Software Engineer III

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Software Engineer III [Hybrid] No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position. This position will require occasional off-hours support. The work location is Ithaca, New York with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule that would be determined by the supervisor. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2 days per week and on-site 3 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. About the Cornell Lab of Ornithology The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally recognized leader in technology, data management, and large-scale citizen science supporting birds and biodiversity conservation. We curate more than a petabyte of digital assets, two billion bird sightings, and leverage innovative big data analysis tools and machine learning to produce web applications and services to empower a global community of bird and nature enthusiasts, researchers, conservationists, and educators. The Lab is in an incredible growth phase and navigating exciting challenges to scale our data-driven tools and services for conservation communities in all corners of the globe. eBird collaborates with hundreds of regional organizations in more than 80 countries who are using eBird, Merlin, Birds of the World, and other resources as a platform to advance their conservation goals. What will you do: This position is located in the Center for Avian Population Studies within the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The Software Engineer will: Design, develop, and maintain complex web-based applications and related services for the Center for Avian Population Studies and Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO), external customers, and funding agencies. Participate actively in the design and evolution of CLO technical infrastructure and hosting platforms, including scalable, agile, cloud-based systems. Serve as a technical liaison supporting coordination and integration of application infrastructure to meet CLO strategic objectives. Develop web-based systems, APIs, and database applications utilizing Java, Spring, enterprise GIS systems, Postgres SQL, and other existing or emerging technologies that CLO may adopt over time. Stay current on software development and web application technologies, best practices, and processes. This is a full-time position. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus:
3+ years of relevant professional experience working on substantial computer software projects and collaborating with a team of engineers.
3+ years of professional experience with object-oriented programming and modern web application development techniques building and integrating APIs, web services, and frontend user interfaces.
3+ years of professional experience with Java, Spring, and SQL.
Experience with relational database table design and with writing and optimizing complex queries.
Experience with containerization using Kubernetes or Docker.
Experience with cloud infrastructure platforms and services from major vendors such as AWS (preferred) or Azure.
Experience with continuous integration, deployment, and automation technology such as Jenkins.
Experience running services on Linux.
Experience with version control systems (e.g. Git) and modern development workflows (e.g. Agile, Scrum).
Experience with project management tools such as Jira.
Proven experience documenting and testing code.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to build working relationships to solve problems and achieve common goals in a multidisciplinary environment.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Ability to establish realistic goals and deliver work on schedule, handle multiple concurrent tasks and priorities, and adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands.
High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation, and an ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making and in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature.
Ability to work weekends or evenings when participating in the 24x7 on call duty rotation.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in computer science or related field.
Experience using AI tools such as Claude Code or Codex in the software development lifecycle.
Experience with web frameworks such as React, Vue.js, Angular, Next.js, or Nuxt.
Familiarity with the Linux command-line and experience with shell scripting.
Experience with highly available, high volume transactional web applications.
Experience managing large volumes of data for replication, warehousing, and archival storage.
Experience with GIS data and server software such as GeoServer.
Prior use and understanding of eBird, Merlin, BirdCast or other Cornell Lab tools and resources.
Interest in birds, nature, conservation, and/or natural science.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain complex web-based applications and related services for the Center for Avian Population Studies and Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO), external customers, and funding agencies.
Participate actively in the design and evolution of CLO technical infrastructure and hosting platforms, including scalable, agile, cloud-based systems.
Serve as a technical liaison supporting coordination and integration of application infrastructure to meet CLO strategic objectives.
Develop web-based systems, APIs, and database applications utilizing Java, Spring, enterprise GIS systems, Postgres SQL, and other existing or emerging technologies that CLO may adopt over time.
Stay current on software development and web application technologies, best practices, and processes.

Benefits

comprehensive health care options
generous retirement contributions
access to wellness programs
employee discounts with local and national retail brands
health and personal leave
three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
two additional floating holidays
tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program