Research Engineer

Summary

Join Murmuration as a Research Engineer and play a pivotal role in advancing Explorer, a research tool transforming complex datasets into actionable insights for community organizations. You will design and build scalable systems, empowering grassroots organizations with data-driven decisions. Collaborate with data scientists and researchers to prototype, develop, and optimize tools unlocking new possibilities for community understanding. Contribute to building the underlying infrastructure supporting research and data across Murmuration. This role involves working at the intersection of data, AI, and social impact, helping shape how research informs civic engagement. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• 4+ years of software engineering experience with a focus on full-stack applications, especially in data-driven domains
• Strong programming skills in languages commonly used for data engineering or scientific computing (e.g., Python, Java, Scala) and familiarity with full-stack development
• Experience designing and building scalable data systems, including data pipelines, APIs, and infrastructure to process large and complex datasets
• Proficiency with databases and data processing frameworks (e.g., SQL, Spark, Airflow) and a solid understanding of data architecture best practices
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and infrastructure tools like CDK, terraform, Docker or Kubernetes and IaC (e.g., Terraform, CDK)
• Exposure to AI/ML technologies, with the ability to integrate models into production systems or enhance data-driven features
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate technical challenges and make informed decisions based on past experience
• Effective collaboration and communication skills with experience working cross-functionally and explaining technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• A proactive, self-directed approach, with the ability to independently execute well-scoped projects and contribute to broader technical strategy
• A passion for civic tech, social impact, or grassroots organizing and an interest in building tools that empower communities and drive social change

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize features for Research tools that transform complex datasets into actionable insights for both community partners and internal teams
• Develop scalable research tools and infrastructure to support internal data and data science efforts, enabling deeper analysis and faster iteration
• Collaborate cross-functionally with data scientists, researchers, and other teams to prototype, test, and deploy data-driven solutions that address real-world organizing challenges
• Implement and refine data pipelines and integrations, ensuring performance, reliability, and accessibility across large, complex datasets
• Integrate emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning, to enhance Explorer’s capabilities and provide richer insights
• Solve complex technical challenges while contributing to the long-term strategy for Explorer and Murmuration’s research tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with modern frontend frameworks (e.g., React, Vue) and building intuitive, data-rich user interfaces
• Knowledge of data visualization tools or libraries (e.g., D3.js, Plotly) to present complex datasets in accessible ways
• Exposure to AI/ML workflows, including model integration and deployment in production environments
• Familiarity with organizing, advocacy, or civic tech and an understanding of how data can empower grassroots movements
• Experience collaborating in cross-functional teams that include researchers, data scientists, and product managers
• A background in research engineering, data science, or a related technical field

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered for you and qualifying family members
• Retirement benefits with a 5% employer match
• A flexible unlimited PTO plan
• Generous paid parental leave
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• A company laptop
• A flexible remote work environment
• A home office setup stipend for all new employees
• Monthly reimbursement for remote work expenses
• A yearly professional development fund
• Mental health and wellness benefits through Calm and Better Help
• Yearly in-person staff retreats