algorithms, and ensuring our data pipelines run smoothly. While you may occasionally touch frontend code, your primary focus will be on backend systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Refactor and modernize legacy Java code using contemporary programming practices to improve efficiency and maintainability.
- Redevelop legacy IDL programs as modern Python or Java modules, translating array-oriented scientific logic into clean, containerizable code.
- Implement and update algorithms from physics models (magnetospheric, ionospheric, solar wind, etc.) in Python.
- Integrate new scientific data sources and ensure compatibility with existing pipelines.
- Expand unit test coverage across both Java and Python codebases.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, or related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- Languages: Strong proficiency in Java and Python; willingness to learn IDL to read, interpret, and update legacy code.
- Systems: Comfortable working in a Linux environment.
- Version Control: Proficient with Git version control and branching workflows.
- Development Patterns: Strong experience with object-oriented programming patterns.
- Test Writing: Strong respect for the value of writing meaningful unit tests.
Preferred Qualifications
- Array-oriented language experience: Familiarity with MATLAB, Fortran, NumPy-style Python, or Julia — these transfer well to reading and understanding IDL code.
- Space weather domain: Background or strong interest in space physics, atmospheric science, remote sensing, or geophysics.
- Scientific Python: Experience with NumPy, SciPy, SunPy, SpacePy, Pandas, or Matplotlib for scientific computing and visualization.
- Scientific data formats: Familiarity with NetCDF or similar geospatial/scientific formats.
- Physics modeling: Understanding of solar–terrestrial physics, magnetospheric modeling, ionospheric modeling, or remote sensing concepts.
- Databases: Experience with SQL databases (MySQL preferred)
- Containerization: Knowledge of Docker and CI/CD pipelines.
- Data pipelines & ML: Background in data pipelines, machine learning, or scientific computing workflows.
Why Join Us?
- Meaningful work: Your code directly enables space weather research.
- Variety: In our small team you’ll have flexibility to gain experience with varied skills.
- Collaboration: Work closely with research scientists and a tight-knit engineering team.
- Ownership: In a small company, your contributions are visible and valued.
- SET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other categories protected by law.
How to Apply
Please send your resume to careers@spacewx.com. Applications will be accepted until October 23, 2026.