Back-end Software Developer, Entry Level

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

Overview

The Information Technology Services Division in the Information Technology Services Directorate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory 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 the research community at ORNL, delivering development, deployment, automation, monitoring, and management tool infrastructure for researchers. The role promotes Agile Scrum development practices for research projects requiring code development.

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
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace

Requirements

• BS degree in a scientific or technical field and 2–4 years of experience
• Experience with:
  • Python development
  • Software development best practices (Git, Agile, issue tracking tools)
  • Working with APIs and/or backend services
  • AI-integrated workflow
• Experience with:
  • Data processing or ETL workflows
  • Debugging and maintaining existing codebases
• Familiarity with:
  • Web frameworks (e.g., Flask, FastAPI, Django)
  • 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 (Workplace Substance Abuse testing required)

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
• 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
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team of over 7,000 individuals drives scientific breakthroughs and translates them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges. ORNL fosters an environment valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds, aiming to be a top choice for employment.