Back-end Software Developer, Entry Level

Annual salary range: $95,000 – $120,000. This position is remote-eligible in pre-approved locations; remote eligibility may change based on organizational needs.

About the role

The Information Technology Services Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Python Developer for the Research and Development Solutions Team. This team facilitates lab goals through systems engineering, development, integration, and support for ORNL’s research community, delivering capabilities, services, and tooling that enhance research outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Partner with research organizations to enable research excellence and successful project delivery
• Design, develop, and manage spatial data platforms and solutions within Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) environments
• Deliver capabilities, services, cost savings, and optimizations that enhance research outcomes and reduce IT burden for researchers
• Collaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team including photogrammetrists, geographers, mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists, and engineers
• Contribute to research, development, integration, testing, and deployment across areas such as spatial computing, real-time data platforms, and machine intelligence systems
• Develop geospatial applications, software, and digital map layers as service-based solutions
• Support research staff in publishing and disseminating results through peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, conferences, and open-source repositories
• Work with researchers and project sponsors to gather, understand, and implement project and security requirements in developed solutions
• Optimize workflows and monitoring solutions to leverage 24/7 operations support and minimize off-hours work
• Utilize collaboration tools such as Email, Jira, Confluence, Teams, Slack, and other platforms to maintain effective communication
• Support a flexible, team-oriented work environment
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service

Requirements

• BS degree in a scientific or technical field and 2–4 years of experience
• Experience with Python development
• Experience with software development best practices (Git, Agile, issue tracking tools)
• Experience working with APIs and/or backend services
• Experience with AI-integrated workflows
• Experience with data processing or ETL workflows
• Experience debugging and maintaining existing codebases
• Familiarity with web frameworks (e.g., Flask, FastAPI, Django)
• Familiarity with basic database usage (SQL or NoSQL)

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to geospatial tools/data (e.g., PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GDAL)
• Exposure to cloud or container technologies (e.g., Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes)
• Understanding of microservices concepts
• Experience working in research, scientific, or government environments
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines
• Experience with Data-as-a-Service or API-based architectures
• Programming experience in C, C#, C++, and SQL
• Experience working in highly technical environments (government, scientific, or similar)

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy clearance is required; this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave
• Flexible work hours and remote-eligible positions
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance and Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts