{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"ed3c3ea3fbfad68ec6ad723c","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/ed3c3ea3fbfad68ec6ad723c","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/ed3c3ea3fbfad68ec6ad723c","title":"Backend Software Engineer","description":"Backend Software Engineer\nAPPLY\n\nBackend Software Engineer (Hybrid)\n\nNo Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.\n\nAbout the Cornell Lab of Ornithology\n\nThe Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally recognized leader in technology, data management, and large-scale citizen science supporting birds and biodiversity conservation. We curate more than a petabyte of digital assets, one billion bird sightings, and leverage innovative big data analysis tools and machine learning to produce web applications and services to empower a global community of bird and nature enthusiasts, researchers, conservationists, and educators. We rely on a team of high-performance engineers to help navigate intriguing technical challenges to provide data-driven services, learning platforms, and science communications supporting biodiversity and conservation communities in all corners of the globe. This role will develop technical infrastructure and services that support numerous user-facing applications, including eBird, Merlin, Macaulay Library, and Birds of the World.\n\nWhat will you do:\n\nWhile position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.\n\nThe Backend Software Engineer is expected to:\n\nDesign, develop, and maintain complex web-based applications and related services for the Merlin team based in the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO), external customers, and funding agencies. Participate actively in the design and evolution of CLO technical infrastructure and hosting platforms, including the transition to more scalable, agile, cloud-based systems. Serve as a technical liaison supporting coordination and integration of application infrastructure to meet CLO strategic objectives. Develop web-based systems, APIs, and database applications utilizing Java, Spring, javascript, enterprise GIS systems, and SQL with a Postgres backend. Stay current on software development and web application best practices and processes.\n\nRequired Qualifications:\nBachelor’s degree in computer science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.\nThree (3)+ years of relevant experience working on substantial computer software projects and collaborating with a team of engineers.\nThree (3)+ years of object-oriented programming and modern web application development techniques building and integrating APIs, web services, and frontend user interfaces.\nThree (3)+ years of experience with Java, Spring, and SQL.\nExperience web frameworks such as React, Vue.js, Angular, Next.js, or Nuxt.\nExperience with relational database table design and with writing and optimizing complex queries.\nExperience with containerization using Kubernetes or Docker.\nExperience with cloud infrastructure platforms and services from major vendors such as AWS (preferred) or Azure.\nExperience with continuous integration, deployment, and automation technology such as Jenkins.\nExperience running services on Linux.\nExperience with version control systems (e.g. Git) and modern development workflows (e.g. Agile, Scrum).\nExperience with project management tools such as Jira.\nProven experience documenting and testing code.\nStrong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.\nAbility to establish realistic goals and deliver work on schedule, handle multiple concurrent tasks and priorities, and adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands.\nHigh level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation, and an ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making and in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature.\nAbility to work both independently and collaboratively, and to build working relationships to solve problems and achieve common goals in a multidisciplinary environment.\nExperience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nAdvanced degree in computer science or related field.\nFamiliarity with the Linux command-line and experience with shell scripting.\nExperience with highly available, high volume transactional web applications.\nExperience managing large volumes of data for replication, warehousing, and archival storage.\nPrior use and understanding of eBird, Merlin, Macaulay Library or other Cornell Lab tools and resources.\nInterest in birds, nature, conservation, and/or natural science.\nExperience with GIS data and server software such as GeoServer.\nApplication Information:\nA cover letter and resume are required for further consideration for this position. When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (Cover Letter and Resume) in PDF format.\nNo Visa Sponsorship of any kind is available for this position.\nNo Relocation assistance will be provided for this position.\nRewards and Benefits\nThe work location is Ithaca, New York with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule that would be determined by the supervisor. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.\nCornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.\nOur leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell\nCornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell\nFollow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.\n\nUniversity Job Title:\nSoftware Engineer III\n\nJob Family:\nInformation Technology\n\nLevel:\nF\n\nPay Rate Type:\nSalary\n\nPay Range:\n$98,548.00 - $114,529.00\n\nRemote Option Availability:\nHybrid\n\nCompany:\nContract College\n\nContact Name:\nMaria Avila\n\nContact Email:\nmia28@cornell.edu\n\nJob Titles and Pay Ranges:\nNon-Union Positions\nNoted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:\nPrior relevant work or industry experience\nEducation level to the extent education is relevant to the position\nUnique applicable skills\nAcademic Discipline\nTo learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.\nUnion Positions\nThe hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.\nCurrent Employees:\nIf you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.\nOnline Submission Guidelines:\nMost positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.\nEmployment Assistance:\nFor general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.\nIf you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.\nApplicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.\nNotice to Applicants:\nPlease read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.\n\nEEO Statement:\nCornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.\n\nCornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.\n2026-08-10\n\nAbout Us\nCornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.\nWe offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.","company":"Cornell University","rawCompany":"cornell university","city":"Ithaca","state":"NY","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-11T11:27:53.200Z","occupations":[{"code":"15-1252.00","title":"Software Developers","slug":"software-developers"},{"code":"15-1251.00","title":"Computer Programmers","slug":"computer-programmers"},{"code":"15-1299.08","title":"Computer Systems Engineers/Architects","slug":"computer-systems-engineers-architects"}],"industries":[{"code":"541511","title":"Custom Computer Programming Services","slug":"custom-computer-programming-services"},{"code":"541512","title":"Computer Systems Design Services","slug":"computer-systems-design-services"},{"code":"513210","title":"Software Publishers","slug":"software-publishers"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Backend Software Engineer","description":"Backend Software Engineer\nAPPLY\n\nBackend Software Engineer (Hybrid)\n\nNo Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.