Research Software Engineer

Avalanche • Seattle, WA

6d

About The Position

Avalanche is a Seattle-based startup developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation. Its modular technology is intended for applications ranging from austere environments and deep-sea vehicles to maritime transport and lunar power. The company describes a fast-paced, hands-on development environment where a small team builds, tests, learns, and iterates quickly.

The Research Software Engineer develops and maintains software and data infrastructure for scientific data collection, processing, and communication. Under the guidance of science and engineering teams, the role leads the development of standardized code-based packages for scientific analysis. The position translates analysis methods into reviewed, maintainable, tested, and reusable Python modules; works with diagnostic experts; and helps establish software development and release standards. The engineer also reviews analysis code, incorporates feedback from scientists and engineers, develops scientific data visualizations collaboratively, and supports the transition of exploratory scripts into standardized analysis 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

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits with 100% of premiums paid by the company.
• 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.
• Opportunity for equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time