Software Development Engineer

LabKey provides data management solutions to help researchers tackle some of today’s most challenging problems. We are seeking an experienced full-stack developer with deep Java and relational database expertise and a track record of building scalable, secure, and high-performing web applications. 

We’re Looking for a Software Development Engineer

Our ideal candidate communicates proactively, collaborates without ego, and values working closely with product, design, test, and other developers. You’re a great fit at LabKey if you enjoy solving hard problems, improving systems, and leaving things better than you found them. You’ll succeed and grow if you’re also curious, practical, and excited to use modern tools, including AI, to help the team build better software.

 

About the Role

At LabKey, you’ll have the autonomy and ownership to move work forward, bringing sound judgment to architecture, testing, security, and technical debt. Below are the priorities and key responsibilities for this role.

Code and Architecture

• Architect, implement, and maintain scalable backend services using Java
• Design and optimize complex relational database schemas, ensuring fast query performance and data integrity.
• Drive strict security compliance (web security, OWASP, data encryption, etc.) across the platform.
• Architect highly performant, accessible UI patterns and client-side frameworks (preferably React).
• Proactively identify technical debt, bottlenecks in development pipelines, or security gaps, and propose actionable solutions.

Technical Leadership

• Evaluate and select modern technologies, libraries and infrastructure tools. 
• Deliver features with minimal supervision and incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Strong track record of driving technical initiatives, aligning cross-functional teams and influencing architectural decisions.
• Leverages the code review process to preemptively identify system risks and optimize technical solutions.
• Establish best practices and mentor other developers.
• Efficient and responsible use of AI tools.  

Culture and Communication

• Is self-motivated, takes ownership of assigned work, and moves development tasks forward with minimal supervision.
• Communicates technical concepts clearly and works effectively with both engineering and non-technical partners.
• Takes time needed to collaborate well with developers and others working through design, feedback discussions, code reviews, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing.
• Works effectively across product, design, and testing, to deliver complete solutions, e.g., supporting test team partners with manual testing when needed.

Full-Lifecycle Testing and Observability 

• Drive a comprehensive quality strategy including regression testing in CI/CD pipelines.
• Architect telemetry and monitoring metrics to efficiently diagnose and debug runtime production issues.
• Design and implement comprehensive testing suites, including unit, integration and endpoint testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex bugs and system bottlenecks utilizing profiling and debugging tools.

 

Required Background and Skills

Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree in software development, CS, or equivalent training and experience
• Strong foundational knowledge in Computer Science, including data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.

Technical Skills

• Five (5) years of professional experience with full-stack software development experience, with an emphasis on backend systems.
• Extensive experience developing with Java 17+.
• Strong proficiency in relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle) including complex SQL queries, stored procedures, optimization, and query execution plan analysis.
• Using debugging tools both on the client side and server.
• Solid understanding of build tools (Gradle), CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and version control systems (GitHub).
• Designing and building robust and performant API
  

LabKey Offers

• Great Work Environment and Flexibility
• Generous compensation
• Excellent health, dental, and vision coverage
• Short- and Long Term Disability 
• Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 24 days of PTO
• Paid Time Off to Volunteer 
• Paid time for Professional development
• Remote Work 
• Retirement planning/401(k)
• Bonus opportunity
• Stock Option Grants
• Orca Transit Pass

LabKey is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants receive consideration, and all decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. If you require assistance, or an alternative method for application and/or screening for an open position due to a disability please submit a request directly to LabKey.

Pay range for this role: $62.50-$74.50hr.