Research Software Engineer

Avalanche • Tukwila, WA

2d • $115,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation. The Research Software Engineer develops and maintains software and data infrastructure for scientific data collection, processing, and communication, and leads the creation of code-based packages for standardized scientific analysis under the direction of science and engineering teams.

The role works closely with scientists, engineers, diagnostic experts, and a small, collaborative team. It involves turning analysis methods into reviewed, tested, maintainable, and reusable Python modules; improving shared scientific analysis tools; and supporting the transition from exploratory scripts to standardized software.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in computer science, physics, or a related discipline.
• Ability to work with a diverse team and make progress in ambiguous environments.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain complex methodologies to scientists, engineers, and management.
• Experience developing and maintaining reusable Python packages.
• Experience with automated testing, Git-based version control, and collaborative code review.

Nice To Haves

• Experience interfacing with scientific instrumentation.
• Prior work in fast-paced R&D environments.
• Experience with scientific computing Python packages.
• Experience with data storage systems such as S3.
• Experience maintaining cloud infrastructure.
• Familiarity with data-processing concepts such as fast Fourier transforms, smoothing algorithms, and error propagation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain standards for common scientific data-processing and analysis toolboxes under scientific guidance.
• Develop and maintain common scientific data-processing and analysis toolboxes under scientific guidance.
• Translate written or verbal analysis methods into reviewed, maintainable, tested, and reusable Python modules.
• Work with diagnostic experts to develop and maintain software for processing data.
• Establish and maintain standards for code review, testing, documentation, packaging, and release management.
• Review analysis code for correctness, maintainability, and consistency.
• Incorporate feedback from scientists and engineers into shared analysis tools.
• Collaboratively develop clear and effective scientific data visualizations.
• Support the transition of exploratory scripts into standardized analysis software.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums.
• 10 paid holidays and a company-wide December holiday break.
• Generous paid vacation and sick time.
• Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action.
• Exposure to a wide variety of problems and hands-on professional growth.
• Weekly employer-provided team meals, a well-stocked kitchen, and employee events on and off-site.
• Meaningful equity in the form of stock options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time