Job SummaryIPAC at Caltech has an opening for an Associate Applications Developer to participate in the development of the data processing pipelines for the UVEX mission.
IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech (www.caltech.edu), provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground.
The Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) is targeted to launch in 2030 as NASA's next Astrophysics Medium-Class Explorer mission. UVEX will undertake a synoptic survey of the entire sky in the near-UV and far-UV, probing the dynamic universe with a sensitivity more than 50 times better than GALEX. UVEX will also have a powerful broadband spectroscopic capability. UVEX will address fundamental questions from the Astro2020 Decadal Survey and study the evolution of low-metallicity, low-mass galaxies. UVEX time-domain surveys will probe the aftermaths of gravitational-wave-discovered compact object mergers, discover fast UV transients, and diagnose the early stages of explosive phenomena.
Essential Job DutiesAs an Application Developer, you will work with the UVEX team to develop and test algorithms and write original production-quality code for pipeline processing and validation. You will also document your designs and software, and participate in meetings with the UVEX project.
Basic QualificationsIf 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 a technical subject such as Astronomy, Physics, Math, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience as a software developer using Python and C/C++. In many cases, this can include experience obtained concurrent with your academic work.
- Familiarity with software configuration management principles and tools, source code version control (e.g., git/GitHub) and issue/bug tracking systems (e.g., Jira).
Preferred QualificationsBeyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of an IPAC Applications Developer. The following might give you a head start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you:
- Advanced degree in Astronomy, Physics, Math, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or a related field.
- Experience working with scientific datasets and use cases.
- Experience developing software for astronomical data analysis.
- Experience with the Rubin/LSST Science Pipelines software stack.
Since UVEX is a distributed collaboration, it's important that you have good written and verbal communication skills, and are comfortable working in a distributed development environment.
Required Documents- Resume
- Short Cover Letter (optional)
Deadline and Start DateApplications received by November 17, 2026 will receive full consideration. The position is intended to start in 2026.
This is an on-site position at the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California. Remote workdays are typically allowed 1-2 days per week.
Life at IPAC and CaltechCaltech is an award-winning workplace and one of the best places to work in the greater Los Angeles area. We offer an exciting and dynamic work environment, career development opportunities, competitive pay programs, great benefits, and the opportunity to participate in many campus programs and activities.
People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting relationships. We seek the best and brightest talent to join our workforce and become members of our community.
Hiring Range$112,900 - $140,100 Per Year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
