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Junior Database Developer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

University of Arizona

Scientific Analyst II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

... training junior lab members or graduate students on data science methods and tools as needed ... Expert-level programming skills in Python and/or R; proficiency with ML libraries (scikit-learn ...

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Junior Database Developer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$28.5K

$64.3K

$114.3K

How much do junior database developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior database developer in Tucson, AZ is $64,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,200.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior database developer?

Junior Database Developers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining databases for organizations. They work under the supervision of senior database developers or administrators, helping with tasks such as writing SQL queries, troubleshooting data issues, and supporting database updates. Their role is crucial for ensuring data integrity, optimizing performance, and supporting the data needs of various departments. Junior Database Developers often collaborate with software developers and IT teams to implement database solutions. This position is typically suited for recent graduates or individuals with some programming and database experience.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a junior database developer?

To thrive as a Junior Database Developer, you need a solid understanding of database concepts, SQL programming, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with database management systems like MySQL, SQL Server, or Oracle, as well as version control tools such as Git, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you troubleshoot issues and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building reliable databases, ensuring data integrity, and supporting organizational data needs.

What are the typical challenges a junior database developer might face when starting out?

As a Junior Database Developer, you may find it challenging to work with unfamiliar database management systems, optimize queries for performance, and understand complex data models. Adapting to a team environment, where you collaborate closely with senior developers, data analysts, and software engineers, is also common. Additionally, learning best practices for data security and consistency can be demanding, but overcoming these challenges provides valuable experience and growth opportunities.

What is the difference between Junior Database Developer vs Database Administrator?

AspectJunior Database DeveloperDatabase Administrator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; some certifications like Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle are commonSimilar educational background; certifications like Oracle DBA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator are often preferred
Work EnvironmentMostly involved in coding, designing, and developing databases; works closely with developers and analystsFocuses on maintaining, backing up, and securing databases; interacts with IT teams and end-users
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in software development companies, tech firms, and organizations with database needsCommon in large enterprises, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations requiring database management

While both roles require knowledge of database systems and similar certifications, Junior Database Developers primarily focus on creating and optimizing databases, whereas Database Administrators handle ongoing maintenance, security, and performance management.

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Junior Database Developer jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Junior Database Developer job openings:

Junior Database Developer jobs near you

Senior Full stack Engineer (Software Engineer III)

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Socket.devexternal

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

NSF’s NOIRLab is reshaping public engagement with astronomy and data science. Our Education and Public Outreach (EPO) team at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory builds interactive, data-driven digital experiences and visualizations that connect learners of all ages with the cosmos. We are looking for a Senior Fullstack Engineer to help lead the development of engaging web-based data visualizations that make Rubin’s data accessible, understandable and inspiring to the public.

This is more than just a software engineering role, it is an opportunity to shape how millions of people experience the universe.

About the Role

As a Senior Fullstack Engineer on our EPO team, you will be instrumental in architecting and delivering modern, visualization-rich web applications that support our educational and public science initiatives. You will lead feature development, guide frontend strategy and UX implementation and collaborate closely with designers, scientists and other engineers. Your work will directly impact products ranging from interactive classroom investigations to rich astronomical visualizations and Rubin’s public-facing websites.

What You Will Be Working On

Our stack includes a headless Craft CMS (PHP/PostgreSQL), a React/Next.js frontend and content delivery via GraphQL, all deployed in the Google Cloud Platform. While you will work on the full stack, your primary focus will be on building modern, performant, web applications with accessible and interactive data visualizations and experiences.

Key projects include:

  • An interactive astronomical image viewer with data overlays
  • Classroom web apps built on real Rubin Observatory data
  • The public-facing Rubin Observatory website
  • A browser-based 3D visualization of the solar system
  • A component library of reusable React/Next.js widgets for science education
Core Responsibilities
  • Take ownership of the full-stack implementation of EPO web products
  • Lead the frontend development of new features from concept to release, defining scope, collaborating on UX, coding, testing, deploying
  • Drive frontend architecture and contribute to strategic technical direction in collaboration with other team members
  • Partner with our UI/UX designer to bring thoughtful, accessible, user-friendly designs to life
  • Build interactive tools and data visualizations that communicate complex astronomical data to non-experts
  • Identify and champion tech debt and performance optimization opportunities
  • Ensure products meet WCAG accessibility standards
  • Contribute to automated testing (Cypress/Playwright) and documentation
  • Conduct code reviews and collaborate closely with engineers, product owners and external stakeholders
  • Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing across the team
Requirements
  • 8+ years of professional software development experience, including leadership on multiple projects
  • 5+ years working with React
  • Strong understanding of React Server Components, advanced caching strategies and security best practices with React/Next.js
  • A demonstrated ability to create modern and performant interactive data visualizations in the browser
  • Extensive, proven experience with TypeScript
  • Extensive, proven experience with Git, GitHub Actions and CI/CD workflows
  • Extensive, proven experience with GraphQL and REST APIs
  • Extensive, proven experience with SQL and database schema design
  • Extensive, proven experience with Craft CMS and other content management systems
  • Extensive, proven experience writing backend services and APIs in Python
  • Clear and effective communicator, adept at conveying technical information to non-technical audiences
  • Proven high-level proficiency in browser developer tools, accessibility best practices around data visualizations and frontend performance optimization
  • Comfortable working in a remote, distributed team environment
  • Experience solving frontend performance issues
  • Familiarity navigating a cloud provider web console
Preferences
  • 10+ years of professional software development experience
  • Experience with creating visualizations with WebGL frameworks
  • Industry experience in mission-driven tech, with a focus on delivering impactful, user-centered solutions
  • Passion for astronomy, science communication or online education
  • 3+ years with Next.js
  • Experience with CSS modules and React Three Fiber
Salary Range

$107,400 – $125,700 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

Why Join Us

At NSF’s NOIRLab, we believe in science for everyone. Our EPO team is committed to building tools that not only inform but ignite curiosity and empower discovery. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values creativity, experimentation and technical excellence — and you will help shape how a new generation interacts with the night sky.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

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