Software Engineer

Join the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), home to science and flight operations for NASA’s flagship observatories, including missions that are redefining our understanding of the universe. Located on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland, STScI is a unique environment where scientists, engineers, and technologists collaborate to enable groundbreaking astrophysics.

We are seeking a motivated contributor who will help design, develop, and maintain the software that transforms raw spacecraft data into high-precision scientific products, directly supporting astronomers around the world and advancing NASA’s mission of exploration.

This position can support hybrid work onsite and at home. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence to meet ITAR requirements.

The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers several factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

• The annual salary range for a Senior Software Engineer (8+ years industrial working experience) is $115,000 - $135,000
• The annual salary range for a Software Engineer II (5+ years industrial working experience) is $100,000 - $115,000

Primary Responsibilities:

In this position, you will be responsible for developing software for processing astronomical data in a fast-paced multi-mission environment. You will build calibration software capable of precise reductions of astronomical observations and interact with astronomers to deliver innovative solutions to solve cutting-edge astronomical problems. The Software Engineer will contribute to the Hubble Space Telescope calibration pipeline, supporting the COS and STIS instruments.  This role is both internal and external facing, and the engineer should be able to identify problems, implement solutions and offer guidance to development teams and end-users.

Required Qualifications:

• Expertise in code development with Python
• Experience with code development in C
• Experience with open-source libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Astropy
• Knowledge of Git and Git workflows in a team setting
• Experience working with spectral astronomical data
• Familiarity with testing tools
• Strong teamwork, analytical, problem-solving, planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with YAML, JSON, HDF5 or other data formats
• Experience with astronomical data formats

Senior Level: Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree; Level II: Bachelor’s degree in: Computer/Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Astronomy, or similar discipline.

The starting position and salary are commensurate with education and experience. We offer an excellent and generous benefits package.

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by February 5, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Reference #: 0013359

individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at [email protected].