Research Software Engineer

Avalanche • Tukwila, WA

1d • $115,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation. Its modular design is intended to serve applications ranging from austere environments and deep-sea vehicles to maritime transport and lunar power. The company describes its working style as hands-on, collaborative, and fast-moving, with opportunities to work closely with hardware and a small team.

The Research Software Engineer develops and maintains software and data infrastructure for scientific data collection, processing, and communication. Under the direction of science and engineering teams, the role leads the development of code-based packages for standardized scientific analysis. The position also supports the transition of exploratory scripts into standardized, reusable 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

• 100% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance 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 for 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