Senior Software Developer

About RBR

At RBR, we design instruments to measure the world’s oceans, deploying data-collection technology in harsh environments. Our data supports climate research and partners include Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and meaningful impact on the blue planet. We look for people who want to work hard, learn, and have fun while solving complex challenges.

About the Role

Senior Software Developer. You will join a small, collaborative software team. The primary focus is Ruskin, RBR’s flagship cross‑platform desktop application (Mac and Windows) that connects to, configures, and deploys our full instrument lineup, and integrates with internal systems. A secondary focus is our calibration software ecosystem, including a standalone calibration application.

You will work closely with every engineering discipline at RBR, influencing hardware through software. This is a full‑stack role with breadth: from UI and databases to instrument communications and release engineering. You will own 3–4 projects at a time, from requirements to delivery, interfacing with other teams to achieve results.

This is a fast‑moving environment where priorities shift frequently and you thrive in that context.

What you'll build

Next-gen architecture

• Evolve Ruskin’s multi‑layered Java desktop platform and design scalable systems for processing sensor data
• Drive the software roadmap and long‑term architectural vision
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, build system, and release planning
• Improve automated testing and DevOps processes, with the team contributing broadly

Real-time systems & instrument communication

• Develop robust communication protocols between Ruskin and the instrument lineup
• Optimize database and storage interactions
• Architect and maintain instrument communication frameworks

Calibration software & APIs

• Build and maintain calibration software systems and REST APIs using Spring/Spring Boot
• Develop and improve the standalone calibration application (being spun out of Ruskin)
• Integrate calibration workflows with QA, manufacturing, and lab operations

User experience

• Design intuitive UIs for researchers and the internal Calibration team
• Balance functionality with usability for mission-critical desktop applications
• Bring a UI/UX lens to design discussions, focusing on the end user

Team & support

• Provide internal support to Engineering, Production, and Calibration teams
• Address support tickets from external users and the global oceanographic community
• Review and test code changes from other developers; QA is a shared responsibility
• Provide technical mentorship and conduct design and code reviews

Global & scientific impact

• Support researchers deploying instruments worldwide and contribute to open science
• Provide developer‑level support to the global oceanographic community
• Ensure data accuracy through reliable calibration systems

What you bring

• Hands-on Java development experience (J2SE, J2ME, or J2EE) with demonstrable software
• Experience developing desktop applications (Windows and/or macOS)
• Comfort spanning the full stack: UI through backend, data, and integrations
• Track record contributing to QA and testing
• Exposure to DevOps practices and build automation
• Strong OOP fundamentals, design patterns, and cross‑platform development

Nice to have

• UI frameworks: SWT, Swing, or JavaFX for desktop; HTML and REST for future directions
• SQLite experience; Spring or Spring Boot familiarity
• Eclipse IDE familiarity
• UI/UX sensibility and usability thinking
• Familiarity with AI development tools is a differentiator
• Experience architecting complex, multi‑tier systems integrating hardware, databases, APIs, and UIs

Salary range: $120,000–$155,000. The final salary and job level depend on experience and qualifications. We encourage applicants at different career stages to apply, and the role level may shift accordingly.

Why you'll love working at RBR

• 20 days of vacation, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days
• Benefits from day 1 and RRSP contribution matching
• Bonus program
• Annual fitness reimbursement
• Greener commuting incentive (bike, carpool, or transit)
• EV reimbursement and on‑site charging
• Charitable donation matching
• Weekly lunches
• Team events and social activities
• Collaborative, supportive environment
• Work alongside passionate experts across disciplines
• Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate diversity and are an equal‑opportunity employer. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

AI statement: We may use AI tools during parts of our hiring process for note‑taking, scheduling, and organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.