Research Software Engineer

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing compact fusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation at a scale you can hold in your hands.  Our unique approach allows us to build, test, break, learn and iterate in days.  The modular design is designed to provide power to applications from austere environments to deep sea vehicles and maritime transport to lunar power. 

We know we have an incredibly ambitious mission, and that it requires a wide combination of skills, attitude, and grit to make it happen. If you have a passion for abundant energy, and how we can improve life with it, we want to have a chat with you.

Avalanche might be fit for you if: You are self-motivated, energized by problem solving and working closely with hardware. You enjoy hands-on, creative collaboration with a small, tight-knit team you can work with, laugh with, and learn with on a wide variety of topics.  You can learn and pivot between priorities when necessary and you can slide the headphones on, focus, and auger deep into a single topic as needed.  You thrive in an atmosphere of development, and you are an ardent learner who’s always looking for ways to grow and improve.

About the Role

A Research Software Engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining software and data infrastructure for scientific data collection, processing, and communication. They lead the formation of various code-based packages for standardized scientific analysis under the direction of science and engineering teams.

In this role you’re responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining standards for common scientific data-processing and analysis toolboxes under scientific guidance

• Developing and maintaining common scientific data-processing and analysis toolboxes under scientific guidance

• Translating written or verbal analysis methods into reviewed, maintainable, tested, and reusable Python modules

• Working with diagnostic experts to develop and maintain software for processing data

• Establishing and maintaining standards for code review, testing, documentation, packaging, and release management

• Reviewing analysis code for correctness, maintainability, and consistency

• Incorporating feedback from scientists and engineers into shared analysis tools

• Collaboratively developing clear and effective scientific data visualizations

• Supporting the transition of exploratory scripts into standardized analysis software

About you:

• Undergraduate degree in computer science, physics or related discipline

• Ability to work with a diverse team and make progress in ambiguous environments.

• Clear communicator who can explain complex methodologies to scientists, engineers, and management

• Experience developing and maintaining reusable Python packages

• Experience with automated testing, Git-based version control, and collaborative code review

Bonus skills & experience:

• Experience interfacing with scientific instrumentation

• Prior work in fast-paced R&D environments

• Experience with scientific computing python packages

• Experience with data storage systems such as s3

• Experience maintaining cloud infrastructure

• Familiarity with common data processing concepts such as fast Fourier transforms, smoothing algorithms, and error propagation

Benefits:

• Excellent medical, dental and vision benefits: We pay 100% of your premiums

• 10 paid holidays and company-wide December holiday break

• Generous paid vacation and sick time

• Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action

• Exposure to a wide variety of problems for unparalleled, hands-on professional growth

• Weekly employer provided team meals, a well-stocked kitchen, and employee events on and off-site

• Opportunity for Equity

Avalanche values people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, and sexual orientations. We also acknowledge the value that different life experiences bring to our organization. Avalanche is an equal opportunity employer, and you do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. We encourage all individuals who are excited about delivering fusion energy to the world to apply.