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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Backend Software Engineer - **Company:** Cornell University - **Location:** Ithaca, NY, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $98,548.0 - $114,529.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Geographic Information Systems, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Application Integration Architecture, Software Applications, JIRA, Microsoft Azure, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Continuous Integration, Database Applications, Relational Databases, Database Queries, Linux, Web Development, GeoServer, Design of User Interfaces, Spring Framework, PostgreSQL, Linux Commands, Object-Oriented Software Development, Scrum Methodology, Next.js, Shell Script, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Web Applications, Web Application Frameworks, Web Services, ReactJS, Backend, Git, Vue.js, Containerization, AngularJS, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Code Testing, Front End Software Development, Software Version Control, Docker, Jenkins - **Published:** August 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Tompkins-County/Backend-Software-Engineer_WDR-00060376-2 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Three (3)+ years of relevant experience working on substantial computer software projects and collaborating with a team of engineers. * Three (3)+ years of object-oriented programming and modern web application development techniques building and integrating APIs, web services, and frontend user interfaces. * Three (3)+ years of experience with Java, Spring, and SQL. * Experience web frameworks such as React, Vue.js, Angular, Next.js, or Nuxt. * Experience with relational database table design and with writing and optimizing complex queries. * Experience with containerization using Kubernetes or Docker. * Experience with cloud infrastructure platforms and services from major vendors such as AWS (preferred) or Azure. * Experience with continuous integration, deployment, and automation technology such as Jenkins. * Experience running services on Linux. * Experience with version control systems (e.g. Git) and modern development workflows (e.g. Agile, Scrum). * Experience with project management tools such as Jira. * Proven experience documenting and testing code. * Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills. * Ability to establish realistic goals and deliver work on schedule, handle multiple concurrent tasks and priorities, and adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands. * High 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. * Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to build working relationships to solve problems and achieve common goals in a multidisciplinary environment. * Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing., * Advanced degree in computer science or related field. * Familiarity with the Linux command-line and experience with shell scripting. * Experience with highly available, high volume transactional web applications. * Experience managing large volumes of data for replication, warehousing, and archival storage. * Prior use and understanding of eBird, Merlin, Macaulay Library or other Cornell Lab tools and resources. * Interest in birds, nature, conservation, and/or natural science. * Experience with GIS data and server software such as GeoServer. ## Description Design, 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. 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