National Security Data Solutions Software Developer

What You Will Do

This position as a National Security Data Solutions Software Developer will be filled at either the Software Developer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Weapons Research Services - Weapons Mission Technology (WRS-WMT) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory is actively seeking a skilled and innovative backend Software Developer. The WRS-WMT Group is instrumental in enabling code developers, weapons designers, engineers, and experimenters to certify the stockpile and investigate critical national and global security questions.

Responsibilities for Software Developer 2

• Support the National Security Data Solutions (NSDS) archiving repository to ensure system reliability, performance, and a consistent user experience.
• Develop CLI and API functionalities.
• Perform server maintenance, upgrade, and configuration management.
• Support batch data ingestion, updates, and metadata augmentation processes.
• Collaborate with senior developers and engineers to design, develop, and implement software solutions.
• Develop mixed Bash and Python CLI methods and automation scripts/workflows.
• Develop JavaScript APIs and system usage/performance dashboards under senior guidance.
• Participate in software testing, debugging, and maintaining technical documentation.
• Ensure all development activities adhere to LANL safety, security, and quality requirements.

Responsibilities for Software Developer 3 (in addition to above)

• Provide technical leadership for the design, implementation, and deployment of advanced workflow automation.
• Lead improvements in data augmentation to enhance record and data discovery within the NSDS.
• Mentor and guide Software Developer 1 and 2 team members, supporting their professional growth.
• Lead system upgrades, automation efforts, and process improvement initiatives for efficiency and reliability.
• Optimize system performance and troubleshoot complex issues across multiple environments.
• Present technical recommendations, findings, and solution strategies to management and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with DOE partners and LANL divisions on cross-organizational software initiatives.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining CLI-based tools that invoke RESTful API endpoints for browser-based applications, enabling management, automation, and integration of database actions (querying, updates, administrative tasks).
• Demonstrated ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise-scale software applications (e.g., NSDS, Terrier, Granta).
• Strong understanding of NoSQL databases (MarkLogic, MongoDB).
• Proficiency and experience with the software development lifecycle (SDLC) - including design, development, testing, debugging, and deployment.
• Demonstrated experience working within Agile methodologies.
• Working knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, JavaScript, CSS, XML, or scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
• Familiarity with Windows, Linux, MacOS operating systems and HPC environments, including configuration and administration tasks.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with engineers, scientists, and IT professionals.

Additional Job Requirements For Software Developer 3:

• Demonstrated experience leading system upgrades, automation initiatives, and process improvement efforts in enterprise environments.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize performance across multi-environment and highly integrated systems.
• Experience leading technical teams, mentoring and guiding junior software developers, and contributing to team skill development.
• Ability to present technical recommendations, findings, and solution strategies to management and key stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with cross-organizational partners, including DOE stakeholders and LANL divisions.

Education/Experience

• Software Developer 2: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Software Developer 3: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience configuring authentication systems or protocols (SSO, API Key Auth, OneID, SSL, Kerberos, SAML).
• Familiarity with HPC environments.
• Experience developing API-driven AI workflows.
• Experience configuring or supporting web and application servers and services (e.g., MarkLogic, NGINX).
• Interest in contributing to U.S. national security and understanding WMT's mission.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external partners, including DOE organizations.
• Active DOE Q-Clearance or ability to obtain one.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)

Key skills/competency

• Backend Development
• CLI/API Development
• NoSQL Databases
• MarkLogic/MongoDB
• SDLC
• Agile Methodologies
• Python/Bash/JavaScript
• System Administration
• Troubleshooting
• Technical Leadership