Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Software Architect/Software Engineer Full Time NEW

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• Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.

Job Description

DRI’s Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) seeks a Software Architect/Software Engineer at the Assistant (Rank II) or Associate (Rank III) Research Scientist or Engineer level to join an interdisciplinary team that maintains a mature end-to-end environmental data monitoring platform. This platform encompasses sensor deployment, telemetry, data streaming and storage, and delivering intuitive web-based visualizations of modeled, real-time and historical data tailored to meet client needs. This position is responsible for maintaing the long-term software technical vision for the platform, ensuring that it remains stable, secure, and aligned with client operational and contractual requirements. Additionally, this position will be expected to contribute to ongoing code maintenance and feature development activities. Secondary responsibilities will include working with the Systems Manager in maintenance of the platform’s technical vision, and coordinating the team’s NIST 800-171 and CMMC cybersecurity activities. The successful applicant will be encouraged to also assist other DRI Faculty who conduct a broad range of earth science and engineering projects. This position can be located in either in Reno or Las Vegas, NV and a hybrid work schedule may be possible.

Required Qualifications for the Rank II Assistant Research Scientist Level

• U.S. Citizenship per sponsor funding requirement
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent field. Alternatively, a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts from an accredited institution in geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, or related environmental science/engineering field with demonstrated skillset required below
• Minimum of 4 years of software development experience
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in software architecture and design for front-end and/or back-end systems
• Demonstrated experience integrating multiple services using diverse software languages, frameworks, and platforms
• Demonstrated ability to sustain the technical vision for a software platform
• High-level understanding of infrastructure, operating systems, or integrated hardware/software environments
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and able to successfully work within a team setting
• Understanding of secure software development

Required Qualifications for the Rank III Associate Research Scientist Level – must have Rank II requirements plus:

• Master of Science degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent field;
• Minimum of 8 years of software development experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in software architecture
• Minimum of 5 years of additional experience in one of the following:
• Developing, maintaining, or implementing cybersecurity policy or technical controls (e.g. NIST 800-171)
• Demonstrated experience integrating multiple on-premises services using diverse software languages, frameworks, and platforms to meet cybersecurity, reliability, and long-term sustainability targets
• Comprehensive experience of infrastructure, operating systems, or integrated hardware/software environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to align multiple contributors, timelines, and deliverables around a shared team vision
• Experience with cybersecurity compliance requirements, including NIST 800-171 and/or CMMC
• Ability to evaluate production environments for security, stability, and data accuracy requirements
• Experience working in regulated, compliance-driven, or security-sensitive environments
• At least one year of professional experience using Go for application development
• At least one year using relational databases and data brokers
• At least one year in the collection, monitoring, processing, and/or display of real time data

Conditions of Employment

• Due to security requirements associated with accessing essential project sites and information, ALL applicants MUST be citizens of the United States.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Local and regional overnight travel is required
• Field work to remote locations may be required

Compensation/Benefits

Minimum starting salary is $85,169 for the Rank II and $116,327 for the Rank III level, and is commensurate with experience and education.

DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance; including 19.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Organizational Summary

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students who work alongside them, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe.

Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans’ impact on the environment to the environment’s impact on humans. DRI’s impactful science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members.

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed in this role at DRI
• A current curriculum vita
• Contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. A lists of eligible candidates will be established and hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type “Browse Jobs” in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number R0151380 in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.

Posting Close Date

08/31/2026

Note to Applicant

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.

Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.