\n\nAbout the Cornell Lab of Ornithology\n\nThe Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally recognized leader in technology, data management, and large-scale citizen science supporting birds and biodiversity conservation. We curate more than a petabyte of digital assets, one billion bird sightings, and leverage innovative big data analysis tools and machine learning to produce web applications and services to empower a global community of bird and nature enthusiasts, researchers, conservationists, and educators. We rely on a team of high-performance engineers to help navigate intriguing technical challenges to provide data-driven services, learning platforms, and science communications supporting biodiversity and conservation communities in all corners of the globe. This role will develop technical infrastructure and services that support numerous user-facing applications, including eBird, Merlin, Macaulay Library, and Birds of the World.\n\nWhat will you do:\n\nWhile position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.\n\nThe Backend Software Engineer is expected to:\n\nDesign, develop, and maintain complex web-based applications and related services for the Merlin team based in the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO), external customers, and funding agencies. Participate actively in the design and evolution of CLO technical infrastructure and hosting platforms, including the transition to more scalable, agile, cloud-based systems. Serve as a technical liaison supporting coordination and integration of application infrastructure to meet CLO strategic objectives. Develop web-based systems, APIs, and database applications utilizing Java, Spring, javascript, enterprise GIS systems, and SQL with a Postgres backend. Stay current on software development and web application best practices and processes.\n\nRequired Qualifications:\nBachelor’s degree in computer science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.\nThree (3)+ years of relevant experience working on substantial computer software projects and collaborating with a team of engineers.\nThree (3)+ years of object-oriented programming and modern web application development techniques building and integrating APIs, web services, and frontend user interfaces.\nThree (3)+ years of experience with Java, Spring, and SQL.\nExperience web frameworks such as React, Vue.js, Angular, Next.js, or Nuxt.\nExperience with relational database table design and with writing and optimizing complex queries.\nExperience with containerization using Kubernetes or Docker.\nExperience with cloud infrastructure platforms and services from major vendors such as AWS (preferred) or Azure.\nExperience with continuous integration, deployment, and automation technology such as Jenkins.\nExperience running services on Linux.\nExperience with version control systems (e.g. Git) and modern development workflows (e.g. Agile, Scrum).\nExperience with project management tools such as Jira.\nProven experience documenting and testing code.\nStrong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.\nAbility to establish realistic goals and deliver work on schedule, handle multiple concurrent tasks and priorities, and adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands.\nHigh level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation, and an ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making and in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature.\nAbility to work both independently and collaboratively, and to build working relationships to solve problems and achieve common goals in a multidisciplinary environment.\nExperience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nAdvanced degree in computer science or related field.\nFamiliarity with the Linux command-line and experience with shell scripting.\nExperience with highly available, high volume transactional web applications.\nExperience managing large volumes of data for replication, warehousing, and archival storage.\nPrior use and understanding of eBird, Merlin, Macaulay Library or other Cornell Lab tools and resources.\nInterest in birds, nature, conservation, and/or natural science.\nExperience with GIS data and server software such as GeoServer.\nApplication Information:\nA cover letter and resume are required for further consideration for this position. When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (Cover Letter and Resume) in PDF format.\nNo Visa Sponsorship of any kind is available for this position.\nNo Relocation assistance will be provided for this position.\nRewards and Benefits\nThe work location is Ithaca, New York with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule that would be determined by the supervisor. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.\nCornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.\nOur leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell\nCornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell\nFollow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.\n\nUniversity Job Title:\nSoftware Engineer III\n\nJob Family:\nInformation Technology\n\nLevel:\nF\n\nPay Rate Type:\nSalary\n\nPay Range:\n$98,548.00 - $114,529.00\n\nRemote Option Availability:\nHybrid\n\nCompany:\nContract College\n\nContact Name:\nMaria Avila\n\nContact Email:\nmia28@cornell.edu\n\nJob Titles and Pay Ranges:\nNon-Union Positions\nNoted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:\nPrior relevant work or industry experience\nEducation level to the extent education is relevant to the position\nUnique applicable skills\nAcademic Discipline\nTo learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.\nUnion Positions\nThe hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.\nCurrent Employees:\nIf you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.\nOnline Submission Guidelines:\nMost positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.\nEmployment Assistance:\nFor general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.\nIf you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.\nApplicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.\nNotice to Applicants:\nPlease read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.\n\nEEO Statement:\nCornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.\n\nCornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.\n2026-08-10\n\nAbout Us\nCornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.\nWe offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.","datePosted":"2026-08-11T11:27:53.200Z","dateModified":"2026-08-11T11:27:53.200Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Cornell University","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Ithaca","addressRegion":"NY","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"ed3c3ea3fbfad68ec6ad723c"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/ed3c3ea3fbfad68ec6ad723c"}}