Software Engineer, Biodiversity Platforms

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Design, develop, deploy, and continuously enhance the initial production version of a cloud-based biodiversity monitoring platform.

• Create scalable, secure, maintainable, and cost-effective architectures for handling large acoustic datasets, automated biodiversity analyses, and future analytical products.

• Construct backend services, APIs, databases, cloud infrastructure, and web applications for biodiversity data and outcomes.

• Develop cloud-native workflows for ingesting, organizing, processing, and analyzing passive acoustic monitoring data.

• Design data models and systems for ecological monitoring initiatives, users, deployments, recordings, species detections, metadata, and biodiversity measurements.

• Incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning models into automated biodiversity analysis workflows.

• Create infrastructure for wildlife sound identification and other ecological analysis processes.

• Assess and recommend cloud services, software frameworks, AI technologies, and technical methodologies.

• Develop effective strategies for storing, processing, and accessing scientific and ecological datasets.

• Collaborate with conservation scientists, ecologists, GIS specialists, data scientists, and conservation practitioners.

• Set technical priorities, milestones, and high-value capabilities with the BirdsPlus team.

• Prototype, test, and refine functionalities based on feedback from pilot users and conservation partners.

• Assist in defining a product roadmap that balances immediate conservation needs with long-term platform scalability.

• Establish software engineering practices including version control, automated testing, documentation, security, and CI/CD.

• Develop and maintain deployment and monitoring infrastructure.

• Troubleshoot technical issues, diagnose failures, and optimize performance, reliability, and costs.

• Produce technical documentation and architectural records.

• Contribute to the long-term technical strategy for the BirdsPlus Index.

• Identify opportunities for integration with conservation, ecological monitoring, GIS, and technology systems.

• Represent technical development to internal staff, collaborators, research institutions, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders.

• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related science-focused field.

• At least three (3) years of professional experience in designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining production software applications.

• Proven experience in designing software architecture and building cloud-based applications from concept to production.

• Strong proficiency in one or more modern programming languages, such as Python or similar backend languages.

• Experience in developing APIs, backend services, databases, and data-driven applications.

• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.

• Experience with version control, automated testing, continuous integration/deployment, and documentation.

• Ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, make architectural decisions, and develop practical, maintainable solutions.

• Capacity to work independently, manage competing priorities, and transition projects from concept to implementation.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with multidisciplinary partners.

• Commitment to the American Bird Conservancy's conservation mission.

• Reliable, high-speed internet service before starting work; ideal speeds are 30–40 Mbps download and 10–15 Mbps upload.

• May be required to use a personal cell phone to access ABC systems remotely.

• Authorized to work in the US or a Permanent Resident.

• Occasional air and car travel may be required; air travel is expected for distances over 350 miles.

• Background screening required.

• Preferred: experience in building software platforms from the ground up.

• Preferred: experience managing large scientific, ecological, geospatial, acoustic, or complex datasets.

• Preferred: experience integrating machine learning or artificial intelligence models into production systems.

• Preferred: experience with distributed data processing, cloud-native data pipelines, or large-dataset processing systems.

• Preferred: experience developing geospatial applications or working with GIS and spatial data.

• Preferred: experience with passive acoustic monitoring, biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, conservation technology, or environmental data systems.

• Preferred: experience designing software products with non-technical users or domain experts.

• Preferred: enthusiasm, curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• 35-hour work week.

• Generous leave policies.

• Flexible, remote-friendly work arrangements.

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Employer-matched retirement savings.

• Flexible schedule.

• Paid vacation days, starting at 15 days annually and increasing to 20 days after 1 year of employment.

• Paid holidays, including US holidays and additional ABC holidays.

• Sick leave.

• Coverage for lodging, meals, and transportation for work-related travel away from home where applicable.

• Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement where applicable.